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Broadcasters set aside a day for children worldwide

Friday, 11 December 1998: UNICEF's International Children's Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) on 13 December marks the seventh year of what has become the largest broadcast media campaign ever for children. It brings together some of the most powerful and influential broadcasting organizations around the world in support of children's issues, culminating in a multitude of broadcasting and televised events on the day.

Spearheaded by Meena, the popular heroine of a cartoon series created by UNICEF, the theme of this year's ICDB is the power of animation to improve children's lives. Many broadcasts will highlight Meena, who has already become a powerful role model for millions of children in south Asia.

ICDB is an annual joint initiative of UNICEF and the International Council of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and is celebrated on the second Sunday of December every year. It provides an opportunity for children throughout the world to work with broadcasters, design studio sets, set up cameras, report on the latest news and broadcast on-location. The programmes are by, for, or about children. And, around the world, children's voices are heard on the airwaves.

"The day enables children to move from being largely passive observers of the mass media to being creative, hands-on participants," said William Hetzer, UNICEF's Chief of Broadcast and Electronic Communication. "By becoming the eyes and ears of their communities, children gain unique experience and adults become aware of the great contribution children make when they are given the chance."

Since its beginnings, the growth of the annual day has been extraordinary. More than 2,000 radio and television broadcasters more than 170 countries now participate, including Nickelodeon (USA), YTV (Canada), Danmarks Radio (Denmark), ZDF (Germany), Knowledge Network (Canada), Canal J (France) and TV Guayana (Venezuela), TRT-1 (Turkey), Television Corporation of Singapore (Singapore), GMA (Philippines).

Participating broadcasters are eligible for the International Council/UNICEF Award presented at the International Emmy Awards Gala. The 1998 International Council/UNICEF Award for last year's ICDB was presented to TV Cultura of Brazil.

Please email media@unicef.org with comments or requests for more information, quoting CF/DOC/PR/1998/64.