How NewsDepth Inspires Young Ohioans to Learn, Question and Explore the World

Now in its 56th season, NewsDepth was “born out of a little seed of an idea,” according to Ideastream Public Media’s Director of Education Michael Edelman. It is one of the longest-running television shows still on the air in Northeast Ohio.

The weekly interactive digital series offers local to global news stories geared toward fourth- through sixth-grade students, although it also has many adult fans. Students are encouraged to submit feedback and participate in real-world activities.

Coordinated teacher and parent guides complement the 30-minute shows that offer current events and hard and soft news. The series never talks down to kids, and it tackles topics that include tariffs and taxes, as well as the future of the penny, and therapeutic horseback riding. The fast pace, clever graphics and likable on-air personalities keep students’ attention.    

“NewsDepth started as a news program for Cleveland schools that we were producing in the production studios at the old Max S. Hayes High School,” says Edelman. “But through grassroots efforts and accidental marketing, teachers told each other about it, and it really took off.” 

The show is broadcast at 1 p.m. on the Ohio Channel (WVIZ TV-25 in Cleveland) on Fridays, basically during the school year. But many teachers are also now using it as a “digitally based web product that allows a state-wide reach” and more time flexibility, according to Edelman. Just how much did that little seed grow? Last school year’s 31 episodes generated: 73,227 web users; 645,279 page visits; 212,612 total views on YouTube; 55,468 NewsDepth Poll responses; and 19,771 NewsDepth Inbox Messages from students.  

“We try to get students engaged in writing and web page navigation,” explains Edelman, noting that content complements Ohio Learning Standards and the requirement of student computer use for testing. “A lot of people say kids are on their phones all the time now anyway. But phones are different from webpages. We want them comfortable with computers.”

With input from teacher and student advisors, as well as journalists and news analysts, NewsDepth chooses its content with a cross-curriculum in mind. Two- to 4-minute Special Segments also include: Know Ohio — Ohio History and Fun State Facts; Spot on Science — Science and Health; Politics on Point — Civics; Sketchbook — Arts and Culture; Petting Zoo — Animal News and more.

What do students want to know about most? During highly talked about election years, they are interested in related stories. But like some adults, students find their attention about government waning after the election, according to Edelman, who joined Ideastream Public Media in 2012 and was named education director in 2018. Edelman says he would like to see NewsDepth create programming that welcomes local
government officials to share their experiences and civics knowledge with students. Stories that emphasize localization and/or a student’s own community are always hits with youngsters.   

The environment (from a backyard to Antarctica) is a popular topic all year round. On occasion, Edelman is concerned that natural disaster stories take center stage too often on NewsDepth. But teachers have reassured him of the topic’s importance as it relates to the students’ wishes to be part of protecting our world. Also, news stories are screened for possible sensitive issues.  

Schools may also arrange student tours of Idea Center, where NewsDepth is produced and/or arrange in-person and virtual visits from NewsDepth staff. 

And in case anyone is wondering, NewsCat, the popular feline whose job it was to act as a NewsDepth host, really did happily retire in 2023. Its nine lives are very much intact, despite some concerning rumors. NewsCat is now basking in the sunlight at its owner’s home. The Petting Zoo reporter cat has been replaced by NewsHound, an equally talented journalist adopted from the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter by NewsDepth Producer Natalie Garcia.