Can we do better in Quebec than to feed our kids a diet of dubbed American TV programs?

Marie-Ève Pelletier, the mother of three school-aged boys, thinks so. She changed her career as an arts reporter for Le Droit and other publications to work as a researcher-journalist for youth television, in order to reach and address youth.

Knowing that most kids plug into the world of television long before they enter school and continue to watch avidly throughout their school years, Marie-Ève sees “the symbolism and fantasy of fictive television” as one of the best opportunities to have a positive impact on children’s lives.

In her current role as Content Producer for Quebec’s Productions Pixcom, Pelletier’s job is to develop French-language youth television that has “a pedagogical message while remaining entertaining and non-moralistic”. Pixcom’s partner, in this challenging mission, is Quebec’s public television broadcaster, Télé-Québec, which devotes more than 40<>percentage<> of its television programming to youth of all ages.

Les Argonautes, the latest Pixcom Jr. series broadcast on Télé-Québec (and available on leskwat.telequebec.tv), is an excellent example of a series that offers primary school children positive role models reflecting Quebec culture and values. Aimed specifically at children aged 6 to 8, this original concept launches kids into a science fiction adventure that teaches them how to use their imagination, creativity and openness to others in order to manage everyday stress and uncertainty.

Set in 2175, the plot revolves around Commander Maximilien who has been mandated to lead a mission of scientists and their families to explore the farthest corners of the galaxy. Aboard their spaceship ‘Argo’, they explore panoply of planets and civilizations which require them to react quickly to the unforeseen. As all of earth’s children have received a special gene (“GS”) from a mysterious civilization, they must learn to use their unique powers wisely and collaboratively ―all under the guidance of their supportive parents.

As primary school children (6-11 years) identify with superhero figures and their action-oriented personalities, this type of age-appropriate, live action TV programming will also develop their self-esteem and problem-solving skills. In Les Argonautes, Alex, Maximilien’s daughter and one of the shows eight-year-old heroines, has the formidable task of sensing positive or negative vibes before each new encounter and discovering strategies to help the crew to best deal with this new information and situation.

According to ratings agency BBM Canada, children between 2-12 years old spend approximately 19 hours per week watching television. Additional sources state that almost half of 8 to 15 year old Canadian children have their own televisions and that 76<>percentage<> of school-aged kids watch television or play computer games after school.

With this level of media-exposure, having a few hours of high quality Canadian programming, seems more of a necessity than a luxury ―particularly in the case of Quebec and its unique culture. Presently, however, Canadian youth productions only account for 36<>percentage<> of what is offered on air (down from an average of 50<>percentage<> in the late 1990s).

This is unfortunate in the light of a Université de Montréal study presented to the CRTC in 2010, which confirmed that young Canadians, including French-speaking 7 to 11 year olds, prefer watching Canadian programs (such as Kaboum and Toc, toc, toc) that specifically tell their story and culture.

These same Université de Montréal researchers believe that preserving quality Canadian children’s television programming that has positive messages, diversity of genres and social issues that are valued in Canada should be a central priority for the broadcasting industry and the funding and regulatory institutions.

Marie-Ève Pelletier concurs “whether it be graduating from daycare, learning to live in a new home, or adapting to a new family dynamic, it is important to give Quebec grade schoolers tools and coping strategies for the increasingly complex and fast-paced society they live in.”

This spring, the future of Quebec’s francophone TV superheroes was put to the test with a precedent setting request by Radio Canada during its license renewal to the CRTC to soften its obligation to broadcast French-language television for children and youth. According to Quebec’s television and film producers, Radio-Canada’s lost interest in prioritizing local youth productions would leave a gap in the market to make room for private specialty channels to broadcast mostly foreign content (presumably cheaper, dubbed American content). Thankfully the CRTC ruled in favour of maintaining original Canadian youth programming.

Parents and children alike can look forward to more adventures of Maximilien and his crew starting January 6, 2014.


About the Author;

Susan Ross is a Laval-based, freelance writer, adult education specialist and mother of two primary school-aged children.