NBC4 Children's Report

NBC4 is committed to serving the educational and informational needs of children. Copies of the station's written reports describing our efforts to provide children's educational and informational programming are on file at NBC4, 4001 Nebraska Ave NW, Rm 110, Washington DC.

To view WRC-TV's current and past children's filings, visit the FCC Web site at the following address:

http://licensing.fcc.gov/KidVid/public/report/10/query.faces

NBC Educational Objectives

In compliance with the Children’s Television regulations that became effective January 2, 1997, the QUBO Programming Block on NBC features an on-air icon indicating that each program is "educational and informational" for children. This icon is displayed throughout the program. Also, in compliance with the regulations, the following document, which includes "educational and informational" objectives of QUBO on NBC, must be placed in our public file.

Each of the programs listed below, which make up the QUBO programming block, is specifically designed to serve the "educational and informational" needs of children ages 6-10. All of the programs have educational objectives that are central to the content and appropriate to the program genre. All shows were developed specifically for a target audience composed of children 6-10 years of age. Each show contains an important social-emotional message for the target audience, delivered through an animated narrative format.

TURBO DOGS is a show about six canine friends—Dash, GT, Clutch, Stinkbert, Strut, and Mags—who have their own distinct characteristics but share a common love of racing cars. The fastest dogs in Racerville, the Turbo Dogs often compete with one another in races. The dogs each have their own racers, which they maintain regularly, and that are equipped with individual GPS systems to help and guide them. Each story begins with one of the Turbo Dogs encountering a problem that must be resolved while preparing to compete. Usually, the Turbo Dog learns his/her lesson through experience and accountability for negative behavior. Social-emotional messages about sportsmanship, teamwork, cooperation, and fairness developed in the story are emphasized in a separate tag at the end of each episode.

SHELLDON is an animated series that takes place in Shell Land, a mythical undersea world populated by characters from a wide array of water-dwelling species. The main character, Shelldon, is an orphaned yoka shell mollusk adopted by the Clam family and living with them in the family-owned Charming Clam Inn. Dr. Shell, an elder and venerated inventor, and Connie, a cowry shell classmate of Shelldon’s also live at the inn. Shelldon and his buddies Herman (a Hermit crab) and Connie always work together and solve problems that they face in school or in the community. A recurring problem is to staunch the plans of the local millionaire, Cecil Cracken, whose greed puts making money over protecting the environment. Dr. Shell is typically the children’s key provider of knowledge and other resources. In each episode, the children learn a significant social-emotional lesson and also share information relating to their ocean habitat and environmental protection.

THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS is based on series of children's books about science written by Joanna Cole. The show features the ingenious Ms. Frizzle, an elementary school teacher and intrepid explorer who piles her students into her Magic School Bus and takes them on amazing field trips to impossible locations. The goal of each field trip to answer questions or learn many new things about the place the class visits. Each episode is a fact filled expedition to places as diverse as the solar system, the human body, or even inside weather systems. The bus transforms to suit the environment and the kids freely explore and share their learning with each other and with Ms. Frizzle, who nudges her students to “make connections” and answer their own questions with research. The class pet, Lizzie, a large lizard, accompanies the class on their field trips. The content of the show is appropriate for children from ages 4 to 9 and in addition to all the factual content, the children also have a socio-emotional problem to solve that is embedded into the story line.

BABAR, based on the books by Laurent de Brunhoff, is an animated show about a young orphaned elephant who finds the strength to rise above the challenges he faces, including the death of his parents, as he journeys through life. Each episode of the show develops a social-emotional message such as taking responsibility, being patient and persistent in hard work, respecting people’s privacy, learning to cope with unforeseen changes, and being honest. These messages emerge from the need to resolve a dilemma that is faced by Babar, one of his friends or family members. BABAR first appeared on the schedule in 2007 and is returning with new episodes in 2009.

WILLA’S WILD LIFE is a new animated series featuring a six-year-old girl, Willa, who is permitted to share her home with an ever-growing menagerie of animals-- an elephant, a giraffe, a pair of performing seals, a bear, three penguins, and lots of rabbits. These creatures speak to Willa, offering her advice and friendship from each of their respective points of view. In each episode, Willa faces a challenge at home, in school or in her neighborhood. Her animals and best friend Dooley help her develop solutions to overcome each challenge. With the support of Dooley, the animals and praise from her dad, Willa finds ways to maintain healthy friendships, experience success, develop competence, and become altruistic.

PEARLIE is an animated comedy series based on the children’s book series Pearlie the Park Fairy by Wendy Harmer. Pearlie is an optimistic, light-hearted fairy who sees the good in everybody, but often gets into situations because her desire to help is larger than her capacity to deliver. Aimed for an audience within the 4-8 year old range, Pearlie focuses on the importance of following the rules, using good judgment and learning how to avoid getting into trouble. Since Pearlie was appointed by Fairy Head Quarters (HQ) to keep Jubilee Park in sparkling order she has constant challenges with her basic goal of keeping everyone happy and making sure the park functions smoothly. Pearlie’s nemesis and cousin Saphira, often takes advantage of Pearlie’s good nature which requires that Pearlie must also frequently outwit the park bully. In each episode, we see Pearlie approach new tasks and problems with a great deal of enthusiasm, but without the organization required to get the job done. Through plot developments and with the assistance of her friends, Opal and Jasper, she learns what to do and what not to do in each situation so the park can be restored to order.

Nonstop Digital Channel

NONSTOP DIGITAL CHANNEL fulfills its core programming requirements with E/I programming listed below. Each episode of the series is thirty minutes in length.

ANGEL'S FRIENDS provides programming in areas of particular concern to young teens, including social themes and coping strategies through the school life of animated teen-aged angels learning to be Guardian Angels and their nemesis – The Devils – that are practicing to become Guardian Devils. Kids are taken on an inspirational journey that stirs their spirit and provides moral tools for the decisions they face in everyday life. The multi-ethnic angels serve as role models for young teen viewers as they deal with such issues as the right to say "no,” the meaning of heroism, bullying and other issues of particular concern to young teens. Making choices in life is an ongoing subject because this is a challenge faced by all children in this age group. Contemporary issues such as bullying, establishing trust, and courtesy are faced and resolved in the episodes. Responsibility and selfless behavior are presented in a positive and encouraging manner. Themes in each episode emphasize the importance friendship, taking responsibility for your actions and fair play. Target audience children 13-16 years old.

AQUA KIDS provides a unique vehicle for young people to learn about the diversity of marine animals around the world, emphasizing the importance of preserving fragile aquatic habitats and encouraging children to take an active role in protecting the future of their community and the world. The program provides a window into the management and preservation of unique habitats and species through the eyes of kids and their “hands-on” collaboration with science researchers and educators. The messages delivered by “Aqua Kids” are given by a creative and resourceful host, Molly McKinney, whose scientific background is evident in the show. The other young hosts, whose ages range from pre-teen to late teens, are equally entertaining and informative. The young viewers identify with these young hosts and imagine themselves in the role of the scientist and as someone who could have a positive impact on the environment. The format of young student scientists presenting information on location in a variety of aquatic settings is both entertaining and informative. Target audience children 8-12 years old

ARIEL & ZOEY & ELI, TOO (AZE2), a musical variety show that is driven by three siblings, empowers children to accomplish their goals and their dreams. AZE2 accomplishes this through interviewing people who excel in their profession and have a positive message for kids, introducing guests who perform different genres of music, and presenting musical performances by the cast members themselves. These cast musical performances show children they can write their own music and the importance of teamwork. Music on the show is produced by Emmy Award winner David Barrett. He and Brian Brill (another Emmy winner) ensure that the music is tailored for the young audience. All songs offer a positive message about life. Every episode begins with the song “Sweet Company” which sends the positive message of friendship and ends with the singing of “End of Another Day” which encourages the viewer to stay optimistic about tomorrow. Target audience children 13-16 years old.

BETA RECORDS TV is a teen-focused music interview program in which hosts interview up-and-coming musical artists. The artists talk about their inspirations life choices while emphasizing the importance of music education and education generally. Through these interviews, the hosts and guests try to communicate a grounded balance of priorities and the value of commitment, cooperation and perseverance that teens can apply in their own lives. The program also makes teens aware of past and present music history. By focusing on younger musical artists, the program captures the attention of teens while using the interview format as an effective way to elicit life lessons from the artists that are useful to the teen audience. Target audience children 13-16 years old.

IN THE ZONE is a show hosted by NBA legend Magic Johnson. Boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 16 years old who are interested in playing basketball will be drawn to each episode in order to learn new skills and strategies to perfect their own game of basketball. The program is helpful for those who are just starting out and want to be, or by necessity, need to be self-taught, or for those who already play and want to learn more. This show is full of important lessons and role-modeling for adolescents. A number of topics are discussed, such as the need for discipline, hard work, sacrifice, respect for others, believing in yourself and showing positive sportsmanship. Both boys and girls are shown playing basketball. Although there are many professional adult guests, the young players do much of the training. Each episode focuses on a different skill and features professionals, such as high school coaches, college coaches, NBA coaches and NBA stars. The skills are taught in a very specific way, allowing viewers to see the techniques that they can then practice. Target audience children 13-16 years old.

Universal Sports Digital Channel

UNIVERSAL SPORTS DIGITAL CHANNEL fulfills its core programming requirements with E/I programming of Planet X. Each episode of the series is thirty minutes in length.

PLANET X is an E/I video sports and fitness based TV series for children 13 - 16 years old. Each episode mixes action & extreme sports content within a balanced and well produced program that features (1) inspiring sports & fitness themes, angles and stories, (2) informational and  educational elements on sports training tips from athletes, (3) information on how to get involved in dozens of sports and fitness programs, coverage of sports and products from an insider's perspective, (4) regular travel and cultural experiences via foreign adventure feature shows all around the world and much more! Topics covered each week include health & fitness, world and local travel and culture, ocean ecology and numerous sports angles including events, training, tips, athletes, lifestyle and more.

Leave Comments