Encore: 50 years ago, 'The Electric Company' used comedy to help kids' reading skills

NPR | By Elizabeth Blair

Published November 25, 2021 at 4:19 PM EST

50 years ago, The Electric Company premiered its first broadcast. The public broadcasting show aimed to use sketch comedy and animated shorts to teach kids to read.

Elizabeth Blair

See stories by Elizabeth Blair

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

Pope Leo XIV leaves hospital days after lung cancer surgery

Willem Marx

The Pope left Rome's Gemelli Hospital Saturday, days after surgery for lung cancer removed the lower lobe of his right lung. He is currently scheduled to travel to Latin America in November.
NPR News

Zelenskyy urges support for new US sanctions on Russia after Trump puts them on hold

The Associated Press

Zelenskyy described the move as unfortunate, adding it would encourage Russia to continue its assault. Trump told Congress that the pause was in the national interest but gave no further details.
NPR News

Perspective: Midterm money madness

Scott Simon

Campaign ad spending has topped $10 billion this election cycle, as voters struggle to afford groceries and gas.
Suspect in deadly Oregon elementary school shooting was a former student

Jaclyn Diaz, Scott Simon

Authorities say the 16-year-old suspect in a school shooting that killed three children and one teacher at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon was once a student there.
NPR News

Fraud, affordability and Trump policies drive friction in Minnesota Senate debate

Peter Cox, Scott Simon

The major party candidates for Minnesota's U.S. Senate seat faced off in an hourlong debate Friday on MPR News with fraud, affordability and fallout from the Trump administration's policies as key points of friction.