Radio for Children
At first glance, children and radio seem like an unlikely combination. Radio braodcasting is more likely to cater to the needs of adult listeners. However, initiatives have been undertaken to produce radio programming made for children. The three examples I will look at are Radio Disney, Radio Oxygène and Fun Kids. I will then gauge these media based on a scale of effective/ineffective, focusing on hom much children would be interested.
Radio Disney [*]
Radio Disney [*]
Founded in 1996, Radio Disney is an expansion of the ever-growing Disney empire of media for children and families. Its 24-hour programming runs a constant stream of contemporary pop hits geared for the "tween" audience. It is distributed throughout 35 terrestrial stations in the United States, as well as online and on satellite radio.
Children may enjoy the music, but they might not gain much more beyond that. The lack of participatory involvement may have correlations with the commercial interests of Disney's properties.
Rating: 6
Radio Oxygène [*]
Children may enjoy the music, but they might not gain much more beyond that. The lack of participatory involvement may have correlations with the commercial interests of Disney's properties.
Rating: 6
Radio Oxygène [*]
Radio Oxygène is a French-language community radio station for and by children, broadcasting from Gatineau, Quebec. Programming consists of stories and music selected by children for airplay. The main target audience is presumed to be grade school and high school children, since the parent organization, Radio Enfant/Ado, works directly with schools and youth groups in the area. Most of the financial support comes from Quebec's Ministry of Culture, as well as a number of local businesses.
I think that this is a great model for children's radio. The community base gives it a more accessible approach to children's broadcasting, as it allows them to speak about issues that affect them the most. Also, it may lead children to pursue a future career in broadcasting, should they wish to do so. I can definitely see a station such as this developing in other markets and in other languages.
Rating: 8
Fun Kids [*]
I think that this is a great model for children's radio. The community base gives it a more accessible approach to children's broadcasting, as it allows them to speak about issues that affect them the most. Also, it may lead children to pursue a future career in broadcasting, should they wish to do so. I can definitely see a station such as this developing in other markets and in other languages.
Rating: 8
Fun Kids [*]
Based in London, England, Fun Kids plays programming and music for children 10 and under. The online station runs all day, including the nights, when it broadcasts a steady mix of ambient music safe enough for children and parents. Fun Kids was created as a response to the rebranding of BBC Radio 7, which meant the end of the children's morning broadcast on that station (Brown, 2011) [*].
The eclectic mix of programming and its ability to attract audiences of all ages means that Fun Kids is sure to gain popularity as it continues to be on the air. A Digital Radio Channel of the Year award from the Sony Radio Academy Awards certainly helps too.
Rating: 8
The eclectic mix of programming and its ability to attract audiences of all ages means that Fun Kids is sure to gain popularity as it continues to be on the air. A Digital Radio Channel of the Year award from the Sony Radio Academy Awards certainly helps too.
Rating: 8