Parents and guardians are invited to share their thoughts on kids’ TV as part of a landmark study that will help shape the future of children’s television in Australia.

The 2022 Children’s Television Audience Study is designed to inform the Australian children’s television sector as it navigates an era of rapid change.

The research is being carried out by Australian Children’s Television Cultures (ACTC), a research group based at Swinburne University of Technology in partnership with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) and RMIT University. It’s part of a four-year study investigating the role of children’s television in the lives of Australian families.

Assistant Professor Liam Burke, who is part of the research team, said: “This project is designed to help producers, policymakers and parents navigate a changing landscape that is increasingly dominated by streaming services, while also responding to the removal of quotas that once protected local kids’ TV.”

Results from the first surveys, published in 2021, provided new insights into how audiences find, watch and value local kids’ TV.

ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland said: “Understanding parents’ perspectives on locally made children’s television helps us to gain a more informed picture about the way Australian families are watching and engaging with content and what they value. This knowledge allows us to ensure we’re continuing to support projects which families find engaging and entertaining, and are a true reflection of Australian culture and values.”

This year, the research team is looking to better understand parents’ perspectives on screen genres, the features parents most value in child-friendly streaming services, and what impact Covid lockdowns had on children’s viewing habits.

You can take part in the research here, or to learn more about this important research, visit the ACTC website.

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