The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : No content for children on Telugu TV out of the box

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Monday, Feb 16, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

No content for children on Telugu TV out of the box

Wanted: Shows like ‘Little Champs’ are welcome.

Mere tokenism is what a section of viewers, in fact one that forms a major chunk glued to the small screen, is offered by the Telugu television industry. And left with no choice, children end up staying tuned mostly to the international channels or the ones produced by them and dubbed into our language.

So what do the young generation get to watch? Cartoons that are bereft of any nativity and entertaining content where characters from a different culture shown creating fun and humour in a setting that is alien for the children. And the question remains as to why the local industry despite so many channels and telecast time on offer continues to neglect a segment that remains untapped.

In its long journey over the years that the Telugu television has evolved, but for a couple of genuine efforts, there has not been much content meant exclusively for the children on the small screen. In fact, points out a senior producer, quite a few competitive events with awards meant for production in the children’s category do not get entries. Those bestowed with the authority of planning content by different channels are only either focussed on women or film based programming only, he avers. There is neither education nor entertainment that is indigenously generated for the children here. Can there be more show, even if they are talent hunts such as Little Champs series of ‘Sa Ri Ga..’ on Zee Telugu?

Meanwhile, on news front, ‘HMTV’ too went on air this week and the industry is keenly waiting for two more to join the list this month. ‘Saakshi’ is also likely to launch this month-end and as the polls approach, keep fingers crossed as to how many more will be on the remote option.

And also, to be watched is the ‘TV1’ which has started beaming recently.

T. LALITH SINGH

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