PBS Kids Uses Local Stations for IP Validation
PBS Kids SVP Sarah DeWitt explained the network's IP validation strategy, which relies on its 330 local member stations to gather community-specific feedback. In a recent podcast, DeWitt noted that new properties are co-developed with childhood education experts and refined through robust feedback channels with parents and teachers. This decentralized, community-first approach offers an alternative to purely digital validation methods for children's content.
- The PBS Kids model is part of the "Ready To Learn" initiative, a collaboration with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting funded by the U.S. Department of Education, which develops educational content for preschool and early elementary children, particularly those in low-income communities. This initiative supports the creation of television series, digital games, and mobile apps. - Toy companies often acquire animation studios to create content that supports their existing brands. For example, Hasbro acquired Boulder Media to produce animation for its well-known toy lines, giving them more control over the creative and financial aspects of production. Similarly, MGA Entertainment launched MGA Studios and acquired Pixel Zoo Animation to develop content for brands like L.O.L. Surprise and Rainbow High. - Generative AI is being integrated into animation workflows to increase efficiency and enhance creativity. Studios are using AI for tasks like generating character concepts, automating in-between frames, and creating realistic environmental effects, which allows smaller teams to compete with larger players by reducing production time and costs. - Streamers are increasingly acquiring content rather than commissioning new shows, with acquired shows on major platforms jumping from 804 in 2022 to 1,557 in 2023. For family households in the U.S., Disney+'s children's content is a primary motivator for 52% of subscribers, a significantly higher percentage than for other major streaming services. - Parents of children under 18 are heavy users of digital media, with 93% using social media and 50% spending 20 or more hours online per week. While they rely on the internet for parenting guidance, there are concerns about the influence of sensationalized media on parenting trends and the challenges of managing screen time as children get older. - The rise of co-viewing, with 73% of parents watching content with their children at least half the time, has increased children's influence on household purchasing decisions. This trend has been accelerated by the growth of on-demand streaming services, with nearly 70% of households with children subscribing to at least one service. - Apple's Vision Pro is positioned as a device for immersive educational experiences and interactive storytelling for families. The App Store for visionOS features a curated collection of games and is expanding its offerings for spatial computing, though its suitability for younger children is a consideration for parents. - Blockchain technology is emerging as a way for animation creators to protect their intellectual property. By registering animated works as unique digital assets, creators can establish a verifiable record of ownership and automate royalty payments through smart contracts.
