Children Increasingly Embrace Foreign Content Amid Decline in Quality Local TV Programming

Children Drift Toward Foreign Content as Quality Local Programming Remains Scarce

Bangladesh now has nearly 50 licensed television channels, with about 42 currently broadcasting. While news bulletins, political talk shows, dramas and films dominate the airwaves, programming specifically designed for children remains limited.

Media analysts, educators and parents say the shortage of quality children's content is gradually driving young audiences toward foreign entertainment and digital platforms, weakening their connection to local culture and values.

Today's children are growing up in an increasingly screen-centric environment. Like adults, they rely heavily on television, smartphones and the internet for information, learning and entertainment. In many households, children are often more digitally engaged than their parents.

Despite this growing media dependence, there is still a significant lack of high-quality Bangla-language content tailored to children's needs. With few locally produced cartoons, educational shows, interactive games or child-friendly digital offerings available, many children are left consuming adult-oriented programs or foreign entertainment.

Parents frequently voice concerns about excessive screen time but acknowledge that finding engaging and meaningful alternatives remains difficult.

Experts warn that the scarcity of local children's content is gradually eroding young viewers' ties to their language, traditions and cultural heritage. Although some television channels have made efforts to address the gap, financial constraints continue to hinder sustained investment.

Private broadcaster ATN Bangla has aired children's programs such as Amra Korbo Joy and Shapla Shaluk since 2003. It also launched Art and Craft, a creativity-focused show designed to encourage artistic expression among children. However, the program was eventually discontinued because of budgetary limitations.

Channel officials say the lack of sponsorship and advertising support for children's programming discourages broadcasters from making long-term commitments to the genre.

A notable development came in 2025 when Bangladesh Television (BTV) revived the iconic children's talent competition Notun Kuri after a 19-year hiatus. For decades, the program served as a platform for nurturing young talent in singing, dancing, acting and recitation, helping many participants establish successful careers in the country's cultural sphere.

Among the well-known personalities who emerged through Notun Kuri are actresses Rumana Rashid Ishita and Nusrat Imrose Tisha, as well as singers Samina Chowdhury, Hemanti Rakshit Das and Mahbuba Mahnoor Chandni.

Cultural observers say the return of Notun Kuri has rekindled optimism about strengthening children's cultural engagement through television.

Currently, Duronto TV remains Bangladesh's only dedicated 24-hour television channel for children.

Apart from that, children's programming on mainstream channels is limited. NTV airs shows such as Biggyane Ananda and Tiffiner Fanke on weekends, while the relaunch of Mukta Khobor on Ekushey Television after a 17-year break has also been welcomed by viewers and media observers.

NTV Senior Program Manager Kazi Muhammad Mostafa said there is an urgent need for more educational and creative content to help children remain connected to their own culture rather than relying primarily on foreign influences.

“Educational and creative television content plays a crucial role in language development, knowledge acquisition and socio-emotional growth,” he said.

Mostafa also called on corporate sponsors to invest in children's programming, arguing that such initiatives are vital for nurturing responsible, capable and culturally grounded future citizens.

ATN Bangla official Tanima Akhtar expressed concern over children's growing attraction to foreign cartoons, online games and digital entertainment.

“Children are becoming increasingly dependent on foreign cartoons and video games. The violence portrayed in many of these games can have a negative impact on their behaviour,” she said.

“Everyone says children are the future of the nation, but where is their place in our media landscape?” she asked.

Child psychologists and educators note that children are highly impressionable and often emulate what they repeatedly see on screens. They argue that quality local programming can do much more than entertain—it can foster creativity, build confidence and deepen children's understanding of Bangladesh's history, traditions and social values.

Experts caution that without sustained investment in children's content, commercial priorities may continue to dominate the media landscape, leaving future generations increasingly detached from their cultural roots.

As concerns over media responsibility intensify, many parents and educators are raising a fundamental question: can a nation truly secure its future while overlooking the imagination, development and cultural education of its children?