CNN Student News

CNN Student News
Production Company: Cable News Network, Inc

Summary:
This student news program is broadcasted every day. It is available as an online video as well as a free podcast. Each segment is ten minutes and is designed for broadcast in schools. The program is anchored by Carl Azuz who reports on the day's news in a simplified and age-appropriate format. The videos (which change daily) can be found here: http://www.cnn.com/studentnews/

Qualitative Analysis:
This TV show could be categorized as Slightly Complex. As far as organization, the show is very clear. The events are always clearly explained and the story lines are very straight-forward. Its language features are largely explicit and easy to understand. All vocabulary is familiar and conversational. The media-content is also basic as the messages are easy to follow and analyze. As all viewers should do when watching the news, it is important to watch with a critical eye to see which perspectives are being left out or what messages are being sent to the viewer. The media-grammar is very important in news segments as cropping and other such techniques really paint a story a certain way. The media literacy is does shape the way the stories are presented because it is a news show but none of the scenes are shot live.

Content Standards:
This show connects well with anything related to current events - this could be a life skills course, an English course, or a social studies course.

CCSS Grade 6 Speaking and Listening Standard:
Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g. visually, qualitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.

Personal Response:
I believe this is an informative, interesting news show for kids. It is short and tends to cover topics students find relevant. It could be used daily as a warm-up activity or just occasionally. I used to show this to my students every morning during their 15 minute community class and most students were engaged and sometimes the topics lead to interesting discussions. I recommend having a short handout for the students to fill out daily as they watch to help keep their focus.