Although teen-inspired shows like "Dawson’s Creek" and "The Gilmore Girls" have tried to reach out to the under-21 audience, there aren’t many television programs that reflect the concerns and opinions of teen-agers today. That lack of coverage prompted Fairfax County’s Public Access station Channel 10 to produce a series of programs aimed at discovering what’s on teens’ minds. Taped on a recent Saturday afternoon and set to air later this spring, the series asked six area teens to talk about issues like race, money, cliques, friends and family, and drugs and alcohol. The participating teens suggested some of the topics.
Five seniors from Oakton High School — Deanna Benavidez, Julia Tetreault, Kristin Summers, Nicole McMahon and Katie Larioni — and one freshman from James Madison High School, Ida Abrahamson, participated in the taping at the Phoenix Teen Center in the Vienna Community Center. The 4-hour footage will be split into six 30-minute episodes aired over April, May and June.
Teens "tend to be dismissed by the general media and adults in general," said Jerry Ferguson, director of for Fairfax Public Access Channel 10 and producer of the series. "We just want to get an idea of what’s on the mind of the average teen."
If the series is successful, the station may make future episodes using the same format. This series would be the first of its kind for the station.
Air dates for the episodes are April 20 and 27, May 18 and 25, June 15 and 22. The Sunday episodes air at 9 p.m. During the week, the Sunday episodes will be repeated on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. and Thursday at noon.
During the taping, the teens discussed a variety of issues moderated by host Brandy Mullen. Although far from comprehensive, what follows are excerpts from some of their conversations. One of the issues discussed was relationships. The panel members, all female, agreed that they know female students who talk about boys all the time.
"I don’t think it’s necessary to have a boyfriend," said Julia Tetreault, a senior at Oakton High School.
"Some girls may do anything for a boyfriend," said fellow Oakton senior Katie Larioni.
"I lost one of my best friends," said Ida Abrahamson, a freshman at Madison High School, referring to a friend who started dating someone at the expense of friendships.
The discussion led to their thoughts about sharing with their parents and trusting them with their problems.
"They’ll tell me the truth about anything," said Oakton senior Deanna Benavidez.
"I know she’s not going to go and tell people," Julia said of her mother.
"They are still parents, and they can discipline you," Katie said.
The teens also talked about the then looming war with Iraq, with some differing on what should be done.
"It’s important, but I don’t think they’re in any closer agreement," said Julia, on President George W. Bush’s decision not to wait for a United Nations resolution. Saddam "is too much of a threat, not just to us, but to his own people."
Katie agreed, "Talking isn’t working." When asked about people who oppose a war, Katie replied, "You should have the freedom to say whatever you want."
Oakton senior Nicole McMahon said she had heard other students calling Bush "stupid" and thought it was disrespectful.
"It makes me so mad … if you’re calling the leader" of the United States stupid, Nicole said.
As the taping progressed, the teens talked about money and fame. Some thought that if a female entertainer has a younger audience, she should be mindful of what image she projects.
"I would respect someone more if they were a nice person," said Julia on celebrities.
"You have to be yourself for yourself," said Katie. When the teens talked about Christina Aguilera’s frank sexuality and her skimpy outfits, Katie said, "She’s doing that because it’s sex appeal. She’ll shock people into buying her albums."
"You’re a role model. You have to be a role model," Katie later added, when asked what she would do if she were a pop star.
On money, all the teens agreed that they don’t understand its value.
"When students have better cars than their teachers, it’s ridiculous," said Julia.
"You don’t need a Mercedes or a BMW," Katie added.
"I just don’t want to worry about money now, not until I have to," Nicole said.
"I’ve noticed that since I’ve been working, I’ve been wanting to save my money," said Deanna.