Commodification of Children in Popular Culture: Critical Discourse Analysis of Idola Cilik Singing Contest Program on Local Television in Indonesia

Abstract

) From analysis of the text, the performance and the commodification of children in the "Idola Cilik" program are actually the result of television media industry; (2) From analysis of social cognition, RCTI's "Idola Cilik" program is created due to the lack of special programs for children; (3) Based on the analysis of social context, "Idola Cilik"has generated positive interpretations. Therefore, through this study, the producers of children programs are expected to be more concerned about the compatibility of program contents, and to pay much attention to the psychology of children, by putting the children not merely as some commodity to gain huge profit. As for the parents, they should be more selective on choosing TV programs for their children. Moreover, parents are also advised not to exploit their children by forcing them to be TV stars.