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Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this is a news program, and as such may include scenes of real violence -- usually limited to rock-throwing or the mildest footage of the event available, but still possibly disturbing to young viewers. It's also worth noting that these were filmed in the late '90s and some episodes may be out of date.

Families can talk about the events and issues shown -- violence in Northern Island, famine, dress codes, make-up. Families can also use this as a jumping-off point for discussing televised media and news. Can you believe what's being shown? What's fact, and what's opinion? If you wanted to find out more, what could you do?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: KJ Dell'Antonia

WHAT MATTERS is a news magazine designed for teens and preteens and is appropriate, with adult companionship, for slightly younger kids as well. Each episode includes an international, domestic, and lifestyle story aimed at teens' interests and offering a teen persepctive.

Generally, teens are interviewed for each segment, which is narrated by teens as well. It's a good starting point for many family discussions -- from what family members think of the issue itself to what they might say or do if someone tried to interview them for a news program like this one. It's also a great first exposure to television news and its advantages and disadvantages, offering the chance to discuss facts, opinions, and whether there might be more to the story.

What Matters was filmed in the late '90s, but most subjects are still current, which might offer another opportunity to talk. If famine in one country and violence in another were news almost 10 years ago, why hasn't anything changed?

If your kids enjoy What Matters, you should also try Nick News with Linda Ellerbee for more current events.

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