The segments were broadcast in the United States on the CBS television network from 1971 until 1986, between Saturday morning animated cartoon programs, alongside features like Schoolhouse Rock!

The "micro-series" (as it would be labeled today) had its genesis in a series of animated interstitials produced by CBS and Hanna-Barbera Productions called In the Know, featuring Josie and the Pussycats narrating educational news segments tailored for children.

Video clips of national or world events and special-interest stories were shown with voice-over narration specifically written with children in mind.

[1] Through the late 1970s through early 1980s, they were generally preceded by an animated bumper featuring a character from one of CBS' Saturday morning programs (such as Batman, The Robonic Stooges, Popeye, Mighty Mouse, or Bugs Bunny) announcing, "Next, another interesting story that is In the News!".

The series was briefly revived as part of CBS's all-"educational/informational" Saturday morning lineup during the 1997–1998 season, but without the involvement of original narrators Glenn and Shepard.