WIESBADEN, Germany - "Kids News has been inspiring children all over Europe since 2007," said Peter Witmer, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden school liaison officer.
Having started off as a television show for AFN Hessen, in 2012 it was changed to a radio format for AFN Wiesbaden, Witmer said.
Student participants ranging in grade from elementary to high school use the experience to inform the community about upcoming events ranging from testing to sports happenings, current events to other school activities.
"These kids get on the radio to inspire other kids to learn," Witmer said, adding that Kids News also gives them an opportunity to develop their public speaking skills. "Some of the kids who do the news are interested in broadcasting while others just find it very interesting. … And it brings so much joy to the parents in the community -- getting the chance to hear their children's voices on the radio."
"Throughout the eight years there have been more than 10 different producers and four different station commanders, but everyone … has continued the tradition," said Witmer. The current producer is Air Force Staff Sgt. Jaime Ciciora who has been the primary producer since November 2013.
"I work with the high school film program with Mr. Smith and I also love working with kids, so I wanted to take over Kids News as their producer. Another reason why I wanted to be the producer is because I wanted to take the time to make it educational and show them how and why we do things a certain way so they have a better idea before we record anything," Ciciora said. "This also allows them to be more comfortable to talk to me."
With different ages and skill levels come different challenges. "The interview tends to be more difficult with the younger kids because they are unsure of what they should say. High-schoolers are more confident and comfortable speaking usually," Ciciora said.
"Every group of kids comes to the station with a different personality. Some come in nervous, others shy, and some are so charismatic and ready to get on the mic," she said. "Before going on air I go over what the kids will be talking about, the time positions that every person will have -- and since there is only one microphone in the studio, we discuss when each child will talk … to avoid audio problems. I like to think of it as going over our 'game plan.'
"There's a lot of editing afterwards, but it's a great opportunity for the kids," Ciciora said, adding that the students seem to really like having the chance to visit with the live afternoon DJ, Sgt. Boris Shiloff to take a photo and to get a Kids News T-shirt after recording Kids News.
"I have parents who come to me two or three years later or before they PCS and thank me for coordinating this program," said Witmer. "This program changes children's lives and boosts their confidence to speak out publicly. It acts as a breakthrough for them to find themselves.
"It can also be something for them to add to their resumes. Overall it's just a great experience," Witmer said. (Kierra Carr, a Wiesbaden High School senior, is a student intern with the garrison's Public Affairs Office)
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