A Sesame Street World
By the time your child hits preschool age, they no doubt will be able to name some (if not all) of the Sesame Street characters. In fact, statistics from Nielsen Media Research say that 99% of American preschoolers recognize the series’ characters. Even if you don’t watch the show in your home, you can’t go to a grocery or retail store without seeing the faces of Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar, or Bert and Ernie adorning the various products on the shelves. My son asks for snacks according to the character that is on the box. We currently have Cookie Monster applesauce and juice boxes with either Big Bird or Bert and Ernie on them in our refrigerator.
Produced by the non-profit organization Sesame Workshop, Sesame Street is without a doubt the most highly regarded children’s educational television program. Since its beginning in 1969, it has been the winner of 109 Emmy Awards and has been televised in 120 countries. In 1999, Sesame Street surpassed Captain Kangaroo for the longest running American children’s program.
Recent budget cuts proposed by the Bush Administration may put the future of Sesame Street in danger. If the cuts are passed, federal funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting would be decreased by almost 25 percent. This would limit their ability to support popular shows such as Sesame Street. Children’s Media Consultant explores in more detail what this might mean for the future of Sesame Street.
If you don’t want to see these cuts take place, stand up and let your voice be heard. Contact your local Congressional Representatives and let them know what you think.
Sesame Street, Sesame Workshop, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Captain Kangaroo, budget, Bush Administration, PBS, Congress
February 9th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Unbelievable! Sure, lets cut funding for programs that help our children learn and instead spend that money on kickbacks to large corporations in Texas. Better yet, maybe Bush should start watching Sesame Street a little more often, might help with his public speaking.
February 10th, 2007 at 7:59 am
Great post.
Boy, are our priorities screwed up as a nation. Most of us were raised on Sesame Street. It is THE standard in children’s programming.
February 10th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
I used to love Sesame Street. Hope the show goes on!