What Happened? The Story of September 11, 2001
Nickelodeon Network’s Nick News with Linda Ellerbee is known for it’s ability to distill complex events into a package of information and analysis that helps kids (and adults!) better understand our world. On September 1, 2011, this award winning program will cover the tenth anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center, a day that truly changed our society and many aspects of how we live and view our security.
Hosted by Linda Ellerbee, the veteran journalist begins What Happened? The Story of September 11, 2001 by explaining they will not be showing the most horrific images from that fateful day. In fact, the program includes only a couple of shots of the buildings actually burning and collapsing. Interviews with children and teens also reveal there are many myths and misunderstandings about the events, providing further justification as to why this program is required and why it is important for parents to help clarify the facts and calm fears their children may have.
In between the statistics and descriptions are interviews from a selection of young adults who were children and young teens when the tragedy happened. One recalls being home from school, living just a block away from what is now known as Ground Zero. A young woman talks of a fireman who carried her to safety. And another discusses the loss of her sister, a passenger on Flight 93. This is the plane that crashed into an empty field after its occupants took control of the situation and prevented it from reaching its intended target.
With the anniversary approaching, news reports and coverage will certainly continue to increase. What Happened? The Story of September 11, 2001 is a sensitive and informative half hour that will provide parents a launching pad for further discussion about this sorrowful event.
What Happened? The Story of September 11, 2001 will broadcast on Nickelodeon Network on September 1 at 9 PM (ET/PT). For those who can’t view this program at its broadcast time, it will be made available afterwards on iTunes as a free podcast. It will also be in Nickelodeon’s VOD offerings for the month of September.
Note: Dramatized accounts of 9/11 are shown in the movies: United 93 (rated R) and World Trade Center (rated PG-13).
