Our favourite TV:

Children prefer watching television which is especially made for them according to research released by Screen Australia earlier this month.

The research looked at how children engage with screen content and the challenges involved in financing, producing and scheduling children's programs.

While kids are commonly watching programs for a 'general' audience with their families, they have a clear preference for tailor-made kids' TV, especially if it involves drama. The Screen Australia CEO, Ruth Harley, also said they value Australian content. 

"The delivery of quality Australian children's programming is essential to the cultural well-being of young Australians so they have the opportunity to see Australia's identity, character and cultural diversity reflected back to them," she said.

The favourite channels are the ABC's dedicated children's channels. While most said they didn't really care where a TV show is made, they also preferred Australian programs over foreign ones. Australian shows featured prominently in their favourite programs with Giggle and Hoot and Play School way ahead of all other programs for 2-7 year olds. The top 10 favourite dramas for older children included Home & Away, Neighbours and Dance Academy.

Scheduling of children's programs is key to the success of them. "Inconsistency of scheduling has made it difficult for some programs to build a loyal audience," Ms Harley said. 

Nonetheless, the Australian children's television sector is highly regarded.

"Programs such as Dance Academy are broadcast all over the world, and programs such as Lockie Lenoard and Mortified are broadcast in Asia, Europe and South America," Ms Harley said.

The report also shows that it's even more difficult to get funding for children's television. The 'new' media landscape relies heavily on advertising which is not necessarily skewed to children, or on subscription television. It is because of the large number of children who watch live sport on TV that political parties have pushed in recent weeks to change the regulations around the advertising of live betting.

A spokesperson for television industry leaders described Australian children's television as "important".

"The sector is keen to work with government and the broadcasters to ensure more children's television success stories."