Long read: Bluey deal FOMO will kill the next Bluey
16 hours ago
- #childrens_content
- #public_broadcasting
- #cultural_identity
- The ABC's Bluey deal with the BBC allowed the show to become a global hit while the ABC retained little financial upside, sparking debate over whether public broadcasters should prioritize cultural value or commercial returns.
- Australia's unique cultural identity requires public funding for local children's content, as market forces often marginalize small, distinct cultures in favor of globally palatable, commercialized programming.
- Historical attempts by the ABC to commercialize children's content, like Bananas in Pyjamas, show that mixing commerce with public broadcasting can compromise cultural integrity and lead to over-commercialization.
- Proposed changes under new ABC leadership to take equity stakes in children's shows risk prioritizing commercial potential over artistic freedom, potentially undermining the very purpose of public broadcasting for kids.
- Bluey's success was rooted in creative freedom and protection of Australian identity, not commercial calculations; replicating it requires insulating children's content from financial pressures to preserve cultural authenticity.