Peace Channel to launch in 2008

There are those that accuse our current callous behaviour on the prepondance of violence on television.

How could we care about genocide and war in a country far away when we were raised on a diet of violence?

In fact, numerous studies show there are negative impacts of early-childhoood exposure to violence. According to meta-analysis of psychological studies, children are affected in three ways:

*Children may become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others.
*Children may be more fearful of the world around them.
*Children may be more likely to behave in aggressive ways toward others (imitation)

Accordingly, these studies also show that the average North American child will watch approximately 100,000 acts of televised violence, including 8000 depictions of murder, by the time he or she finishes sixth grade (approximately 13 years old).

According to studies by George Gerbner, at the University of Pennsylvania, this translates into 20 violent acts each hour in a children's show! (This study also confirmed that children who watch a lot of television are more likely to think that the world is a mean and dangerous place).

Given the prevalence of the negative affects of violence it should be a shock to hear that, for the first time, a channel dedicted to Peace is being launched.

Social activist and musician Bob Geldof is the brains behind the venture. Yesterday he announced that he will help launch a global TV and net channel which will aim at promoting world peace. He agreed to work on the idea under the title, Peace Channel, with internet firm Ten Alps Digital.

Under the terms of the agreement the company will develop proposals for a worldwide broadband channel, complete with video clips and social networking functions.Among other things the channel will look to encourage the West to help the poorer nations in an entertaining way. It is scheduled to launch next year.

For more information on the impact of violence on children go to:
http://www.abelard.org/tv/tv.htm

For more information on Peace Channel go to:
http://www.tenalpsdigital.com/?ctid=532&edid=658