The Extent to Which Arab TV Children’s Channels Meet their Cultural Responsibility: Analytical Study

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the extent to which Arabic television children’s channels were meeting their cultural responsibilities. The children’s channels that were considered in this study were as follows: Almajed, Aljazeera for Children, Spacetoons, Cartoon Net Work, Ajyaal, Karamish, Nachledaon, MBC 3, and Teour Aljannah. These channels were closely examined for their programs, participants, dramas, and advertisements. This study employed the descriptive analytical method. The study sample consisted of eight kindergarten teachers employed at the Gulf Girls’ Association in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The main study tool was comprised of observation cards of 11 channels. Open semi-structured interviews with the teachers together with the associated observations cards led to the conclusion that the channels’ ethical responsibilities were not met. The analysis of the results of the semi-structured interviews in conjunction with the study sample led to the conclusion that the media channels’ content exerted a significant influence on children’s knowledge, ideas, practices, and behaviors.