Short Takes : Captain Kangaroo Criticizes TV

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. —  Bob Keeshan, television’s “Captain Kangaroo,” says the aim of many kids’ shows today is to sell toys, not nurture children.

“We don’t have very much quality in the commercial sector,” Keeshan, 62, said Sunday. He was a guest at a fund-raiser held by the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center for children’s hospital services.

Keeshan cited his own show and “Mister Rogers” and “Sesame Street” on public television as programs that nurture children. Many other children’s programs, especially cartoons, jump from the toy shelf to television, he said.