Bluey, Requestival, Play School and ME@Home: the ABC (Kids) of communication cultures during lockdown

Abstract

When a nationwide lockdown was declared in Australia in March 2020, the role of the ABC as the public broadcaster became vital. Unprecedented pressure was placed on parents and carers as families were cut off from their physical networks and communities beyond immediate household groups. This article focuses on the specialist material created and curated by the ABC to entertain, educate and continue to provide cultural connection for households with children and young adults, particularly broadcast and post-broadcast outlets ABC Kids, ABC ME and Triple J. Notably, these outlets were able to provide both a connection to the ‘real world’ and ‘real events’ happening outside during this time, but they were also able to provide materials to escape and appease audience anxiety pitched at a level that is age appropriate.