UNITED STATES: Nickelodeon Mulling Post-Spears Pregnancy Show

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

UNITED STATES: Nickelodeon Mulling Post-Spears Pregnancy Show

Associated Press (12.20.07) - Friday, December 21, 2007
David Bauder

The television network Nickelodeon is in talks with Linda Ellerbee to do a special on teen sex and love following the news that the 16-year-old star of one of its top-rated shows is pregnant. Earlier this week, Jamie Lynn Spears, the younger sister of pop star Britney Spears, of "Zoey 101" told the celebrity magazine OK! that she is pregnant. The father is her 19-year-old boyfriend Casey Aldridge, Spears said. She plans to raise the baby in Louisiana, her home state.

Ellerbee, a veteran newscaster who has in the past done shows on talking to children about difficult issues, said: "I think it's important that something be done. But I think it's important that it be done in a measured way, and not just to feed the beast of news stories."

Instead of focusing strictly on Spears, Ellerbee said she is considering a broad discussion about how people know they are in love; when is the right time to have sex; and what are the value systems of their parents and friends. The special could air as soon as next month.

"Right now what Nickelodeon is trying to do and what I am trying to do is figure out what is the best thing to do for kids," said Ellerbee. Dan Martinsen, the network's spokesperson, said no decision has been made.

Nickelodeon has received a mixed response to the story from its viewers, and the news has prompted a public discussion about how parents should address the issue. "This is a great opportunity for parents at this moment to talk to their kids and, more important, to listen to their kids about this," said Ellerbee.
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