Recap To The Month: Starsat Welcomes Replacement To FOX, DreamWorks, Investigation Discovery, Real Time And More

For several years, StarSat has lost out on a variety of channels including FOX, Discovery Family, Soul Music, TLNovelas, Tshwane TV and OnseTV. Not long ago, the pay-tv platform unveiled 4 channels: FilmBox Action, CBS Reality, CBS Justice and Kartoon Channel.

In 2021, The Walt Disney Company ceased distribution of the general entertainment brand, FOX. Home to shows now seen on Disney+ Star such as How I Met Your Mother, The Walking Dead which recently made its freemium debut on eXposed and The Simpsons.

FilmBox Action (channel 140) is a channel dedicated to the action genre basically catering to the same target audience and group as FOX with classic Hollywood films, spectacular series from the US, Europe, and Asia, and modern heart-pounding blockbusters.

Following FOX's demise is Warner Bros. Discovery's factual and lifestyle offering including Discovery Family, Fine Living, Discovery Science, Real Time and Investigation Discovery part of which still remain on DStv while others are viewed on other African platforms.

CBS Reality (channel 170) offers captivating television guaranteed to shock and entertain. It features one of the most beloved TV personalities, the queen of the courtroom herself: Judge Judy. Other great shows include the ever-popular Cheaters.

CBS Justice (channel 222) is for true-crime lovers. Nothing is scarier than a true story, and this channel has some of the best: from glamourous offences by the rich and famous to passion killings by the guy next door. Both CBS channels make up for these 5 brands.

Lastly, DreamWorks owned by NBCUniversal was scrapped from the platform after two years and at the time pay-tv platform was on a cutting spree. Of course, there's was no reason for the sudden dismal all that is known is it's existence through the DStv platform.

Kartoon Channel (channel 304) entertains kids aged two to ten. Wonderfully entertaining children’s shows are played daily, with family-friendly movies over the weekends. From Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten and Angry Birds to Peppa Pig.

Compared to the likes of DStv, StarSat implemented a price freeze meaning consumers will recieve more entertainment at the exact same price on top of a reward incentive for loyal Special Package subscribers wishing to upgrade to Super.

To help bolster the value of StarSat’s mid-tier offering, StarSat will be graduating four channels to the Super Package: Manchester United TV (channel 252), Real Madrid TV (channel 254), MSNBC (channel 263), and Fashion TV Africa (channel 282).

Despite the efforts, StarSat wasn't prepared to have their feed of Russia Today cut off joining another channel which went dark on the platform in 2023, Glow TV. The pay-tv platform hopes to welcome more channels in the current financial year.

Roundups #135: Genius Brands Rolls Out A Music Division, A Rebroadcast Of Die Put Makes Way To e.tv's Line-up And Chaos Reigns At BBC News Ahead Of Merger With BBC World News

Kartoon Channel becomes a music division

Genius Music, which launched this month, already has a library of more than 8,000 tracks stemming from its own original brands and also from IPs it has inherited through recent acquisitions of companies including WOW! Unlimited Media and Your Family Entertainment.

According to a release, Genius Music plans to distribute and license these assets on streaming channels and music platforms. One of its first projects will be to develop and monetize original music for animated series Shaq’s Garage (co-produced with Ireland’s Telegael), which is slated to premiere on GB’s Kartoon Channel!

Former Saban Brands music supervisor Juan Carlos Quintero will oversee the division and serve as an executive music producer, with an eye towards making new content that spans a variety of genres. Quintero brings more than 20 years of experience as a music producer/composer with him to Genius Music, having managed production music libraries for companies including Warner Chappell, Café Moondo, Megatrax and 5 Alarm Music. And during an eight-year stint at Saban Brands, he worked on kids brands such as Power Rangers, Digimon and Popples.

Regular Nick:
- Operation Ouch returns for a new season on Da Vinci Kids
- Several Cartoonito domains have been registered
- February on Disney Channel and Junior
- New Bear Grylls series is coming soon to Da Vinci Kids

More drugs and violence is coming to e.tv

Directed by Sinan Öztürk, it is an acclaimed series with four seasons completed. Die Put is set in the dangerous Istanbul neighbourhood Çukur and revolves around a ruling mafia family and a prodigal son who needs to return home to save his family. Of course, there is also a beautiful girl and some romance in addition to the drama, danger and family secrets.

Viewers can expect a gripping first season of Die Put, with the Koçova family (a family that is often closely related to crime) that rules the neighbourhood of Çukur. The Koçovas have their own set of rules and one of these is that drugs cannot be produced, used or sold in Çukur.

In the series, the newcomer, Vartolu is determined to break the ban and after his initial attempts to negotiate with the Koçova family is rejected, he attacks the family and the neighbourhood. But, just as he thinks he has broken the Koçova family and brought them to their knees, something unexpected happens.

Openview Plus:
- eExtra scrapped the launch of 4 telenovelas
- Verdeelde Liefde to return with a second season on eExtra
- Imbewu has been cancelled on e.tv after 5 seasons
- A look at former NBC soap, Passions

More cuts awaiting the new version of BBC World News

In three months’ time, BBC World News and BBC News Channel are due to complete their merger to create a single service for audiences in the UK and around the world. But, according to BBC sources speaking to The Sunday Times, the service could end up with “the softest launch, so as to be indiscernible”.

Under the BBC’s proposals, the new TV news service would offer opt-outs for viewers in the UK, carrying simulcasts of news programmes on BBC One and BBC Two. Outside of these simulcasts, the BBC is due to retain a back-up facility allowing the channel to breakout of the international schedule to show UK-specific breaking news.

The report cites sources within the BBC who say bosses are not able to say how this break-out stream will work. Staff fear the service will be under-resourced. On the new service, presenters will be expected to manually work the autocue.

How Kartoon Channel Will Likely Launch On The DStv Platform If Considered?

Kartoon Channel is a kids channel operated by SPI International which serves a division for Canal+ that airs quality animations including Angry Birds, Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten, Rainbow Light Brigade, Om's Story and Barbie's Dog Adventure.

With a core audience of 2 - 10 yrs, Kartoon Channel aims at providing family entertainment content, the program scheduling fully considers the activity time for children of all ages. Every weekend, family and children movies will also be broadcasted.

The channel's parent company as reported had finalised a multimillion dollar deal with TOHO International for critically-acclaimed series, Bee and PuppyCat, Frederator’s pop culture phenomenon Bravest Warriors, and the upcoming series Catbug, based on the popular character in the Bravest Warriors’ series.

As some readers are already aware of the condition with its carrier, StarSat. It's basically a ticking time bomb after closing about 30+ channels in a short span of time with replacements failing to materialize 90% of the time and that 10% taking the plunge part of the time.

Insidus Games:
- Powerpuff Girls Snowboarding
- Baby Felix Halloween
- Looney Tunes Monster Match
- Thor: The Dark World

You got to wonder whether Kartoon Channel would end up like DreamWorks which too was exclusive to the platform before getting scrapped after two years and eventually rolling out on the DStv platform.

As mentioned a while ago, Kartoon Channel aside from StarSat was rumoured to rollout in two other platforms one of which were MultiChoice's DStv but here's the problem regarding that matter.

MultiChoice has been facing transponder constraints almost like when your storage space is almost full so you have rid yourself of useless items in order to make space for more furniture which was the case for last year as Tellytrack, Lifetime, Novela Magic and MTV Hits fell prey to that matter.

And I'm not saying that Kartoon Channel will be another placeholder but with the current scenario facing several other brands on the platform. It wouldn't be shocking if it were fortunate enough to rollout once another channel closes.

Taking to account which channels are likely closing or might be on the chopping block

1. Disney Channel and Disney Junior
The Walt Disney Company is planning to close more international channels with Africa set to lose these channels sometime in 2024 as more content is available to stream on Disney+.

We're not saying MultiChoice will use Kartoon Channel as leverage for two channels but the replacement will likely be independent and not become another Nicktoons so the likelihood just like Cartoon Network it might as well offer preschool shows.

Regular Nick:
- Could Universal Kids be the next channel to close down from NBCUniversal?
- Here are other ways to view PBS Kids
- The Twisted Timeline Of Sammy And Raj coming soon to Nickelodeon
- Predictions: Nicktoons and Boomerang's untimely demise

2. JimJam
AMC International has been making some major cutbacks in staff and this is due to the fact that most consumers would rather watch Wednesday on Netflix as opposed to repeats of Judge Judy on CBS Reality.

Not long ago, the CBS brand name was phased in most of their property in the UK. It wouldn't be surprising if they were some cutting down for this preschool brand as it hasn't been all that productive during the years.

3. Nicktoons
Kind of like AMC International, even Paramount is reducing staff for a similar reason people are exhausted of watching the entire 12 seasons of The Big Bang Theory on Comedy Central. So what better than reducing the amount of localised feeds or variations.

Compared to Nick Jr, Nicktoons hasn't been as productive as some viewers may think as the channel schedule mainly consists of cancelled series Horrid Henry, The Casagrandes and likely Middlemost Post with trashfest Best & Bester getting burnt off.

Another channel MultiChoice and Paramount might as well chop the finger.

Genius Brands Expands International Market Launches For Kartoon Channel! Worldwide

Continuing to build the global footprint of Kartoon Channel! Worldwide, Genius Brands International, Inc. has signed a deal with China’s StarTimes to launch the rapidly growing Kartoon Channel! on January 31st on DTH satellite and digital terrestrial in South Africa and in 46 countries throughout the Sub-Saharan African region.

The brand new 24/7 Kartoon Channel!, dedicated to Africa, will be available to all StarTimes customers in the basic tier on DTH satellite and digital terrestrial: channel 304 on satellite and channel 357 on DTT (276 in Uganda). Kartoon Channel! Africa will offer exclusive and first run series that have proven popular with kids and families, including Genius Brands’ originals “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, “Rainbow Rangers,” “Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab,” and “Llama Llama,” starring Jennifer Garner and based on the bestselling children’s book franchise. The channel will also feature family-friendly movies on the weekends such as “Stan Lee’s Mighty 7,” “Ella Bella Bingo,” “Toys and Pets,” and “Boonie Bears.”

Insidus Games:
- Powerpuff Girls Snowboarding
- Baby Felix Halloween
- Looney Tunes Monster Match
- Thor: The Dark World

Additionally, Kartoon Channel! Africa will internationally premier the recently announced new 10-episode elimination-style competition reality series and accompanying Roblox Game Experiences for children, Kidaverse Roblox* Rumble. Hosted by TV personality and former NFL star, Rashad Jennings, the series will air as part of a games-branded programming block on weekday afternoons.

“We continue to build the global presence of Kartoon Channel! by creating unique partnerships, and we are delighted and honored to work with StarTimes to bring Kartoon Channel! to African kids and families in 2023. Our family-friendly brand values and safe environment deliver the perfect recipe to entertain and inform kids via characters and shows they adore. We are just getting started in growing Kartoon Channel! as a preeminent children’s entertainment destination worldwide,” stated President of Kartoon Channel! Worldwide Paul Robinson.

“We are thrilled to launch a channel throughout Africa that offers such a diverse line-up of programming for children 2 – 12-years-old and their families.  With safe, value-driven content across multiple genres, we anticipate Kartoon Channel! to be a hit across the region, and look forward to working with Genius Brands in the coming years to bring a unique entertainment experience to our young audiences across the region,” said General Manager of StarTimes Media Lily Meng.

Kartoon Channel! is currently available in key territories around the world, including Australia and New Zealand (Samsung TV Plus), Germany (Waipu), and the Philippines (Tapp Digital). Kartoon Channel! branded blocks are also currently available in 65 countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

Regular Nick:
- Could Universal Kids be the next channel to close down from NBCUniversal?
- Here are other ways to view PBS Kids
- The Twisted Timeline Of Sammy And Raj coming soon to Nickelodeon
- Predictions: Nicktoons and Boomerang's untimely demise

New Channel Alert: FilmBox Action And Kartoon Channel Coming Soon To StarSat With Qwest TV On DStv

For several years, StarTimes has been losing a bouquet of premium international channels ranging from The Smithsonian Channel, Love Nature, DreamWorks, Real Time and Investigation Discovery with the much needed alternatives almost nowhere in site.

Now the pay-tv platform seems to be picking up the cracks as they unveiled two new channels for their consumers: FilmBox Action and Kartoon Channel.

FilmBox Action is a general entertainment channel basically SPI International's version of M-Net Movies 2 and KIX with a limited amount of series. Some of the stars include Steven Seagal, Jason Statham, Bruce Willis, Al Pacino and many others from U.S. and global.

StarSat:
- The Smithsonian Channel closing down in the UK
- Delayed SABC channel launch on StarSat explained
- Russia Today to launch South African hub
- StarSat trying to be DStv friendly

Kartoon Channel is an kids entertainment channel and not to be mistaken for Cartoon Network. It is owned by Genius Brands International with its core audience being 2-12 years with content like Angry Birds, Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten and Rainbow Light Brigade.

FilmBox Action is allocated on channel 140 on the Smart bouquet while Kartoon Channel on 307 and on the Basic package on channel 358. There's no confirmation on whether this includes the South African feed but it might as well launch.

As outlined, StarSat across Africa lost a bouquet of channels and FilmBox Action in a way helps the lossen the pain left by FOX which was scrapped by The Walt Disney Company internationally while Kartoon Channel might as well be a replacement for DreamWorks.

DStv:
- MultiChoice might lose yet another two channels
- Could Russia Today be removed from the DStv platform?
- Qwest TV coming soon to Showmax
- eMedia's 4 channels to go dark on the DStv platform

In other developments, MultiChoice will be allocating their first channel later in the month titled Qwest TV which has been in development for several months owned by multi award winning artist Quincy Jones is Jazz infused channel.

It was unveiled alongside Moonbug Kids at the DStv Showcase, according to sources it was meant to launch last year but for some reason that never happened so it's gearing up for an early 2023 to replace MTV Hits in South Africa and serve as an additional channel everywhere else. Qwest TV is said to be accompanied alongside another channel sources won't share.

Disclosure: Kartoon Channel was also rumoured to launch on another platform alongside DStv.

Kartoon Channel's Parent Company Acquire 50% Ownership in Select Content and Consumer Products From Genius Brands’ Frederator Network

Genius Brands International, Inc., through its WOW! Unlimited Media subsidiary, Frederator Network, today announced it has completed a deal with TOHO International, a subsidiary of one of the largest media companies in Japan, whereby TOHO International is making a multimillion-dollar investment to acquire a 50% stake in two of the Company’s original productions, the critically-acclaimed series, Bee and PuppyCat, following its successful launch on Netflix, Frederator’s pop culture phenomenon Bravest Warriors, and the upcoming series Catbug, based on the popular character created in the Bravest Warriors’ series.

The deal provides a framework for Genius Brands’ Frederator Network and TOHO International to co-produce new content for the properties and cooperatively develop a global consumer products campaign. Genius Brands will oversee global distribution and consumer products development for the properties, excluding Asia, which will be handled by TOHO International. Additionally, a dedicated online store for Bee and PuppyCat launched in September 2022, to coincide with the series release on Netflix.

Genius Brands’ consumer products’ team will develop a consumer products retail program for Bravest Warriors, Bee and PuppyCat and Catbug, excluding Asia, which will be handled by TOHO International.

Regular Nick:
- Here are other ways to view PBS Kids
- The Twisted Timeline Of Sammy And Raj coming soon to Nickelodeon
- Predictions: Nicktoons and Boomerang's untimely demise
- Avatar to return with new animated series on Nickelodeon

Michael Hirsh, CEO of WOW! Unlimited Media, parent company of Frederator Network, stated: “Demand for quality animated content is greater than ever, and yet we recognize the importance of delivering productions that can stand out and provide enduring value. As illustration, I’m proud to report that the LA Times recently voted Bee and PuppyCat as one of the “20 shows our TV experts are most excited to watch this fall.” In fact, the sneak peek trailer of Bee and PuppyCat achieved over 2 million views within 24 hours and has successfully launched on Netflix. At Frederator, our mission is to foster the creativity of content creators and give them a platform to get their projects seen. We are thrilled that our productions, Bravest Warriors, Bee and PuppyCat and Catbug, are now attracting a global audience. Our partnership with Toho will allow us to further expand the reach of these two series, both in terms of distribution and upcoming consumer products.”

Hiro Matsuoka, President of Toho Co., Ltd, commented: “This new deal aligns with our long-term strategy, as we build a more effective system for distribution and licensing of our own IP. We have seen the tremendous global popularity of Bravest Warriors and the growth of Bee and PuppyCat, as well as the growing popularity of Catbug along with the overall Western Anime genre. With our production resources and distribution capabilities across Asia, complementing Genius Brands and Frederators’ expansive network in key markets around the world, we anticipate these two properties will continue to develop a global fan base as we introduce new content and merchandise.”

Andy Heyward, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Genius Brands, commented: “This transaction is a huge privilege for us at Genius Brands to now partner with the pre-eminent media company in Japan, and their visionary management. We believe it is a further validation of our strategic acquisition of WOW! Unlimited Media and their impressive portfolio of original content, which we can then migrate to the streamers, our own Kartoon Channel,! and media platforms around the world.”

From its start as a 2-part, 10-minute short on Frederator Networks that became an immediate hit amassing millions of views on YouTube, to a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign to launch the new Bee and PuppyCat series on Netflix, fans and critics have driven the breakout success of Bee and PuppyCat, with over 2.5M fans across all social channels. Created by Natasha Allegri (“Adventure Time”) and produced by Frederator Network (“Adventure Time” and “Castlevania”), the series’ first full season premiered on September 6 as a Netflix series. Bee and PuppyCat follows a twenty-something temp worker named Bee and her mysterious companion PuppyCat as the two travel on fantastic adventures across space while taking on various intergalactic odd jobs to help make rent.

Insidus Games:
- Tom And Jerry: Infurnal Escape
- Tom And Jerry: The Magic Ring
- The Wild Thornberrys Movie
- The Wild Thornberrys: Chimp Chase

Created by Pendleton Ward (Adventure Time) and headed by showrunner Breehn Burns, Bravest Warriors tells the story of four teenage heroes-for-hire in the year 3085, as they warp through the universe to save adorable aliens and their worlds using the power of their emotions. Launched on YouTube in November 2012, the series rapidly grew an impressive and dedicated online fan base earning 250 million views, three million likes, and over a billion minutes watched. Bravest Warriors was the 2013 Shorty Award winner for Best Web Show and the Online Film and Video (Animation) Honoree at The Webby Awards in 2015.

The Catbug character was created by Breehn Burns and featured in the Frederator Network’s digital series Bravest Warriors. Catbug is growing rapidly into a viral, pop cultural phenomenon across social media platforms--YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter—with videos featuring Catbug achieving over 200 million views to date and counting. Additionally, over 200 million GIFs have been created for Catbug on Giphy.

Genius Brands Expanded Kartoon Channel! Worldwide’s Global Footprint With Launch of “Kartoon Genius” Branded Blocks Across Latin America, the Middle East & North Africa, Could Africa Follow Suit On DStv Or StarSat?

Leveraging its strategic investment in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment AG (“YFE”) (FRA:RTV), to expand the Kartoon Channel! global footprint, Genius Brands International, Inc. (NASDAQ: GNUS) announced the launch of the new Kartoon Channel! Worldwide programming block, “Kartoon Genius,” across Latin America and the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region, reaching 67 countries.

The Kartoon Genius two-hour, Monday - Friday programming block airs across the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region on the pan-regional linear Pay TV channel fully dubbed in Arabic and English. As of March 7, the programming block debuted throughout Central & South America as a linear channel, offering content in Spanish and English languages.

The Kartoon Genius programming blocks offer first-run original content on these platforms and deliver positive entertainment for children and families, underscored by safety and enrichment. Series on the programming block line-up include Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, Llama Llama, Rainbow Rangers, Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club, Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab, and more.

Managing Director of Kartoon Channel! Worldwide Paul Robinson, who previously served as Managing Director of Walt Disney Television International and Senior Vice President Disney Channel Worldwide, commented: “Positive and uplifting children’s entertainment is more in demand today than ever. Since announcing our commitment to launch the Kartoon Channel! internationally less than three months ago, we are off to a fantastic start with pan-regional launches within the next two weeks across The Middle East, North Africa, Central America and South America on the program platforms through Genius Brands’ investment in YFE. The growth of the Kartoon Channel! over the past two years in the U.S., headed by Jon Ollwerther, has been tremendous. Despite the global challenges, children’s entertainment is timeless and enduring. We are extremely excited about the many opportunities we have to bring the channel to the rest of the world and to build it into the preeminent entertainment destination for kids.”

Genius Brands Signs 20-Year Deal with Marvel Studios to License “Stan Lee” for Use in Future Feature...

“Stan Lee Universe, LLC,” Genius Brands International’s “Genius Brands” (NASDAQ: GNUS) controlled venture with POW! Entertainment, has signed a 20-year deal to license the name and likeness of Stan Lee to Marvel Studios for future feature films and television productions, as well as use in Disney theme parks and experiences worldwide.

 

“We are proud to be the stewards of the incredibly valuable rights to Stan Lee’s name, likeness, merchandise, and intellectual property brand,” said Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO of Genius Brands. “And, there is no better place than Marvel and Disney where Stan should be for his movies and theme park experiences. As we enter the centennial year of Stan’s birthday, December 28, 2022, we are thrilled to see his memory and legacy will continue to delight fans through this new long-term agreement with Marvel.”

Under the terms of the deal, Marvel Studios has acquired rights to use Stan Lee’s name, voice, likeness and signature in movies and television projects, as well as use images, existing footage and existing audio recordings featuring Stan. Exclusive rights to use Stan Lee’s name, voice, likeness and signature in theme parks, water parks, cruise lines and in-park merchandise were included for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products as part of the deal.

 

“As Stan’s longtime business partner and friend, I’m looking forward to commemorating his work in this new way,” said Gill Champion, President of POW! Entertainment. “Building a connection with his fans is important to us and it’s a privilege to get to do that on his behalf.”

Stan is one of the most prolific and legendary comic creators of all time. As Marvel's editor-in-chief, Stan "The Man" Lee helped build a universe of interlocking continuity, one where fans felt as if they could turn a street corner and run into a superhero from Spider-Man to the Fantastic Four, Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and more. Stan went on to become Marvel’s editorial director and publisher in 1972, and was eventually named chairman emeritus.

 

Stan also appeared in some of the most popular films of all time. His well-known cameos in Marvel films began in the 1989 telefilm The Trial of the Incredible Hulk. After the release of X-Men in 2000, he appeared in nearly every Marvel film and television project until his passing in 2018.

Among Stan’s many awards is the National Medal of Arts, awarded by President Bush in 2008, and the Disney Legends Award, received in 2017. He was also inducted into the comic industry’s Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame and Jack Kirby Hall of Fame.

MAKING MOVES!!! Moonbug Expands Its Linear Offering To Europe While Genius Brands International Preps Their Global Expansion Killing Off A Certain Brand

Moonbug Expands Its Linear Offering To Europe, Could Africa Follow?
London-based Moonbug Entertainment is expanding its footprint in the MENA region through a new partnership with Orbit Showtime Network (OSN).

On December 12, the pay-TV operator will launch a Moonbug Kids linear channel and streaming hub aimed at preschoolers. The new network is designed to give viewers 175 hours of content.

The series range from CoComelon, Blippi, Morphle, Little Baby Bum, Mia’s Magic Playground, Go Buster, Playtime with Twinkle, Arpo, Gecko’s Garage and Supa Strikas.

This isn’t Moonbug’s first foray into MENA. Earlier this year, it partnered with Etisalat to launch its brands on the telecom company’s e-Junior VOD service and a year ago MultiChoice's Showmax.

Kartoon Channel's Parent Company Is Taking Over
Genius Brands International has entered into an agreement to acquire a 28.6% stake in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment (YFE). The deal, which is still subject to YFE shareholder approval, will see the distributor/broadcaster rebranded as Genius Family Entertainment.

YFE’s kids networks will now also operate under the Kartoon Channel! Worldwide banner. Former Disney exec Paul Robinson has been appointed as managing director of Kartoon Channel! Worldwide, effective immediately. Reporting to Kartoon Channel! president Jon Olwerther, he’s based in London and charged with overseeing the brand’s global expansion.

YFE has more than 4,000 films and episodes of animated and live-action content from both European and US producers in its catalogue.

Moving forward, non-violent content and themes like sustainability will be a focus for its growth. The company will continue to be run by its current management board, which is comprised of CEO Stefan Piech and COO Bernd Wendeln. Genius Brands’ new EVP and GM of global franchise management Kerry Phelan will supervise the global rollout of consumer products based on channel content. Moving forward, Genius plans to invest as much as US$7.8 million to expand YFE’s digital and linear footprint globally.

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Read Also:
- December on Cartoon Network and Boomerang
- December on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
- December on Da Vinci Kids
- National Geographic Africa launches in 2022
- More international content coming to Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and many more
- Cartoonito returning as a linear channel likely for DStv
- A+ possibly coming to DStv
- Showmax unveil their content slate
- More Africa Magic channels on DStv???
- Star Life rebranding to Life OK???
- Travel Channel going off air on DStv???
- Could SABC Encore and Children make their way to DStv? 
- Warner TV might be replacing TNT
- tvN working on becoming permanent in Africa 

Genius Brands Launches Their Very Own Kiddies Channel Online, Will DStv Or StarSat Perhaps Get It?

Former Fox Kids Networks head Margaret Loesch and former Disney exec David Neuman are to be tasked with growing the soon-to-launch kids OTT.

Genius Brands International announced two new hires as it prepares to launch its upcoming digital channel. Former Fox Kids Networks Worldwide president and CEO Margaret Loesch was named executive chairman of the California-based company’s upcoming Kartoon Channel!, and former Disney Television president David Neuman takes the role of chief creative officer.

Loesch previously held roles with Marvel Productions and The Jim Henson Company. She has also served on Genius Brands’ board of directors since 2016. Neuman, meanwhile, joins Genius Brands from media company Happs, a live-streaming news app. He previously served as president of Walt Disney Television from 1996 to 1998.

In their new roles, Loesch and Neuman will be responsible for building viewership, market share and advertising demand for Kartoon Channel! as well as attracting creative content. Neuman will work closely with Caroline Tyre, who was hired by Genius Brands as SVP of international distribution in June 2019.

Kartoon Channel! will launch in the US on June 15 and target kids ages two to 11. More than 4,000 episodes from shows including Baby Genius, Shark Academy, Dino the Dinosaur and Super Geek Heroes will be available on the channel. The OTT channel will not require a subscription, and will be available through a number of platforms, including Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Roku, among others.