Policy and Guidelines for Television Program Production for Learning: A Case Study of ALTV Channel 4, Fun Learning TV

Abstract

        The research on “Policy and Guidelines for Television Program Production for Learning: A Case Study of ALTV Channel 4, Fun Learning TV” aimed to study the operating policy of the ALTV Learning Television Channel and to study the guidelines for the production of TV programs for the Learning ALTV Channel. The study was conducted using a qualitative study design. Data were collected from the analysis of television programs presented through ALTV channel and in-depth interview to a group of professionals who produce television programs that gain acceptance and popularity as of today. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample. The findings from the study revealed as follows:

        1. The television program presented through ALTV channel during 18.00 - 18.15 o’clock was Kids Sanook, the target group was children aged 5 - 8 years. The content of the program aimed to enhance children’s skills. The program presented during 18.15 - 18.35 o’clock was Rian Sanook (Joyful learning), and 18.35 - 19.00 o’clock was Sanook Rian (Enjoy learning), the target group was children aged 7 - 12 years. The content of the programs emphasize content from 5 subjects; Thai language, English language, Science, Mathematics, and Social Studies. The presentation was very fun; stories were told, how things are done was demonstrated to children, learning from experience or things outside their school books.

        2. With regard to policies on monitoring children’s television, creative society television programs should be produced, responsibilities to children and principles of human rights must be taken into consideration, the number of television programs designed for children and family should be 1 hour per day. Some channels broadcasted documentaries or dramas without violent content, which are not children programs. Children programs must be safe from inappropriate content, concerned with morality, ethics, and laws protecting children, children are not treated for teasing, children’s inferiority complex must not be mentioned, children must not be taken to dangerous places, and television commercials for foods and sweets should not be introduced.

        3. Overall, the percentage of educational television programs for children in Thailand seemed to decrease every year. Program schedules were reduced and inadequate. Most children’s programs disappeared from television channels due to commercial reasons since sponsors do not like to support children’s programs.

        4. ALTV channel was originated from the pandemic of Coronavirus (Covid - 19) that affects school opening. Therefore, long distance learning through satellite has been broadcasted. Emphasis is placed on academic aspect, knowledge is given in a fun way, and children are given knowledge in the way they enjoy.

        5. How ALTV television programs are produced include procedures before programs are produced, program schedule setting, determination of target groups as well as content, body of knowledge. Consideration of meticulousness, carefulness, camera angles, movement, rhythm and music is given to the production process of a television program as they should be able to communicate the meaning. As for the post-production of television programs, editing a television program must consider content, process, shooting methods, censorship, ethics, sound, light, color, camera angles, experience in conjunction with content. Problems related to producing television programs include the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19), measurement of popularity, budget, support from public and private sectors, promoting children’s program producers to have knowledge.

        6. For additional suggestions, adaptation should be made to develop television programs to meet current situation. Television programs for children should be promoted and supported. Children’s television programs should be developed in the form of application.