Common Sense Media Expands Selections Seal of Excellence to Kids- and Family-Centered Podcasts
Recipients of the distinguished seal represent the very best in podcasts, covering diverse representations, educational value, positive messages, and more.
SAN FRANCISCO, June 21, 2022—Less than two months after launching a first-of-its-kind, research-backed podcast ratings and reviews destination for kids, teens, and families, Common Sense Media today announced that it has expanded its distinguished Selections seal of excellence to recognize outstanding kids-and-family centered podcast programs.
An initial 21 podcasts have been recognized with the Common Sense Selections seal, a symbol of the highest editorial standards for overall quality based on diversity, impactful themes, and positive messages and role models. All Selections include age-appropriate media with the potential to spark family conversations, entertain families of all kinds, and have a positive, lasting effect on society.
Among the recipients are podcasts with strong positive attributes that meet Common Sense's ratings rubric, including:
- Diverse stories and characters: Kids and teens can see themselves reflected and learn more about the diverse world they live in through authentic voices and stories, from bilingual moments in Mija Podcast, to familial backgrounds in Stoopkid Stories, LGBTQ+ visibility in The Two Princes, or gender and ability in The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel.
- Educational value: Learning goes beyond traditional academics in fun, encouraging, and inspiring ways, including vibrant STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) adventures in Wow in the World, creative thinking and breaking molds in Tumble Science Podcast for Kids, and social and emotional learning (SEL) that helps kids gain the skills to be active, impactful members of society in A Kids Book About: The Podcast.
- Positive messages: Ideas to aspire to and equip kids to thrive in everyday life and find their voice, ranging from being true to oneself and responsibly learning from mistakes in Adventures of Cairo, to building empathy and understanding in Circle Round, and overcoming challenges through perseverance in Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls.
Expanding the Selections seal to podcast programs strengthens Common Sense Media's commitment to the family podcast space as a powerful medium.
"The kids and family podcast space is growing exponentially and will continue to grow as more independent creators and larger production companies enter the space. Our goal is to set an early standard for what quality kids' audio content sounds like." said Laura Ordoñez, Common Sense Media, Head of Podcast Ratings and Reviews. "The expansion of our Selections seal recognition for podcasts does just that by highlighting shows that offer impactful, diverse and accessible content for kids and their families. In addition, our rolling recognition of seal recipients will serve to help families and educators find the best content in the kids and teens podcast space throughout the year."
"An award like this helps to legitimize the kids' podcast space further," said Anthony Frasier, CEO of ABF Creative, a multicultural podcast network. "Small production companies like mine create authentic cultural and diverse content on par with well-funded media companies, but still lack exposure and recognition. This seal brings us three steps forward in making sure parents have more quality choices for their kids."
"Tinkercast and Wow in the World are honored to be part of the inaugural Common Sense Selections seal list," said Meredith Halpern-Ranzer, CEO, Tinkercast. "When Tinkercast launched five years ago, there were only a handful of kids podcasts. Today, kids podcasting is a growing, dynamic space and with that comes new challenges like discoverability. Common Sense already offers vital resources for grown ups trying to find great podcasts for the kids in their lives and this new Seal Selection builds on that support. As a publisher, we're grateful to Common Sense for leading the way to make sure the engaging stories and diverse voices, characters, and messages in kids podcasting get heard."
Podcasts recognized as Common Sense Selections come from a growing library of more than 70 podcast ratings and reviews, with many appearing in curated lists exploring varying experiences, ages, and dynamic themes.
To see the complete list of podcast Selections seal recipients available at launch, click here.
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About Common Sense
Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Learn more at commonsense.org.
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