In this episode, the topic is children’s media. This conversation had nothing to do with public health pandemics, and was recorded in January 2020 - about a month before the news really set-in that an incurable and highly infectious virus was moving across Asia and deep into Europe and beyond. But the reason that we’ve included it, in this series is because the discussions on the value of creativity, information and education are incredibly pertinent. With screen-time going through the roof and homeschooling meaning different things to different people, children’s television and radio has had a huge part to play this year, especially on the BBC - but is it good enough? Who writes it? And can entertainment ever really be where learning happens? Our very special guest is Chris Jarvis. Chris’ career in the public eye spans nearly 30 years, making him one of the most recognisable figures in children’s arts and media. From the infamous ‘Broom Cupboard’ in the early 1990s and magazine programmes such as The Friday Zone and Fully Booked, Chris has become best known for his work for pre-school children on CBeebies. Chris has co-presented the programme Show Me, Show Me for over 10 years, alongside extensive work on children's pantomime and translating subjects such as space science and orchestral music into special broadcasts for young children. We talk about the way TV and radio for children is created, and whether this has changed through Chris’ career - and where he thinks it might go next. --- Useful links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Jarvis_(presenter) https://www.littleradio.co.uk/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/show-me-show-me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMdl2pFnTIA https://www.childrensarts.org.uk/ —-- For more information on how you can get involved with The Possibility Club – an inclusive community of professionals working out what’s next, have a look here. We’d also love to know what you think. Please review and share your responses to this podcast on your favourite podcast platform. This is an always possible podcast. The interviewer was Richard Freeman for always possible and the producer was Chris Thorpe-Tracey for Lo Fi Arts.
