To my childhood favorite channel:
I loved watching your shows while growing up. They were funny, original and most importantly, somewhat educational. As an 80's baby, we grew up together. I remember when your first Nicktoons (Rugrats, Doug, and Ren & Stimpy) debuted and I was an avid follower. I also loved your sketch show 'You Can't Do that on Television' with its infamous slime scenes, and its descendant 'All That' captured my attention during my pre-teen/teenage years. Even now, I have to admit I'll indulge in the occasional episode of SpongeBob SquarePants.
But I've got a beef with you now, Nickelodeon. What is with all the kissing and boyfriend/girlfriend stories on 'Big Time Rush', 'iCarly' and 'Victorious'??? Seriously? Isn't your demographic 0-12ish? Okay, maybe they're meant for the teen audience, but let's be real - what high school students watch Nickelodeon, especially at 5 pm? Most of them are doing after-school activities, working or hanging out with their friends at that hour.
You know who is home at 5 pm? The tweens. The 8-12 year olds that you smother with images of kissing and songs about how 'You're looking for a boyfriend' (the video of which, I might add, had scenes in a CLUB) WTH is up with that, Nickelodeon? I'm thinking part of it may have to do with the fact that you're now operated by MTV (yeah, that makes total sense) and some of that influence has bled over to what used to be a great channel for kids. I just don't understand the need to push 'romance' onto children. This new generation (wow - saying that makes me feel OLD) is already growing up waytoofast, and the shows that you're producing are not helping that epidemic. At all.
I do love your Nick Jr. programming, and so does Eva. But because you choose to fill young kids head with unnecessary sexuality and lust, we're switching over to PBS Kids.
I agree with you! We don't have much TV on during the day because of this. We just don't support it. We do however buy movies that I think are educational and have good morals. Hope PBS works for you and that you are happy with it.
ReplyDeleteDede - Your letter should be sent to Nicklelodeon's owner - Viacom http://www.viacom.com/corpresponsibility/Pages/default.aspx
ReplyDeletehttp://www.viacom.com/aboutviacom/Pages/seniormanagement.aspx
If they hear from enough parents, they'll make the necessary change.
I totally agree with this post. It's too much for me sometimes. What happened to "Hey Arnold?"
ReplyDeleteMom, I hear you, but at the end of the day money talks. And trust me, they're making plenty of money off those shows.
ReplyDeleteKari - I have to admit, I like Nick Jr. better, but I'm also still getting used to the PBS offerings, so ask me again in a few months :)
Skye - I know right? When that show came out I was at the stage where I watched Nickelodeon but didn't admit it publicly because I thought it was for kids, lol