I was supposed to be writing my third of four essays today. On media ownership concentration and media regulation in Australia. Granted, I’ve been patting myself on the back for my lovely organisation skills – and when I’ve been productive – but today I dropped the ball a bit. Instead, I went shopping.
Upon my arrival home, I checked my inbox for important emails (there were none, of course) and then proceeded to sift through the list of daily newsletters. Today, The Australian Media section for the week comes out and the top story?
ABC to launch new kids digital channel ABc3
I suppose it’s the media gods way of telling me that I should get back to work. Hmph.
The article states that -
THE ABC will aim to capture the hearts and minds of young Australians with a broader-than-expected expansion of its childrens’ programming in December.
The new digital multichannel ABC3 will broadcast children’s television from 6am to 9pm daily from December 4 and its pre-school programming will play from 9am to 6pm each weekday and 6am-6pm on weekends as ‘ABC for Kids on 2′ on ABC2. And the main ABC1 will feature ABC3 content for four hours each day.
ABCTV director Kim Dalton said the moves responded to demand.
“It’s the television of the new century – accessible on many platforms, interactive and customisable. I’m confident it will become an important part of Australian kids’ lives,” he said.
ABC3 will also boost children’s content online with its own portal and new digital material.
I find the whole conundrum quite fascinating. The multi-channeling laws of yesteryear having been relaxed, free to air television viewers have all of a sudden been hand delivered big bright, new and super shiny extra digital channels. Is it, indeed, possible that fewer owners with more channels could provide Australians with the diversity they have been craving for all these years?
I’m not entirely sure I’m convinced. Perhaps I’ll have more of an educated idea tomorrow once I have finished my essay.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
