Young People and Broadcasting - Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

icasting and Youth
Commissioned by the
British Broadcasting Corporation
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
Independent Broadcasting Authority
Manpower Services Commission
Broadcasting and Youth looks at what broadcasting is doing and, more importantly, might
do in the future to meet the needs of young adults, particularly the less advantaged. It
maintains that young adults have needs which are quite distinct from the rest of the adult
population and that these needs are not being adequately met by broadcasters at the
moment. It calls not only for new areas of educational programming, related to the government
special programmes, but also for more popular programming for young adults, at both
local and national level.
It is argued that traditional programming will only be effective in meeting young people's
needs if broadcasters work in close co-operation with other agencies and attempt, more
frequently than is the case at the moment, to link their programmes to systematic followup
or support activity. Broadcasting and Youth argues that the development of such
collaborative ventures might in the future require the establishment of a Young Adult Unit,
to bring together all those who are concerned to help young people in association with the
media.
'Britain's broadcasting organisations were yesterday urged to make special provision in their
programming policies for the 14-21 age group. The study was set up as a result of growing
concern about the plight of the post-school generation on industrialised societies no longer
able to offer them work.
The report is clear that new ways are needed. Young people must be involved in making
and presenting the programmes as part of an entertaining package rather than as 'education'.
Among broadcasting needs identified are more popular and informative television programmes
at times when young adults can see them.' Peter Fiddick, The Guardian 15.2.79.
Copies of Broadcasting and Youth are available from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation,
98 Portland Place, London WIN 4ET Tel: 01-636 5313.
Price £1.70 (plus 40p per copy for postage and packing).