The Blog: ministry, music, media
Media Literacy and Advertising posted on August 23, 2009
I wonder if you are aware of the influence of advertising on the children in your family? You know the children are exposed to thousands of ads per year through programming they watch on TV or online, hear on the radio and see in print. They also are exposed to the ads that adult programming embraces and see your responses to it. Important disclaimer: at CGR we are not-opposed-to- advertising; we just think parents should be the ones helping children make decisions about consumer choices, saving or spending money, what values to emulate and self-identity. 
Values and identity simulated through ads are a couple of the techniques used by skilled advertisers to pull children into remembering a product from an advertisement leading to a sale; this includes children that are pre-literate and cannot possible know the ingredients of the food product they are trying to reach for at the grocery store.
What if we challenged the advertisering and product manufacturing community to continue to advertise and make product that is useful, safe and good for children, but to go through the parents for the sale of the product. You are capable of making the decisions regarding consumer choices, values education and identity shaping influences in the family life in which you love your children. Fighting with your kids at the mall thanks to the experts on Madison Avenue just makes parenting, harder.
Common Good Radio is a faith-centered music stream that offers online entertainment, arts and faith enrichment without advertisements to the kids so music can be enjoyed and the messages are age appropriate and positive. We have intentionally left the advertising model (of revenue) behind. We offer music and scripture that enriches the sense of hope in the world and the hearts of those who listen. We are faith centered, so if that does not appeal to you, chances are you will not find our programming appealing to the children in your life. But if it is appealing, join us by listening and sharing the link with friends. Donate if you can to keep the music royalties and website fees paid, because that is a vote for an alternative to the advertising-based model.
I invite you to increase your awareness and comment on how you feel about media, advertising and your kids through a wonderful organization that produces documentaries to educate us all in the field of media literacy, Media Education Foundation (MEF). There is an opportunity to sample a video about ads, kids and purpose that will knock your socks off. If you are reading this blog, you will want to watch a bit of the film sample: Consuming Kids.
Reality check: 52 million kids in the US under the age of 12 who influence 700 billion dollars in adult purchasing power. Plus, the 40 billion they spend themselves with birthday money, allowance money and that which was collected with odd jobs here and there. That is a whole lot of Little Debbie brownies at the corner store, toys or tunes online for the Ipod.
Music about making good choices: Peter and Ellen Allard, Count Your Blessings and Sweet Honey in the Rock, Everybody Ought To Know (what freedom is), for possible conversation starters with your kids to talk about what is important in your family.
How do you feel about children being advertised directly to for the purpose of manipulating how they spend their dollars?
Let’s start a conversation.
blessings for the common good,
Pastor Robin
There are 4 comments “Media Literacy and Advertising” was posted by Pastor Robin
Comments
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Hi, I just stumbled upon your post,a good view point. Hey your post left me quenching for more. Media literacy is important. Thanks.
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