User:Teblick/Child's World
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Child's World is an American children's radio series that was broadcast on ABC October 26, 1947 - June 27, 1949.[1]
Overview
[edit]Educator Helen Parkhurst created and hosted the program, the goal of which was to "educate parents through the wisdom of their own children".[1] Each episode had a group of children gathered in Parkhurst's apartment in New York to talk spontaneously about topics selected by Parkhurst. The setting enabled participants to talk "without consciousness of a listening audience".[2]
Participants ranging in age from 4 to 14 were usually picked from lists submitted by schools in New York, with six to nine appearing in an episode.[3] They came "from all races, nationalities and economic backgrounds".[1]
Topics of discussions included allowances, friends, lying, older siblings, privileges, secrets,[2] babies, death, God, jealousy, teachers, and playing hooky,[1]
Production
[edit]Before each broadcast, the children participating spent a few mintues in a room by themselfs "to gain confidence".[3] From there they went to Parkhust's dining room, where they stood around a circular railing. Each stood shoeless ("both for comfort and so that toes can be wiggled without creating odd sound effects.")[3] Once they were in place, Parkhurst named the topic to be discusses, and the children began to speak freely into the microphones.[3]
Child's World initially was broadcast on Sundays at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. In March 1948 it was moved to Thursdays at 10 p.m. E. T. In March 1949 it was moved to Mondays at 9:30 p.m. E. T.[1] The program was sustaining.[4]
A wire recorder preserved the children's comments for use on the air.[1]
Critical response
[edit]A review in The New York Times said that Child's World "represents the most direct, specific and, quite frequently, humorous documentation of children's views" that were likely to be broadcast, noting that children on the program were "heard fairly and honestly and without exploitation".[5] The only flaw mentioned in the review was Parkhurst's lack of flexibility in talking with the participants. It said that she sometimes followed "what sounds like a predetermined pattern" rather than adapting her questions to the children's comments.[5]
Life magazine called Child's World "the most fascinating of juvenile programs".[3]
Recognition
[edit]The Radio-Television Critics Circle of New York recognized Child's World in May 1948 as an outstanding program development.[6]
In February 1949 Child's World was one of four recipients of radio awards announced by the National Conference of Christians and Jews. The awards were based on "contributions to mutual understanding and respect among all the American people".[7]
Ohio State University's Institute for Education by Radio in May 1949 designated Child's World for special recognition in the Public Affairs Programs, Talks and Discussions category of its annual awards.[8]
Television
[edit]A TV version of Child's World debuted on ABC on November 1, 1948 with a format similar to that of the radio program.[9] It ended on April 27, 1949.[10] Initially it was broadcast on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 7:45 p.m. Eastern Time. In January 1949 it was moved to Wednesdays from 7:15 to 7:30 p.m. E. T.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f Dunning, John (May 7, 1998). On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio. Oxford University Press. pp. 152–153. ISBN 978-0-19-984045-8. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
- ^ a b Gould, Jack (October 15, 1947). "' Child's World,' Featuring Helen Parkhurst, Will Bow on ABC Network on Oct. 26". The New York Times. p. 54. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Child's World: New program airs juvenile ideas on God, Jealousy, Death". Life. August 2, 1948. pp. 79–83. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
- ^ "ABC Booting 4 Sustainer Segs". Billboard. August 14, 1948. p. 12. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
- ^ a b Gould, Jack (November 30, 1947). "Programs in Review: 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet' — 'Child's World' — 'Star Preview'". The New York Times. p. X 9. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
- ^ "Radio-TV Critics Offer Kudos for Industry Activities". Billboard. May 22, 1948. p. 10. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
- ^ "Radio and Television: Consecration of 3 Bishops in Chicago March 7 Will Be Presented on NBC Video". The New York Times. February 17, 1949. p. 46. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
- ^ "Ohio State Program Awards Give Tele First Recognition". Billboard. May 14, 1949. p. 6. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
- ^ "Radio and Television: Margaret Sullavan Will Make Her Video Debut on Nov. 7 in CBS Dramatic Series". The New York Times. October 23, 1948. p. 28. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
- ^ McNeil, Alex (1996). Total Television: the Comprehensive Guide to Programming from 1948 to the Present (4th ed.). New York, New York: Penguin Books USA, Inc. p. 162. ISBN 0-14-02-4916-8.
- ^ Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle (1999). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946-Present (7th ed.). New York: The Ballentine Publishing Group. p. 183. ISBN 0-345-42923-0.
External links
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