Commercial-free kids programming coming to Australia

Think about it: What form of technology has made the single biggest impact in the lives of children over the past 100 years? Computers have revolutionized the world, but I suspect television has made the biggest impact on young people, particularly because they are a captive audience subjected to clever and manipulative advertising that is targeted specifically at them. As such, it's believed that TV advertising is one of the top causes of ever-rising childhood obesity.

This revelation has caused Mark Scott, the Managing Director of the Australian Broadcasting Corp, to push back against kid-targeted advertising, and he's calling for a commercial-free Children's channel to be developed down under.

According to Mr. Scott: "If we are concerned about the impact fast-food advertising on television is having on our children, doesn't it make sense to give parents the choice of a completely commercial-free children's channel, with high-quality Australian content? No pester power, no exposure to fast food advertising - just quality children's content."

Moreover, the proposed channel will be available free of charge to all Australians.

I think this is a fantastic idea, especially since the Government and media are showing that they are genuinely concerned with the health of the nation and it's next generation. It's about time our health became more of a priority than making a profit -- hopefully Canada and the US will follow suit.

(via Calorie Lab)