What kind of programs make good TV for children?

Well that's a question many domestic TV makers are now asking themselves. A forum has opened in Shanghai bringing together children, TV makers and experts to discuss the issue face to face.

Frank criticism from the children taking part in the forum came as a wake-up call to unprepared domestic TV makers - especially those who consider themselves children's program makers.

Domestic cartoons and TV plays for children were described as naive and clich��d. Lack of imagination and unattractive storylines were turning children off from these homemade productions.

In direct contrast to the sluggish market for domestic children's programs, imported cartoons from the United States and Japan, such as the Japanese cartoon series "Detective Kenan," feature on children's lists of favourites.

According to a survey of over 10,000 children and teenagers across Shanghai, only about 200 children voted for domestic children's dramas as their favorites. The results show that home-produced programs even come behind the Mc Donald TV advertisement in terms of popularity.

But do children and young people have enough home-made productions to choose from. Wang Lan, a middle-school student says, not for certain age-groups:

"Few programs are designed for us who are at 17 or 18 years old, we find the programs on show are either for adults or for young children."

The survey also shows that of the ten best films selected by children, nine are recent blockbusters, with Zhang Yimou's "Hero" ranking the first.

Chen Yongdi, an associate professor of children's studies puts the blame on TV stations, saying they don't categorise audience groups.

"They don't broadcast programs according to different levels. The ability to absorb knowledge differs. Something easy for adults to digest might be difficult to understand for children."

And Peter Herfort from a Columbia TV production company had this suggestion.

"You must keep in mind, who is out there, who is watching and who is listening, and you must be sensitive and consider yourself part of the audience, that's how you produce the best programs."

Currently, on average, only about 20 teleplays are produced for children every year, which is a tiny proportion considering the huge number of such programs aimed at adult audiences.

Experts point out that inferior production and the lack of an effective market operation system are hindering domestic children's plays from having more success.

Source: CCTV.com