Abstract
This study examined consolation strategies in children’s news on television and their remediated content on TikTok. A content analysis of 987 TikTok videos and 201 broadcasts of the Flemish children’s news program Karrewiet was conducted using a codebook developed through focus groups with children aged 8 to 12 (N = 101) and validated via member-check interviews. Results revealed that television news relies on experts and child sources for consolation, while TikTok avoids sensational images and emphasizes the reporter’s role. In addition, the findings highlight challenges adults face in assessing potentially frightening content for children and recommend involving children in research and editorial decision-making.
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