Ohio State's news, experts and events give you more on the news

News

TV News Teaches More About Politics To The Less-Educated-- Television news, much maligned for its lack of content, may actually help less-educated people learn about political candidates. A new study finds that people who had a high school education or less scored higher on a quiz about the 1996 presidential candidates if they watched a lot of television news. This suggests that up to half of all Americans could benefit from such viewing. But people with college degrees scored the same whether they watched television news or not, according to William P. Eveland, assistant professor of journalism and communication at Ohio State University. Contact: William P. Eveland, (614) 247-6004.

Experts

The bottom line on the holiday shopping season - Retailers depend on consumers to buy, buy, buy during December in order to meet their profit goals for the year. Lucia Dunn, professor of economics, can discuss how this shopping season in shaping up, both in Ohio and nationally. She can talk about consumer confidence, how much shoppers plan to spend, and whether retailers will be happy with their sales during this crucial period. Contact: Lucia Dunn, Economics, (614) 292-8071.

Events

Fair highlights 'hidden benefits' of working at OSU - Dec. 13. The University Staff Advisory Committee's 6th annual Hidden Benefits Fair will be held Wednesday, December 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at French Field House. The event showcases many benefits and services available to Ohio State University staff and faculty. In addition to plenty of freebies for those attending, many University areas will be selling their products. Honey from the Bee Lab, dinosaur toys from the Orton Geological Museum and more! For additional information, visit www.osu.edu/org/usac

Child Care Center celebrates prestigious NAEYC accreditation-Dec. 15. The Ohio State University Child Care Center has just received accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This prestigious recognition has been achieved by only 7% of early childhood programs nationwide. Located at 725 Ackerman Road, the center serves over 360 children ranging in age from 6 weeks through 11 years. To celebrate the accreditation, the Ohio State Child Care Center will hold an Open House on Friday, December 15, from 4:30-6 p.m. Parents, children and the media are welcome. NAEYC accreditation is a rigorous, voluntary process by which early childhood programs demonstrate that they meet national standards of excellence. Contact:Jean Dodson, Child Care Center, (614) 292-4453.

The person listed as Contact will have the best information about the story. Call on our media relations staff for help with any Ohio State story--Elizabeth Conlisk, (614) 292-3040; Amy Murray, (614) 292-8385; Lesley Deaderick, (614) 292-0569; Melinda Sadar, (614) 292-8298; and Karissa Shivley, (614) 292-8295.

Compiled by Amy Murray, University Relations, (Murray-Goedde.1@osu.edu)