Genius Brands International, Inc. recently revealed a new “block” of children’s animated series and expanded distribution for its international channels, led by Kartoon Channel! Worldwide’s new Managing Director Paul Robinson. “I am pleased to announce the first global initiative to enhance and deliver even better content and experiences to kids, families, and our affiliate partners across international markets through Kartoon Genius, a daily block of top quality, exclusive, branded, first run animated content, that will be defined by being not just entertaining, but also by being Safe and Enriching," Robinson said.
The new lineup and branding, Kartoon Genius, which follows the recent pending acquisition of Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media Inc. and strategic investment in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment AG, is scheduled to air every morning on Genius Brands International’s new channel footprint across Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. The addition is projected to strenghten existing YFE platforms' content.
Robinson, who previously served as Managing Director of Walt Disney Television International and Senior Vice President Disney Channel Worldwide, explains that the content will target the need for positive, kid-friendly titles. "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," Genius Brands Chairman & CEO Andy Heyward said. "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 Europe/Middle East/Africa, 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 global lineup will feature "Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as "Rainbow Rangers: protecting the environment Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club," Space Yoghurt," and many others. “Kartoon Channel! Worldwide plans to grow the existing footprint of its YFE international channels by partnering across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australasia with pay tv platforms that currently don’t carry the channel and need a high quality, safe children’s channel," Robinson said. "Additionally, as Kartoon Channel! has done in the U.S., we plan to expand distribution in the international markets on connected devices, smart TVs, tablets and mobile devices, with access through Android TV and Apple TV, as well as AVoD, SVoD and FAST channels in international markets."