Watch ‘needed over N.Z. children’s television’

Press, 6 July 1988, Page 7

Watch ‘needed over N.Z. children’s television’

New ' Zealand-based research into how children use television is needed, says a television monitor group.

Directions for children’s telvision need to be carefully watched, especially now that a competitive third channel is to be introduced, said one of the group’s organisers, Ms

Ruth Zanker. Two public meetings at the Christchurch Polytechnic had expressed concern about children’s programmes, Ms Zanker said.

More community representation on broadcasting policy-making bodies was needed, the group said.

“We hope to open up the political debate on how best to ensure high standards for New Zealand chilren’s television, and to offer a forum for industry decision-makers and visiting television authorities,” Ms Zanker said.

The group, which included teachers, parents

and television personnel, said teachers and parents should make sure that they sometimes watched the same programmes as their children. They should also know exactly what their children watch on television or video, and how much they watched.