Public V. Commercial Broadcasting and Children
Public V. Commercial Broadcasting and Children
Broadcasting is a form of media transmission of audio and visual content to an audience. Broadcasters distribute content via a mass communication medium such as radio and television. Currently, there are two main categories of broadcasting: public broadcasting and commercial broadcasting. There have been debates on which of the two broadcasters offer appropriate content for children. This paper takes a critical look at public and commercial broadcasting. The paper also reviews the content, and whether it is appropriate for children (Raboy, & Buckley, 2008). Broadcasting forms should strive to provide programs and content that adds value to the viewers. The content should be of value so that all viewers can benefit.
Public and Commercial Broadcasting.
Public broadcasting is a form of media outlet that serves the public. Public broadcasting uses radio, television and other similar electronic media to reach out to the public. The main purpose of public broadcasting is to reach out to the public and encourage them to access and participate in public life. Public broadcasting helps the public to develop knowledge and have a better understanding of their world and that of others. Public broadcasting is accessible and open to all. It is an informative and educational media that allow users to access educational content. Public broadcasting attempts to integrate educational and entertaining content to reach children (Juneau, 2000). Program such as ‘sesame Streets’ is not only educational but also entertaining to children. The program aims to educate pre-school children before they enroll in academic institutions. Young children now join kindergarten familiar about numbers and letters.
Commercial broadcasting, on the other hand, aim to reach out to the public. However, this form of media if for profit and thus advertisements are paid. Commercial broadcasting, just like public broad casting can be education. However, it is recognized as a form of media that emphasize on entertainment. Viewers can access the latest movies, music and social trends by watching and listening to commercial broadcasting media (Raboy, & Buckley, 2008). The society today, has a preference for commercial broadcasting over public broadcasting due to the aspect of entertainment. Commercial broadcasting attracts a larger audience compared to public broadcasting due to programs such as reality shows.
The main difference, however, between public sand commercial broadcasting is the quality i.e. the content released to the public. Public broadcasting Medias focuses on educational and informative content. Commercial broadcasters focus on entertainment and making profits. In an effort to realize profits, the commercial broadcasters may expose the public to questionable and inappropriate content. Children exposed to commercial broadcasting risk exposure to programs involving drugs, violence, murder and promiscuity. Such images erode the minds of children from a young age. Their curiosity can push the children to engage in some of the inappropriate acts that they view from the commercial broadcasters (Raboy, & Buckley, 2008).
Programs such as reality shows can give children the mentality that what they are watching is the ideal life. Unfortunately, it may be a life of violence and sex. The children will strive to adopt this lifestyle in the future. Supporters of commercial broadcasting state that aspects of proper content to children can be sorted using the control option. Advancement in technology enables parents to manipulate what their children watch. Parents relying on commercial broadcasters should install parental control devices on their media to control the content that their children view (Raboy, & Buckley, 2008). Public broadcasting media emphasis on quality ensures that the broadcasters monitor the program and content they give its public. Programmes aired in public broadcasting media attract the young and the old. The programs vary depending on the age of the listeners.
Critics argue that both public and commercial broadcasting have their advantages and disadvantages. In public broadcasting for instance, the media may be so concerned on quality that they focus purely on the positive aspects of the society. This form of information may be acceptable to children, but it is unrealistic. The society is full of vices such as crime and alcohol. Public broadcasters should strive to integrate these aspects of the society to their program (Juneau, 2000). Media should expose children to the positive and harmful aspects of life. Such exposure aids children in determining right from wrong. Commercial broadcasting, on the other hand, strives to entertain and attract an audience. These broadcasting media should, however, focus on educational content as well. This will ensure that the viewers are educated and also entertained.
Conclusion
There can never be a conclusive determination of which of the two forms of broadcasting is appropriate. However, public broadcasting appeals to children more than commercial broadcasting. Children exposed to public broadcasting will access education and informational content. Commercial broadcasting risks exposing children to adult content, drugs, violence and many other vices. However, commercial broadcasting offers information as well as entertaining content for its viewers. Commercial broadcasting can thus work with children if a responsible parent or grown up is available to control the content the children will view. Overall, broadcasters should strive to provide programs and content that adds value to the viewers.
Reference
Juneau, P. (2000). Public broadcasting, why & how. Retrieved from http://portal.unesco.org/pv_obj_cache/pv_obj_id_48FD7EA99910B4D7D53CE7DC2CA874270E310100/filename/pb_why_how.pdf
Raboy, M. & Buckley, S. (2008). Broadcasting, voice and accountability. University of Michigan press
Is this your assignment or some part of it?
We can do it for you! Click to Order!
