Nickelodeon said it has even bigger plans for it iconic franchises — SpongeBob, Paw Patrol, Blue’s Clues, Baby Shark, Loud House — at its upfront presentation Thursday. The kids network also showed off new titles, including Monster High and Transformers. In addition to cable, Nickelodeon is a linchpin of parent company Paramount’s streaming efforts, with programming on Paramount Plus and Pluto TV.
FCC Could Move To Ease Station Kids Rules
Among other commission moves to lighten regulation on broadcasters, a suggestion by Commissioner Michael O’Rielly to study whether the E/I rules are still necessary is being seen by some as a trial balloon. Broadcasters would welcome such a move and have offered specific suggestions. Above, Litton Entertainment’s Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown has been an E/I staple since 2011.
FremantleMedia is moving out of the kids and family space after selling its children’s division to Canadian firm Boat Rocker. The move will see the Toronto-based firm acquire FremantleMedia’s Kids & Family Entertainment division.
Ramping up to reach toddlers’ money-spending moms and dads, rivals to perennial favorites like Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network are making new bids to grab young viewers’ attention. Kids are being harvested to lure advertiser interest as part of the annual upfront market, where $800 million in advance ad commitments from toy-makers, movie studios and other kid-oriented advertisers is at stake.
Ratings have fallen sharply over the past few years. Even new ones like Toy Story fail to draw a crowd. Blame the availability of Christmas fare on-demand.
Exclusives
The CBS classic nearly doubles the rating of the No. 2 holiday-themed cartoon among kids 2-11. It’s also the oldest of the bunch at 49 years.
Netflix Erodes Syndie Audiences, Kids’ Nets
According to a report issued by Bernstein Research, there has been a major shift in regular viewing habits among streaming watchers — away from syndicated programming (repeats), sports and kids’ networks — and not just the ratings-challenged Nickelodeon.
The Los Angeles noncommercial indie adds some shows to replace lost PBS children’s programming and will launch KCET Kids & Family Channel and MHz Worldview.
