The Paper - TV-PG

Teen journalism docu mixes passion, competition.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: MTV Genre: Reality TV
Available on: Download

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that that this reality docuseries -- which follows high school students as they publish their award-winning school paper -- includes some strong language (words like "bitch" and "ass" are audible, while stronger words like "s--t" are bleeped) and a bit of sexual innuendo, as well as teen hugging and kissing. There's also some occasional underage drinking. And while these intelligent, resourceful students are admirably dedicated to and passionate about their work, their competitiveness sometimes results in snarky attitudes and emotional arguments.

Families can talk about what it would be like to be a journalist. What is the life of a reporter really like? What challenges do reporters face every day as they try to do their jobs? How do you think being part of the media affects your perspective on it? Families can also discuss the differences between working on a school paper and a professional paper. Do you think the editor-in-chief of a school newspaper faces the same issues as the in-chief of a national one? What are some of the similarities? Differences?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho

THE PAPER follows Florida's Cypress Bay High's journalism class as the students publish The Circuit, the school's award-winning newspaper. With the help of teacher/advisor Rhonda Weiss, the group of up-and-coming editors, writers, and reporters must work hard to meet deadlines and get along in order to maintain The Circuit's quality and reputation.

Unlike many other teen-oriented reality shows (Laguna Beach and Newport Harbor, for example), The Paper offers viewers a refreshing chance to watch teens spend their time making a positive contribution to their high school community. Instead of arguing over boyfriends or showing off flashy possessions, these kids whip themselves into a frenzy by getting the "latest scoop," checking sources, and building skills that will help them reach their journalistic aspirations. Perhaps not surprisingly, their competitiveness leads to some emotional outbursts, extremely snarky exchanges, and backbiting, particularly when some of the over-achieving staffers resent having to work within the paper's leadership structure.

Chances are that many teens will be able to relate to this series, which offers a fun, often funny glimpse into what it's like to participate in one of high school's most common (and sometimes even prestigious) extracurricular activities. But the show also includes some mild sexual innuendo (including hugging and kissing), strong language ("ass" and "bitch" are audible, while stronger terms are bleeped), and occasional underage drinking. It might be a little strong for tweens, but for teens, The Paper is an entertaining reminder that there are still kids in this country who are resourceful, productive, and serious about their future.

Fans may also enjoy True Life, MADE, and All the President's Men.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Some teen hugging and kissing.
Violence Some arguing and occasional verbal outbursts.
Language Audible language includes "damn," "hell," "bitch," and "ass." Words like "s--t" are bleeped.
Message
	Social Behavior The students are extremely serious and passionate about their work and are focused on their current and future journalism careers. They're also extremely competitive, which results in some snarky behavior (lots of cattiness, some backstabbing, etc.). The newspaper staff is primarily Caucasian; one student is African-American.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Occasional underage drinking (generic "keg cups" are shown; you can't tell for sure what's in them, but alcohol is implied).