GENIUS BRANDS LAUNCHES “KARTOON CLASSROOM!” PLATFORM

Genius Brands International announced the launch of the new platform, “Kartoon Classroom!. The company also announced Jon Ollwerther’s appointment as General Manager & EVP of Global Business Development, as well as Disney veteran content and programming strategist, Lou Fazio, as a Senior Advisor to collaborate on the launch. "Kartoon Classroom! is the next natural step in that growth, offering unique value for parents and kids,” said Executive Chairman of Kartoon Channel!, " Margaret Loesch.

The recently launch Kartoon Channel! is available to stream free to online every through connected TV, handheld devices, Kartoon Channel!’s website. Genius Brands launches Kartoon Classroom!, an innovative extension of Kartoon Channel! that will feature relevant and impactful STEAM-based content, covering science, technology, engineering arts, and math subjects, along with programming from Genius Brands ‘content with a purpose’ library.

The first show announcement, currently under development, is called “KC! Pop Quiz,” executed under the supervision of former President of Walt Disney Television and Kartoon Channel!’s Chief Content Officer, David Neuman. “We are also thrilled to announce our first original production, KC! Pop Quiz, which will be a highly entertaining, informative, and interactive pop quiz format program for kids and families in the tradition of HQ Trivia and other shows,” Loesch said.

In his new role, Ollwerther will oversee the day-to-day operations of Kartoon Channel! and Kartoon Classroom!, in collaboration with Loesch, Neuman, and Fazio, to bring more quality ‘content with a purpose’ and entertainment experiences to the channel’s growing fan base. He will also continue to drive value across all areas of Genius Brands’ business. “Jon is an energetic visionary and talented executive who brings invaluable expertise, particularly in marrying technology and entertainment, which is vital now in building a children’s media company in the 21st century and our new Kartoon Channel!,” Genius Brands Chairman & CEO Andy Heyward, said.

Ollwerther joined Genius Brands as VP of Business Development in January 2019 . He most recently serving as EVP of Global Brand & Business Development. Before joining Genius Brands, he served as Vice President of Media at Measure, the nation's leading Drone as a Service company where he was responsible for growing the Arts & Entertainment division from its inception, working with leading media companies and advertisers such as ABC, NBC, CBS, ESPN, among many others.  Fazio began his career at USA Network and SYFY channel. He has also held senior programming roles at Disney/ABC, Game Show Network, The Hub Network, and the KCET-Link TV Media Group.

The content includes Early Development’s “Baby Genius,” STEM’s “Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab,” and Financial Literacy and Warren Buffett’s “Secret Millionaires Club.”  Kartoon Classroom! will also showcase content from third party creators around the world, such as Early Development’s “Baby Einstein,” Early Learning’s “Little Smart Planet,” Paleontology’s “I’m A Dinosaur,” and several others. The company also plans to develop fresh original content for the platform.