New Technologies of Communication and children’s thematic channels within the digital television market: analysis of websites

Abstract

The New Technologies of Communication, together with the implementation of Internet, have encouraged the creation of new ways of communication and interaction with the youngest the children. Television, traditionally one of the most favourite media among these viewers, has been replaced by new ways of entertainment on Internet. Within this media scenario and instead of competing with other media, television has adapted its audiovisual contents into new audiovisual platforms in order to reach a broader target through new exhibition windows. This study aims to analyze the content of the main children-orientated television channels in Spain: Clan TVE, Kidsco, Disney Channel, Playhouse Disney, Disney Cinemagic, Nick, Boomerang, Cartoon Network, Jetix and Baby First. These examples are representative enough to show an overview of the elements and media resources used in these webs. These audiovisual websites have turned into digital spaces informing the children about contents, main characters, updates and other topics related to the TV channel programmes. Therefore, children-orientated television channels have found an effective way to communicate with children through Internet platforms and have developed their channels websites as a complementary resource to traditional television programmes.