Podcasting has developed significantly since its entrance, ultimately becoming a prominent trend in social media creation. Famous social media content creators have begun to create audio and video podcasts in order to make deeper connections with their audiences and explore issues that are new to them but attractive to their followers. Podcasts have evolved into a new kind of influence.
For many journalists, these technological advancements and the surge in social media popularity are the key ingredients to widen their scope of reporting. In a world full of social apps, it has become common for journalists to have their own channel to report news and have a podcast with notable figures from various professions. The majority of the information reported is adult-appropriate. When it comes to kids, it has become practically impossible in today’s media environment to have kids turn off their tablets or television, put away video games, and listen to a story.
In podcasts, engaging hosts and exciting stories can play a pivotal role in teaching kids about science, history, and wars. A compelling story in a podcast can encourage children to use their creativity and critical thinking abilities. Sarah Jones is an example of a host who helps kids better understand what is happening in the world. She has hosted a podcast for kids called “Sarah Jones Breaks it Down.” Jones is an Emmy award-winning journalist with over 14 years of experience in the field of journalism.
Podcast for the kids
Podcasts vary in quality and age-appropriateness, so parents must check a podcast’s online ratings for their kids. Common Sense’s ratings and reviews can help parents find the appropriate podcast that plays a crucial role in child development, learning, and diverse representation. Jones’s podcast received a five-star rating from Common Sense Media in terms of providing trustworthy information for more than 100 million children and families on a global scale. It was also featured as the best podcast of 2022 by Common Sense. Apple Podcasts also highlighted her podcast as a back-to-school essential.
Making news accessible, understandable, and relatable
To make news relevant, it is essential to make it accessible, understandable, and relatable. Media plays an important role when it comes to unveiling complex issues and making them easily understandable to everyday people. Kids see or hear the news many times a day on television, radio, newspaper, and in today’s world, the internet. Although they may not always understand what they hear or see in the news. Still, sometimes that confusion can lead them to anxiety and worry.
When involved in a podcast, both kids and grownups want to listen to something that resonates with their lives but also adds value to their understanding of the world around them. In this regard, Jones breaks down the news beyond the headlines, using interviews, conversations, and compelling stories to make news accessible, understandable, and relatable. Her Breaks it Down is a journalistic podcast primarily for kids to help them break down news and current affairs as well as learn digital literacy.
Driving grownups to connect with young listeners
Jones promotes and accentuates curiosity, communication, and honesty in her podcast. Some of the issues discussed may raise questions and worries among kids; the first series of episodes covered many aspects of war. Although Jones’s podcast focuses on kids, it drove adults to preview or listen to the episodes to connect with young listeners about their thoughts due to the material given. While there are no specific graphic descriptions of scenarios, Jones allowed the guests to discuss their experiences, detailing their dread, sorrow, and trauma. Sarah Jones Breaks it Down is part of the A Kids Company About podcast network. It is recognized for shows with great hosts and high-quality content about diversity and social justice.
Put simply, Sarah Jones has shared her extensive knowledge with kids in her podcast that gained considerable attention from notable platforms like Common Sense Media and Apple Podcasts. Jones is one of the top twenty North American Young Leaders chosen by Friends of Europe. She has also authored a Kids Book About war, which helps kids understand war in simple terms. Her book revolves around what war is, how wars start, and what happens after a war.