Nickelodeon Sets Final ‘Nick News’ Episode

Nickelodeon will end its Nick News With Linda Ellerbee series after a quarter century run with a retrospective episode on Dec. 15, the network said Tuesday.

The series, which launched in 1990, is the longest-running kids’ news show in television history, according to the network.

Ellerbee, who is retiring, will highlight some of the series’ most poignant episodes and discussions during the one-hour special episode.

Throughout its run the series has dealt with such heavy-hitting news issues as the Iraq War, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, The Oklahoma City bombing and Hurricane Katrina, as well as controversial issues such as AIDS, sexuality and racisn, the network said.

“For the past 25 years, few people have served kids better than Linda Ellerbee and her staff at Nick News,” said Cyma Zarghami, President, Viacom Kids and Family Group. “She has helped multiple generations of kids understand the issues of the day, and she helped a lot of parents navigate how to talk about the tough topics, as well. We are deeply grateful for her immeasurable contributions to Nickelodeon, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.