A study of children's television programmes in Thailand
Loading...
Date
2003-06
Authors
Mungmee, Namkang
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Television is a powerful medium that can play a significant role in children's lives. As
such television stations are constantly on the lookout for contents that are •topical,
scientifically accurate, socially relevant and entertaining. Children's programmes are an
important area in the lives of young viewers as the contents of the programmes can
entertain them and create awareness about the important issues surrounding children's
lives such as environment, technology, health and knowledge on daily life.
Tiris research attempted to analyze children's programmes shown on six channels of
Thai television for one week from November 1 to 7, 2000. The main aim o~the research
is to study the place accorded to children's programmes on Thai television. By looking
at the broadcast time, the proportion, categories, genre and the study will also explore
how Thai children perceive children's programmes, what they say and make meaning
from watching these programmes.
The study uses two main methods, content analysis and focus group interviews. Content
analysis is used to analyze all children's programmes shown on six Thai channels.
Focus groups interviews are used to analyze how Thai children perceive children's
prograrrunes by conducting with 50 sample children discussion who are age between 8
to 12 years old in a Hatyai school, the southern of Thailand.
The findings of research found that the proportion of children's programmes shown on
Thai television are very small (5.29 percent) compared with general probrrammes. Half
of these programmes are imported programmes, mainly from Japan. Many of the local
programmes are spown at unsuitable times and not convenient for children's viewing.
Almost all of the local children's programmes are not much different in content which
heavily airs variety and game shows for children and are entertainment based. Only few
prOb7fammes are ficused on education and information.
~··
It was also found that different· children have different perceptions. The perceptions of
younger children on children's programmes are different from older children perception.
General programmes are the more favorable programmes among older children than
f
~: children's programmes. Nearly all children audience enjoy watching imported cartoons
rather than local children's programmes due to the lack of interesting local programmes
aired. However, children audiences prefer both entertainment and epucational
programmes which can help them from boredom and educate knowledge too.
This research is to help inform that children's programmes is an important as general
programmes. It can teach and create knowledge, skills, value and information for young
children. Thus, the station should re-examine the programmes produced for children
viewing. The children's programmes should target and be specially designed for
children audiences. Also important is the government's commitment; responsibility to
ensure quality and useful programmes for children's development.
Description
Keywords
Children's television programmes