Kids and Character

Posted on October 29, 2007 
Filed Under Focus on the Family Broadcast, Media, Parenting, Social Concern

Even the trade publications and websites are telling us what we already knew: Parents don’t like television shows that exploit our children, nor do we like programming that reinforces bad behaviors.

MediaWeek had this interesting snippet from an interview with CBS (television network) entertainment president Nina Tassler. The executive reflected on a poor response by viewers to the program, “Kid Nation,” which is a kind of “Lord of the Flies” experiment. There are a bunch of kids running around a TV set without any adult guidance, and the viewer gets to see their selfish and foolish choices lived out on the small screen.

“It was the boldest risk that we took,” she said of the music-drama hybrid. “The true failure would be to stop trying new things.”

Although Kid Nation is drawing young viewers, it is not attracting coveted young adults. The show may be trending up in key demos, but its focus on children apparently offers few entry points for older viewers, especially those without young kids. “I can see how it’s more of a challenge for adults to find a particular character to relate to,” Tassler admitted.

Ratings indicate that Kid Nation is averaging 7.6 million viewers, fourth among the networks in the coveted 18-49 demographic.

I can’t believe that over 7 million people would watch – or allow their children to watch – such a show.

If you share my sentiment, then you’ll likely appreciate the Focus on the Family programs about kids and character - inner qualities that rise above the cultural norms – today and tomorrow.

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