About ACTC
Why research Australian children’s television
From the classics like Lift Off! and Round the Twist to modern hits such as Bluey and Dance Academy, Australian children’s television is iconic and recognisable for is quality and originality around the globe.
To better understand the role that Australian children’s TV plays in our lives and help shape the next generation of hit shows and online content, the ACTC research team is collaborating with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) on an innovative four-year research project.
The research team, based at Swinburne University of Technology, and in collaboration with RMIT University, will be looking at how audiences are responding to changes in technology, local content legislation and evolving tastes.
The research
The ACTC research team is seeking to understand what audiences value most in children’s content and the economic, industrial and community impacts of production.
Children’s television provides entertainment, education and cultural enrichment for children and adults alike. For many parents, guardians, and children, watching television together is as much about entertainment as it is about an opportunity to bond. As adults, the television programs we watched as children can hold a special place in our lives and memories.
When children’s content production takes place in Australia, it means jobs for local television industry workers. Opportunities for work extends to associated industries, including hospitality, accommodation, transport and more. When productions take place on location, this often means a boost for the local community hosting that production.
This research project seeks to determine and understand the cultural importance and economic impact of Australian children’s television.
Australian Children’s Television Foundation
Research partner, the ACTF, are the national children’s media production and policy hub behind much-loved shows like Round the Twist, Dance Academy and Hardball.
Led by CEO Jenny Buckland, the ACTF’s purpose is to make Australian children’s lives better through screen content that reflects Australian culture and values.
