Canada’s Sinking Ship Entertainment (SSE) announced today the launch of Media Stamped, a new comedic-educational show teaching kids media literacy, created and hosted by acclaimed writer, Nicole Stamp. Grounded in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, Media Stamped is set to air for a limited run globally on international advocacy organization Global Citizen’s YouTube and on TELUS Optik TV on Demand and the TV+ app in Canada, beginning October 21st. The show also received funding support from the Shaw Rocket Fund.
In the digital world, media literacy is a crucial skill for young people. In Media Stamped, show creator and host Nicole Stamp turns her hilarious analytical skills towards the media kids are already watching. Stamp’s catchy, informative explanations share the latest research, tips from scientific and behavioral experts, and fascinating, funny conversations with opinionated tweens– so kids learn to take in media content with a critical eye. Instead of passively accepting what they watch, they’ll analyze what they’re seeing, and decide for themselves whether they believe it.
"Media Stamped is incredibly timely and essential. From improving body image to spotting disinformation, Nicole empowers young teens to move from passive media consumers to thoughtful critical thinkers,” says J.J. Johnson, series director, executive producer and a partner at Sinking Ship Entertainment. “Thank you to our incredible partners at TELUS independent and Global Citizen for helping to bring this important series to life.”
Series creator, writer, and host Nicole Stamp introduces each topic via interesting questions, prompting young people to step back and self-assess how their use of screentime affects their mental health, schoolwork and relationships. Prestigious experts - including PhDs from Harvard, Yale, the Lausanne, and beyond - weigh in with digestible science, while comedy sketches, animated shorts and behind the scenes clips peel back the curtain to show the science of how our screens captivate us so completely. A fascinating cast of “Opinion Tweens” shares their real-world experiences with screentime overload, self-image challenges, critical thinking, and how the media affects their lives. Every episode ends with an inspiring, attainable set of “Level-Up” tips, to help viewers transform their phones from procrastination machines into tools for connection, creativity, and improved mental health.
“Before highschool even starts, the average tween has spent an entire YEAR of their life online!” says series creator, writer, and host Nicole Stamp. “Fifteen years ago, the whole family discussed network TV shows together. Today, kids wear earbuds and swipe through thousands of random videos, all alone. So it’s crucial to give tweens the skills to think critically about what they’re watching! And today’s tweens think fast, so Media Stamped entertains with quick cuts, lighting transitions, and tons of humour - keeping them engaged while teaching them the skills to find facts, form thoughtful opinions, and most importantly - protect their mental health!”
Aimed at empowering 9 to 12-year-olds to navigate the complex world of media, Media Stamped is grounded in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, which serve as the framework for Global Citizen's advocacy work, driving actions to end extreme poverty around the world. Each episode of the series has companion lesson plans and curriculum materials available, developed by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts and the College of Education and Human Sciences.
The trailer for Media Stamped debuted at the 2024 Global Citizen Festival, held on September 28 in New York City and beginning October 21st, Media Stamped will air globally on Global Citizen’s YouTube and on TELUS Optik TV on Demand and the TV+ app in Canada. Subscribe to Global Citizen’s YouTube to stay notified on the latest episodes.
"Advocating for healthy democracy around the world is central to Global Citizen's mission. To defeat poverty, citizen-led accountability is key to delivery and for that, we need the integrity of civic spaces like social media," said Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder and Chief Policy, Impact and Government Relations Officer, Global Citizen. "Responsible media greatly impacts democracy and how we perceive and respond to global issues. This innovative series will empower young people to navigate today's media thoughtfully, essential in shaping a generation of informed global citizens."
“TELUS is thrilled to collaborate with Sinking Ship on a series that helps teach kids, not only to recognize equitable and reliable narratives, but also to apply critical thinking skills to the creation of their own narratives, every day,” said Christina Willings, Head of Production, TELUS independent. “TELUS is a committed advocate for the responsible use of communication technologies, and is incredibly proud that through Media Stamped, we have the opportunity to help young people make informed choices in complex technological environments.”
Media Stamped is produced by 26-time Emmy Award winners Sinking Ship Entertainment, the globally renowned and industry leading production, distribution, VFX and Interactive studio specializing in children's content. SSE’s award-winning series include the Odd Squad franchise, the Dino Dan and Dino Dana franchises, and Ghostwriter, among many others.
About Nicole Stamp
Nicole Stamp, the series creator, writer, and host of Media Stamped, is a seasoned TV host, writer, director, and producer with 15 years of experience making award-winning, comedic and educational TV for young people. She’s a 3-time CSA-nominated writer and director, and a prolific actor, whose work can be seen on Netflix, Hulu, CBBC, and AppleTV. Stamp has a knack for breaking things down in a relatable, funny way - her writing has gone viral multiple times, including an essay that was shared 70,000 times on Facebook, then published by CNN, where, in just 6 weeks, it skyrocketed to CNN’s top-10 articles of the year. Stamp deeply understands the entertainment industry, online culture, and human behavior – and when she breaks them down, so will kids!
About Sinking Ship Entertainment
With a rich legacy spanning two decades, Sinking Ship Entertainment (SSE) stands as an esteemed global powerhouse in Production, Distribution, VFX, and Interactive content creation, specializing in children’s and family-oriented programming. A recipient of 26 Daytime and Children’s and Family Emmy® Awards, the company’s accolades underscore its commitment to storytelling excellence, fostering educational content and inclusivity, and delivering entertainment that resonates globally. Renowned for groundbreaking original series like Jane (Apple TV+), Ghostwriter (Apple TV+), Dino Dan: Trek’s Adventures (Nickelodeon), and Odd Squad (PBS KIDS), SSE has cemented its global reputation for delivering quality content across 30+ series. Its initiatives also extend beyond screens, having constructed 34 children’s playgrounds, and contributing over $2 million to charitable causes.
In 2023, SSE’s industry leadership was lauded in Kidscreen Magazine’s Hot50 list, while Playback Magazine honored the company as the Best Kids Production Company of the year. 2024 will bring the highly awaited launch of Dino Dex (Amazon Kids+, TVOkids), the latest installment in the company’s celebrated dinosaur franchise, as well as the introduction of a new UK format of Odd Squad (BBC and PBS Kids), and the premiere of the new literacy mystery series, Wordsville (TVOKids, WNET Group). SSE remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, actively engaged in the development of the new adventure series Spaceships with Bill Nye, in collaboration with The Planetary Society. Connect with us for further insights and updates via our website, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
About TELUS independent
TELUS independent is a pilot program created by Canadian telecommunications company, TELUS Communications Inc. The program’s mandate is to support Canadian feature documentaries and limited series driven by authentic, authorial voices. TELUS recognizes that the creation of meaningful solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges requires all voices, deep empathy, and new ways of thinking. TELUS independent’s primary areas of focus are: health and well-being in complex environments, emerging technologies and democracy of access, youth leading global transformation, sustainability and food security, and community.
About Global Citizen
Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organisation on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday activists raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Over the past 10 years, $43.6 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Geneva, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
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