Baby Genius(R) and CCO Larry Balaban Featured as Cover Story in Response Magazine

Leading Trade Publication for the Direct Response Industry Cites Genius Brands as "Hitting a Marketing High Note"

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 22, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Baby Genius®, the award-winning flagship brand of music and education-based products from Genius Brands International, Inc. (OTCQB:GNUS), and CCO Larry Balaban are featured as the cover story for the January 2013 issue of Response magazine.

The 4-page article titled "Hitting a Marketing High Note" focuses on the Company's direct response (DR) style tactics for maximizing brand awareness across all retail opportunities.

The complete article is available at http://www.responsemagazine.com/direct-response-marketing/hitting-marketing-high-note-4988.

About Response Magazine

Response Magazine is a leading publication in direct response marketing and advertising. Response, its Web site (www.responsemagazine.com), digital edition (Response Digital) and weekly E-newsletter (Response This Week) provide targeted, cutting-edge content, analysis and research for professionals involved in all facets of direct response marketing, including DRTV, radio, Web, retail, mobile, social and all areas of DR print. Response, the only independent source of news and information in the market, is the industry leader in promoting the convergence of direct marketing methods and is the flagship of a brand that also includes Response Expo, the Direct Response Marketing Alliance (DRMA) and AsSeenonResponseTV.com.

About Genius Brands

Genius Brands International, Inc. is the developer and marketer of entertainment products including the award winning Baby Genius® line of music and education-based products and characters. The Company is developing and marketing a growing line of Genius branded products that entertain and educate the whole family. Baby Genius® awards include: Mom's Choice Award, The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval, The Toy Insider Best Toddler Toys, Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products, NAPPA Honors Award, iParenting Excellent Product Award, Creative Child Preferred Choice Award, Latino DVD Awards, iParenting Media Award, Film Advisory Board Award of Excellence, Kids First! Quality Children's Media Endorsement, Parents Magazine 2002 "Video of the Year," and Best "Under 3" QSR Program 2004/2005 from Restaurant Magazine. Baby Genius® products are available at most major retailers and have international exposure in over 40 countries. For brand information please visit www.babygenius.com. For Company information please visit https://ir.stockpr.com/babygenius/overview.

The Genius Brands International, Inc. logo is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=11441

Forward-looking statements

This release contains forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Genius Brands International Inc. All statements that address operating performance that the Company expects will occur in the future, including statements relating to operating results for fiscal 2012 and beyond, revenue growth, future profitability or statements expressing general optimism about future operating results, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current views and we cannot assure that anticipated results will be achieved. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, uncertainties relating to the Company's success in judging consumer preferences, financing the Company's operations, entering into strategic partnerships, engaging management, seasonal and period-to-period fluctuations in sales, failure to increase market share or sales, inability to service outstanding debt obligations, dependence on a limited number of customers, increased production costs or delays in production of new products, intense competition within the industry, inability to protect intellectual property in the international market for our products, changes in market condition and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available via the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and are encouraged to consider the risk factors that could affect actual results. The Company disclaims any intent to update forward-looking statements.

CONTACT: Media Contact:
         John Russel
         RUSSEL Public Relations
         Tel: +1-818-561-5072
         Cell: 818-516-8572
         E-Mail: JRussel@russelprla.com

Released January 22, 2013