Only three very effective words: I'm shocked! If you haven't heard the recent news, just have a look at this.
I know we're facing an economic crisis and that because of this development the government spends less money on culture, just the same way every one else do. But I think they are wrong when they don't fund children's television anymore. RTD says:
"They're our children, they're the most vital and precious resource you could ever find. It is more important than industry, it is more important than the economy, it is more important than food and education."
Maybe he isn't the most innovative script writer (I'm sorry, that's my honest opinion), but if there's one thing he's really adapted in, then it's children's television. You don't need to be an expert to be able to say "he knows his job". Because of him "Doctor Who" became the show we know and love today. Before him it was something for "real" sci-fi fans, or it was considered as "children's stuff" (although I really love the old episodes as well). But he made it popular. And it's his "fault" that today millions of fans can't wait until Easter because of the next special.
And I also do know, the article isn't about Doctor Who but other programs (e.g. Sarah Jane's Adventures) although they don't want to raise too much money for the special effects anymore, but it's just the same. Right, they won't cancel one of their most successful programs.
But we're living in the 21st century, and I really hoped we'll do a better job than 80 years ago... Cutting culture to a minimum has never been an effective way of facing and fighting, or rather defeating an economic crisis. We shouldn't only notice the economical potential of the entertainment industry, but that it can motivate people to achieve their goals, even defeating a crisis. And taking the money away from our children is certainly a step into the wrong direction, especially as parents don't seem to have too much time for them (thanks to the economic crisis), so our children deserve at least some kind of quality entertainment. No, I'm exaggerating.
What I'm trying to say is: entertainment is an important part of every child's life. And if the government doesn't care about a child's spare time (as no matter how engaged one's parents are, there are always a few "spare" hours left), then others will do. And I think the government should rather invest some money into children's television now, than into drug-rehab-clinics in the future.
