Genius Brands to launch Xfinity On Demand kids channel

by Jeremy Dickson

L.A.-based global content and brand management company Genius Brands International (GBI) has partnered with cable service provider Comcast to launch Kid Genius, a new channel for toddlers to tweens that will launch on Xfinity On Demand this fall.

The channel promises to deliver “Smart TV for Kids” and feature original Genius Brands programming including Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club and Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab (pictured), as well as internationally acquired content.

Andrew Berman, who joined GBI from FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment last year to spearhead the company’s international distribution ops as SVP of global distribution and sales, will lead operations for Kid Genius.

To ensure a safe environment for kids, the channel is developing a program code with renowned children’s media expert and former chair of Stanford’s Communications School Don Roberts that will address issues around violence, negative stereotypes and inappropriate language.

The channel launch aims to strengthen Genius Brands’ ongoing foray into the on-demand content space, and extends its existing relationship with Comcast, which has seen GBI’s Baby Genius series become a top-performing kids property on Xfinity On Demand’s Baby Boost Channel.