Kidscreen

Kidscreen
Title	Kidscreen
Frequency	Monthly
Category	Children's media industry
Publisher	Brunico Communications
Firstdate	1986
Country	Canada
Based	Toronto
Language	English

Kidscreen is a trade magazine and online news service covering the global children's entertainment industry, including television, film, digital media, licensing, toy companies, broadcasters, and streaming platforms. It reports on programming deals, production financing, talent, festivals, regulatory developments, and market trends relevant to producers, distributors, commissioners, and brand managers. The title serves as a hub connecting stakeholders such as broadcasters, studios, festivals, and trade associations across North America, Europe, and Asia.

History

Founded in 1986 by Brunico Communications in Toronto during an era shaped by companies like Hasbro, Mattel, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network, the magazine emerged alongside trade publications covering film festivals such as Cannes Film Festival and markets like MIPCOM and MIPJunior. Early coverage tracked shifts driven by conglomerates including Viacom, The Walt Disney Company, Time Warner, and regulators such as the Federal Communications Commission and agencies in the United Kingdom and Canada. Over time the title chronicled milestones including the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video and the expansion of international co-productions involving studios such as BBC Studios, DHX Media (now WildBrain), and Studio Ghibli. It documented industry reactions to policy actions from bodies like the European Commission and events such as the launch of YouTube Kids and the introduction of licensing phenomena tied to franchises like Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, and Pokémon.

Editorial content and sections

Editorial features combine news briefs, long-form analysis, and market reports focusing on commissions, co-productions, financing, and creative trends involving creators and companies such as Gregg Braden (as industry commentators), Chris Viscardi and Gerry Lopez (creative professionals), and executives from Amazon Studios, Warner Bros. Animation, and Sony Pictures Animation. Regular sections profile broadcasters and streamers including PBS Kids, ITV, CBC Television, Discovery Kids, and Cartoon Network Studios; track toy and licensing activity linked to LEGO, Spin Master, and Funko; and survey advertising, sponsorship, and merchandising deals involving retailers like Walmart and Target. Coverage often examines festival programming at events including Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and marketplaces such as Kidscreen Summit partners and trade assemblies with participation from entities like Teletoon and Corus Entertainment.

Industry events and awards

The brand organizes and curates industry gatherings and award programs that convene decision-makers from production companies, broadcasters, and platforms including Nickelodeon, Disney Junior, and PBS. Events feature panels, pitching fora, and networking sessions attended by delegates from companies such as Endemol Shine Group and Banijay. The publication’s awards recognize creative, marketing, and distribution excellence and have honored programs associated with studios like Aardman Animations, Blue Sky Studios, and independent producers showcased at festivals including Annecy and MIPCOM.

Circulation and audience

Its readership comprises executives, creative heads, commissioners, producers, distributors, licensors, and brand managers working at organizations such as BBC, CBC, NHK, ZDF, Cartoon Network, ViacomCBS, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and independent production houses. Circulation metrics target attendees of marketplaces like MIPCOM and regional conferences in cities such as Los Angeles, London, Toronto, New York City, and Hong Kong. Advertisers and subscribers include rights holders, toy manufacturers, licensing agencies, and legal and finance advisors associated with firms like Fasken, DLA Piper, and boutique agencies advising IP holders.

Digital presence and online initiatives

The digital platform offers timely news, video interviews, webinars, and newsletters tailored to professionals working with streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+, and broadcasters such as PBS and ITV. Online initiatives have included virtual summits and digital marketplaces modeled on industry events like MIPJunior and virtual sessions paralleling conventions such as SXSW and Annecy Online. The site aggregates job postings, deal trackers, and content spotlight features that link commissioning editors, independent creators, and distribution executives from outlets such as HBO Max and Paramount+.

Influence and reception

Industry observers credit the title with shaping conversations around content guidelines, diversity, and business models alongside organizations like Common Sense Media, advocacy groups involved with children's media policy in the United Kingdom and Canada, and trade bodies such as PACT and the Independent Film & Television Alliance. Coverage has been cited by broadcasters, production companies, and festival programmers when launching new series or negotiating international sales with partners including StudioCanal and Gaumont. Reviewers and media analysts reference its reporting in assessments of market shifts prompted by technology platforms like YouTube and corporate moves by conglomerates such as Comcast and Sony. Its events and editorial have attracted both praise for networking value from delegates tied to Nick Jr. and critical scrutiny common to trade press during industry consolidation episodes involving Endeavor and other major players.

Category:Magazines published in Toronto Category:Entertainment trade magazines