International Children's Day of Broadcasting

Young people can contribute important messages to society through broadcasting and Internet media.

Transcript

December 9th, 2007, is the International Children's Day of Broadcasting (ICDB). The theme for 2007 is The World We Want.

Many organizations around the world now recognize that children and youth can contribute much to society through broadcasting and Internet media. Rather than being mere consumers and recipients of so-called content, young people can have active voices in their communities and around the world. On the UNICEF ICDB Web page, they say:

UNICEF appeals to broadcasters to engage youth in the media-making process not just on the International Children's Day of Broadcasting but throughout the year. Children have the right to voice their opinions and the empowering aspect of participation in radio and television encourages them to develop ideas and inspires them to take action.

Young people already use media as consumers, and many socialize online. Unfortunately, very few produce programs on serious topics, even though many now have access to sophisticated information and communication technology.

Youth media is an exciting trend. Many adults already know that we don't need to settle for commercial media entertainment that's produced simply for profit. Now it's time for us to help young people learn that they can produce high-quality programs on issues that are vital to their future and to the future of humanity itself.