AIBD/NRK/BBS In-Country Workshop on Children’s TV Programme

Bhutan TV – BBS is one of the youngest TV stations in the world, established in 1999. The number of TV channels in many places in Bhutan, are as in the rest of the world – a lot of international channels via cable and satellite.

For BBS, it is important to create their own programmes for children and youth, which takes care of Bhutanese culture and language.In addition, BBS focuses on parenting programme.

From 8 to 12 October, I had the pleasure of giving a workshop in Thimpu for 10 participants  from the staff of BBS.

Bhutan TV – BBS is one of the youngest TV stations in the world, established in 1999. The number of TV channels in many places in Bhutan, are as in the rest of the world – a lot of international channels via cable and satellite.

For BBS, it is important to create their own programmes for children and youth, which takes care of Bhutanese culture and language.In addition, BBS focuses on parenting programme.

From 8 to 12 October, I had the pleasure of giving a workshop in Thimpu for 10 participants  from the staff of BBS. My specialty is children's programme – production and international trends.

What we offer children regarding nationally produced programmes helps to strengthen their identity and their linguistic and cultural foundation.

The smaller the language and cultural area – the more important this is. The training of local producers is important to make these programmes as good as possible.

The workshop aims at providing the participants an introduction to children's perception of media, new trends as Transmedia, different age-groups, as well as a introduction of working methods to make them excellent media-workers with and for children.

I had brought with me the best international programme, the participants had brought with them their own productions – and in addition, we worked with drama structure, documentaries, games – and had drama exercises with improvisation.

We also screened and had discussion of participants' own programme. The participants was split into 3 groups with the task of drafting three programmes for children, youth and parenting, including a pitch of the ideas for the TV manager in BBS.

It's always nice to come to other countries and cultures and to feel communication in humor – humor brings us together across cultural barriers, and it's good to keep some childishness when you work with children programmes.

By Mr. Kalle Fürst, Director of Fürst & Far Film and Fjernsyn