Junk food ban 'damaging TV drama'

Jacqueline Wilson warned children would be exposed to more cartoons

A leading author has warned that the campaign to restrict junk food advertising on TV could have a serious impact on original children's drama.

Children's Laureate Jacqueline Wilson told a conference that cuts would limit money available for new programming.

The Tracy Beaker author cited the recent closure of Granada Kids.

"For various reasons including the lack of advertising, our children are not going to get the very best television programmes any more," said Wilson.

Broadcasters have been warned that new legislation may be introduced regarding advertising junk food aimed at children, which is currently the subject of a consultation by media watchdog Ofcom.

Tougher laws

Wilson added: "It seems such a shame that we have had children's television programmes really to be proud of and yet now various children's drama departments seem to be being closed down.

"It seems dreadful that, for various reasons including the lack of advertising, our children are not going to get the very best television programmes any more."

The children's commissioner for England, Sir Albert Aynsley-Green, said a voluntary code was not tough enough.

"Rising rates of obesity pose one of the most serious threats to the health of children and young people."

He added that no junk food should be advertised on television before the 9pm watershed.