By LOUISA CLEAVE television editor
TVNZ is turning its attention to an area of New Zealand television highlighted as being in "serious trouble" - children's programmes.
The state broadcaster has announced a major review of how it will approach children's programming on TV2 over the next three years.
The move echoes the Government's
desire for more local programming, and is TVNZ's second announcement in less than a week on its aims to increase local content.
Stephen Smith, general manager of TV2, said the review followed the decision by TVNZ to look at overall local production and how it was commissioned.
New Zealand On Air figures show children's programming has dropped from 1265 hours in 1992 to 628 hours in 1999.
The funding authority said the genre was in serious trouble, with children's drama "virtually non-existent."
NZ On Air has granted $2.067 million towards a young adult drama, Being Eve, which will screen on TV3.
Mr Smith said the channel had put its own children's drama forward for funding approval by NZ On Air.
"We've approached [children's programming] not from the perspective that we believe there's been any neglect, but more from the perspective it's an area that justifies more attention than it has in the past."
He said popular overseas shows such as Pokemon were cheap and tempting in a commercial environment.
"But I guess what we're signalling is that we're going to take a much longer-term view and recognise our role and responsibility in providing pictures and images of our country and people and places."
