BAFTA announced exciting new changes to its annual Television Awards and TV Craft Awards on Sunday. For the first time, three new categories will be introduced, dedicated to recognising outstanding children’s television programming and the talented individuals behind it. The British Academy explained that these new categories aim to celebrate iconic characters beloved by families around the world, as well as the developmental and educational theory underpinning high-quality children’s programming that sparks joy and creativity in the hearts and minds of younger audiences. The three new categories include the Children’s Scripted Award, which will honour scripted shows such as dramas and comedies, both live-action and animated. The Children’s Non-Scripted Award will focus on factual programmes, including documentaries, news, and factual entertainment. Additionally, the Children’s Craft Team Award will celebrate behind-the-scenes teams working on both scripted and unscripted children’s shows.
The focus of the new categories will be on celebrating television for audiences aged 16 and under, as BAFTA aims to highlight the importance of children’s programming in shaping young minds and celebrate the people who bring these stories to life. This initiative follows the recent creation of a Children and Family Film Award, set to debut in next year’s EE BAFTA Film Awards, as well as a Family Award in the BAFTA Games Awards. BAFTA mentioned that these new categories were developed with input from industry experts and the Young BAFTA Advisory Group, a newly formed group created to guide BAFTA’s year-round programmes for children and young people, as well as to support creatives in the children’s screen industry. Sara Putt, BAFTA’s chair, emphasized the immense skill, warmth, and creativity involved in developing children’s stories for screens, highlighting the magical and vital place that film, games, and television hold in our culture.
Andrew Miller, chair of the Young BAFTA Advisory Group and BAFTA trustee, acknowledged the importance of diverse and educational storytelling in the children’s screen industries, describing it as an essential talent pipeline. Many on and off-screen creatives and practitioners working in the sector owe their careers to children’s media, emphasizing the impact and influence of children’s programming on the industry as a whole. The new award categories introduced by BAFTA aim to recognize and celebrate the contributions of individuals working in the children’s screen industry and to showcase the significance of children’s programming in shaping young minds, fostering creativity, and providing educational content to audiences worldwide. With the addition of these new categories, BAFTA is taking a step towards acknowledging and honoring the talent and dedication of those who work tirelessly to create engaging and impactful content for children and young audiences.
In conclusion, the new award categories introduced by BAFTA for children’s television programming mark a significant milestone in recognizing and honoring the contributions of individuals working in the sector. By focusing on scripted and non-scripted programming, as well as behind-the-scenes teams, BAFTA aims to shine a spotlight on the diverse and educational storytelling that shapes young minds and fosters creativity in younger audiences. With the support of industry experts and the Young BAFTA Advisory Group, BAFTA is paving the way for new opportunities and recognition for those involved in creating children’s content. The importance of children’s programming in the entertainment industry cannot be understated, and BAFTA’s commitment to celebrating and supporting this sector is a commendable step towards promoting quality content for young viewers. As the landscape of children’s media continues to evolve, these new award categories serve as a testament to the dedication and talent of those shaping the future of children’s programming.
