Onderzoeksartikel

Kinderen en jongeren op TV

---

Abstract

This study puts forward that children and teenagers are underrepresented in television programs on Flemish broadcasters. We make a distinction between general broadcasters and Ketnet, intended at youth. We will also make distinction through age, gender and ethnicity of the underaged characters. We will see that the underrepresentation does not count on Ketnet. Concerning the demographic background we found out that boys are underrepresented on general broadcasters but that the opposite counts for Ketnet. Teenagers from 13 to 16 years old are more often represented that other minors. Western teenagers are even more overrepresented on Ketnet than on general broadcasters. The context of their participation is taken into account to refine the value of it. We will also see that minors are more represented in programs before 7pm but that there are some surprising differences concerning the demographic background of children and teenagers appearing before or after 7pm. Two main concerns were at the basis of this study. First, there is the concern related to the symbolic world created through television. Second, there is the use of television programs in the identity construction of minors. For both, the underrepresentation of minors in general or of certain subgroups can be pernicious.

How to Cite:

Van Gorp, J., (2004) “Kinderen en jongeren op TV”, Tijdschrift voor Communicatiewetenschap 32(3), 240–257. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/tvc.93105