Consuming Before they Can Walk: An Analysis of Media Literacy Education on the Top Preschool Programming Blocks on Television

Abstract

Preschool television is a growing segment of children's media, but there is limited research examining the structure of the top preschool content producers. The vast majority preschool programming is promoted as educational by the networks; however no show explicitly lists media literacy education as a primary learning goal even though children 2-6 spend, on average, more than two hours a day exposed to media. This thesis examines preschool programming through political economic theory to determine whether the business models of the top three preschool television networks influences their approaches to media literacy education in media themed episodes of their most popular series for preschoolers. The thesis first examines whether educational media works for preschoolers and how media literacy education can undermine attempts by media institutions to influence behavior. It also examines the history of the preschool series on PBS, Nickelodeon, and Disney Channel to determine how the development of preschool programming on each network has contributed to the content they produce for preschoolers. The thesis then moves onto a study comparing media themed episodes from the top series from each network and a media themed episode from a series that has presented media literacy episodes throughout its history to help compare and analyze the current state of media literacy in preschool television. This study helps build a foundation for future research so we can recognize the best strategies to introduce young children to media literacy education in this increasingly media saturated society.