Just a week after revealing its plans for a strategic investment in German distributor Your Family Entertainment AG (YFE) with the ultimate goal of creating Kartoon Channel! Worldwide, Genius Brands International has offered an update on its distribution plans.
Genius Brands and YFE will debut a Kartoon Genius programming block across YFE channels that will air every morning on channels across Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Managing Director Paul Robinson is leading the charge in programming the rollout.
“With his background as managing director of Walt Disney Television International and his successful history setting up children’s content delivery systems worldwide, there is nobody in my opinion more qualified than Paul Robinson to build value for this company and create the next great global children’s distribution system,” says Genius Brands Chairman and CEO Andy Heyward.
Robinson emphasizes the need for global kids’ content that is not only entertaining but safe and enriching for young audiences.
“In today’s world, more than ever, parents want to know that what their kids are watching on television is safe. We hear this over and over again, and Genius Brands is committed to fulfilling it not only as a producer but also now as a global broadcaster through Kartoon Channel! Worldwide,” Robinson says. “There will be no violence, no inappropriate language, images, negative role models, or stereotypes. Kartoon Channel! in the U.S. has embraced these messages, which we plan to now elevate globally to the next level through our expanded lineup and increased distribution footprint across the EMEA, Asia-Pacific, and South America. We believe that there is no other global channel system for children out there delivering this level quality of curated safe content today.”
The Kartoon Genius programming block features first-run content from the Genius Brands International portfolio, including Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger; Rainbow Rangers; Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club; Albert; Space Yoghurt; Kids Songs; and Reboot.
In October, Genius Brands entered into an agreement to acquire Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media in a deal that includes $53 million in cash and stock.
WOW! has facilities in Toronto, Vancouver, New York, and Los Angeles that it uses to produce animation for companies including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sony, Hulu, Dreamworks, Moonbug, Peacock, and Mattel, among others. WOW! owns Frederator Studios (Adventure Time, FairlyOdd Parents, Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory, Castlevania) and Mainframe Studios (Madagascar – a Little Wild, Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse).
