OAR FM's Space Station Kiwi host Marchell "Captain Cornflakes" Linzey plans to entice pre-school children away from television sets and computers with an innovative radio show catering to growing young minds.
The Green Island Kindergarten teacher believes radio can help children develop imagination and intelligence in a way that is lacking with electronic visual stimulation.
"I see every day at kindy how children are losing their ability to listen. Research shows that the brain development of young children is badly affected by television and computers," Mr Linzey said recently.
"Under-2s should not be watching television or using computers. They're bad for the development of neural pathways and peripheral vision. It can affect everything from how to catch balls, run and balance to their sporting ability," he said.
"Anything we can do to encourage children to listen and use their imaginations can only be good."
Space Station Kiwi features stories, songs and interviews with everyone from The Wiggles to the police.
The programme also supports conservation and healthy lifestyle issues, such as the Sport Otago "Stride, Ride and Slide" mini-triathlon for 2 to 5-year-olds held at Hancock Park last Sunday.
"But, I'd say we probably have one of the largest demographics in Dunedin, with listeners from 1 to 100," Mr Linzey said.
"We've had people in their 80s ringing up and saying: 'Oh, I remember that song from my childhood'."
Space Station Kiwi is on from 8am to 9am every Saturday on Otago Access Radio, 105.4FM.
The show is repeated at 5pm on Wednesdays.
