More Jam Tomorrow Kids' TV
Aug 28, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Anna Home, a pioneering BBC producer and chair of the Children's Media Foundation, teams up with Angela Salt, an accomplished screenwriter known for her work on popular children's animations. They delve into the evolution of children's TV since the 1950s, its impact on learning and social norms, and the growing influence of digital content. Anna shares insights on how shows like 'Grange Hill' have shaped children’s perspectives, while Angela emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature amidst screen addiction.
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Television Created A Shared Childhood
- Television made childhood communal by letting millions of children watch the same programmes at the same time.
- This national shared experience reshaped how generations remember their youth.
Competition Drove Creative Change
- Competition from ITV forced the BBC to change its children's output because commercial programming was more exciting.
- Up to 85% of kids tuned into ITV by the early 1960s, proving entertainment value drove viewership.
Anna Home Joins The BBC
- Anna Home describes joining the BBC in the early 1960s and finding the corporation too traditional for children's tastes.
- She wanted more realism and entertainment, which pushed programming toward less cosy, more contemporary shows.
