Genius Brands Int’l creates Kartoon Genius block for YFE channels

The Kartoon Genius block will include Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten

Genius Brands International (GBI) in the US is adding a block of its own programming to Your Family Entertainment (YFE)’s channels in Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.

The move comes after GBI last week took a 28.6% stake in Munich-based YFE for €6m (US$6.8m) and installed kids’ TV veteran Paul Robinson as managing director of its Kartoon Channel! Worldwide brand.

The morning block on the YFE International channels will be branded as Kartoon Genius and will feature titles including Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, Rainbow Rangers, Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club, Albert, Space Yoghurt, Kids Songs and Reboot.

Robinson said: “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.

“Additionally, as Kartoon Channel! has done in the US, 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.”

GBI last week said it will be investing up to €7m in YFE to support the expansion of its digital and linear channels and programming, while YFE is also set to be renamed Genius Family Entertainment, subject to approval from the German company’s shareholders.