Katie Huber joins Fred Rogers Productions as Senior Director of Licensing, positioning the iconic children’s media organization for further growth ahead. Huber brings deep market knowledge that will provide additional capacity for new opportunities across the company’s portfolio.

In her role, Huber is charged with developing and executing comprehensive brand licensing strategies. She will work alongside Matt Shiels, vice president of business and legal affairs, and Micah Southwood, director of product development. This marks the first department expansion since the launch of the company’s acclaimed PBS KIDS series Donkey Hodie and Alma’s Way in 2021. Since then, Fred Rogers Productions has expanded brand offerings through partnerships in the toy, book, and music spaces, among others.

“With her extensive experience in helping to build robust brands and standout consumer products programs in the children’s entertainment space, Katie will be a great asset to our licensing team and the company overall,” said Shiels. “We are delighted to have her on board as she helps to extend the footprint of our properties now and well into the future.”

“I have fond memories of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood from my childhood and am delighted and honored to now be a part of Fred Rogers Productions,” said Huber. “I am thrilled to help extend Fred’s legacy to new generations of children and their families.”

Prior to joining Fred Rogers Productions, Huber was Director of Retail & Ancillary Revenue at Palace Entertainment, a multiplatform entertainment company that operates water and theme parks across the U.S. Previously, she held various positions at The Walt Disney Company, most recently as Senior Manager, Global Merchandising - Disney Parks & Stores. Before her time at Disney, Huber held multiple merchandising positions at Gap Inc. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Arizona.

 

 

 

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television. 

I am a 26-year-old creative from a small college town called Bloomington, IL where I still currently live with my wife, Keyarra, and our two kids: Mel (the third) and Meledy. Growing up, I was a very "head in the clouds" kind of kid. I enjoyed drawing a lot because it was a way of getting the various worlds and characters I imagined out of my head. In grade school, I would draw comic books and would even have copies printed so I could sell them around school, church, etc. 

When I was ten years old, I got my hands on a Best of The Muppet Show DVD which sparked my love of puppetry. I think what attracted me was how "real" those characters became to me. It introduced me to an art form that would allow me to bring my own characters to life in a way that they just failed to do on the page. Very shortly after that, I started building my own puppets and practicing puppetry techniques by mimicking the performances I saw on TV. As a kid, I also started the puppet ministry at my church where I would train others in puppetry, write the scripts, create the music, and more. I treated the experience as if I was making a TV show. 

As the years went by, I also networked with other kids that were aspiring puppeteers through social media, and it was actually through these connections that I was put on Spiffy Pictures' radar just as Donkey Hodie was about to go into production. So Donkey is very dear to my heart, in that it's actually the beginning of my career. 

Describe your role(s) on Donkey Hodie. 

On Donkey Hodie, I play Cousin Hodie and Rogers The Fish, as well as a variety of "one-off" and background characters. I am also a writer on the show and a music composer. Performing alone is a dream come true, so I am beyond grateful that I get to dip my hand in other aspects of the show as well. 

Do you have a favorite episode of Donkey Hodie? 

It's hard to pick just one, but an episode I always enjoy is "Hidden Orchestra." The combination of playing hide-’n’-seek while playing music is very "silly," which makes it very Someplace Else. I love the song in that show, "One Step at a Time," and I love that I got to play all the mice musicians in that show. Lots of fun memories there! 

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 

Once I was bitten by the puppetry bug, shows like The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, and Jack's Big Music Show never left the TV screen. Considering Spiffy Pictures also produced Jack, it makes working on Donkey Hodie that much more of a dream to work on. 

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

I love spending quality time with my family and playing music (bass guitar is my primary instrument). My work is also very much my leisure, even when I'm not on set I'm home building puppets, writing scripts, and working to produce my own content. For me, creating is just so fulfilling. 

 

 

It’s Alma’s Way!, the first album from the hit animated PBS KIDS series, Alma’s Way, is now available on all digital music platforms. The release of the soundtrack comes from the collaboration between Fred Rogers Productions, the esteemed children’s media organization and producer behind Alma’s Way, and Warner Music Group’s Arts Music division. Fans of the acclaimed series, which helps children ages 4-6 develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, will recognize the music celebrating Alma’s Puerto Rican heritage, her adventures in her hometown of The Bronx, and more.

The new album features original music from award-winning composers and lyricists, including Asher Lenz, Stephen Skratt, and Fabiola Méndez, along with fan-favorite songs like the series title track, “Alma’s Way! (Theme Song)” written and produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Bill Sherman. Other notable songs include “Alma's Nochebuena Aguinaldo,” “The Bronx Squirrel Stomp," and “Mofongo on the Go Go.”

 

 

 

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television. 

I love to play the cello and bass guitar and have been performing, studying, and recording music ever since I was a kid. I've always enjoyed performing as an actor in plays at school and as a musician. It's actually music that really got me into children's TV.  Music led me to working in recording studios in Toronto, which eventually led to me becoming both a voice actor and voice director. 

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 

The Simpsons was my favorite TV show growing up. I still watch it to this day. I cannot express how much I love all the extremely talented voice actors in the cast. They all have inspired me greatly throughout my career. 

Describe your role on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. 

I am the voice director for Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. I get to direct the voice actors who play all the different characters on Daniel Tiger and make sure the voice recording sessions run smoothly and on time. It is an extremely fun job to have! I still pinch myself sometimes because I think I'm dreaming that I'm a voice director! Growing up, I never thought I would end up with my name on the credits of a TV show. 

What is your favorite episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood? 

My favorite episode is season 3, episode 15, "Daniel Takes His Time" where Daniel learns that patience is a very important character trait. I often find myself going too fast for my own good, so this lesson really hit home for me! Plus it features the Grandpere character, who I just love to watch and listen to. He is such a sweet character, and his voice is so soothing and warm. 

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

In my free time I enjoy playing video games, cooking, and studying Japanese and Italian. 

 

 

 

 

Describe your role at Fred Rogers Productions.   

As a paralegal, I assist in the preparation and management of the contracts needed by the Legal, Production, and Licensing departments. I also assist with requests for permission to use our intellectual property. 

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television. 

I have an M.A. in audiology and previously worked with patients on both the diagnostic and rehabilitative sides of hearing loss. I chose to focus on my family when one of my children was diagnosed with a disability. When I re-entered the workforce, I went in a totally different direction and started taking paralegal classes with a focus on contracts. 

 What do you like most about working at Fred Rogers Productions? 

It’s wonderful to work with such kind and caring individuals. So much thought goes into the content for every production in order to provide the best possible shows for children. As the parent of a child with a disability, I am especially proud of FRP’s efforts to incorporate characters with disabilities and adding accessibility features to their shows. 

 What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 

My favorite show growing up was The Brady Bunch. I was very excited to see the recent FRP video that brought together characters from Donkey Hodie, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in a montage that reminded me of The Brady Bunch! 

 What do you like to do when you’re not working?  

I love traveling with my family. Our most recent trip was to the Azores Islands, which was just beautiful. I enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities like rowing, hiking, skiing, and golfing, but spend most of my time on my newest adventure, which is horseback riding. 

 

 

 

Fred Rogers Productions is excited to announce we are seeking new development partners as part of our New Neighbors, New Games initiative. This initiative aims to help developers who are new to public media craft an effective proposal, budget, and schedule for a game that is on-brand and has strong learning value. Experience making games for young children is helpful but not required. We’ve released two open requests for proposals (RFPs) and will host a series of webinars for guidance through the process starting February 12, 2024.

Interested or know of someone who might be? Sign up for the informational webinar series starting February 12, 2024 here or check out the request for proposals for Alma's Way or Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.

FRP values the enrichment that results from working with partners having diverse experiences and backgrounds. Accordingly, studios owned by or staffed with members of traditionally underrepresented communities in the children’s media industry are encouraged to apply.

 

 

 

Fred Rogers Productions couldn't be more thrilled to share that Ellen Doherty, chief creative officer, and David Newell, who played Mr. McFeely on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, have been inducted into the first-ever Children’s & Family Silver and Gold Circles respectively! The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is honoring them for making an enduring contribution to the children’s television industry. Congratulations to both on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your dedication to enriching the lives of children through your work!

 

 

 

Tell us about yourself and how your role on Alma’s Way. 

I'm the voice director for Alma's Way. My job is to make sure that every actor has a great performance. I listen for the performances that feel true to the moment and most in-tune with our characters. Since our actors record one at a time, it's also my job to make sure their performances will match each other once they're edited together. But most of all, I enjoy the joy – the laughter and creative joy that comes from bringing the words off the page and into the gorgeous voices of our cast. 

Do you have a favorite episode and character on Alma’s Way? 

Having just adopted a rescue dog myself, I'm feeling very partial to the Chaco episodes. I love that he always steals Abuelo's socks! But I simply cannot choose a favorite character – I know them all so well! Alma's neighborhood is very similar to my own Washington Heights area in NYC – we're a short bus ride to the Bronx. So Alma's world is my own home now, and I like hanging out with the whole crew. Let's go get a piragua and see if Frankie Four Feet can spin some tunes for us! 

What inspires you? 

Actors. And laughter. Talented people find joy in what they're doing, and I love watching an actor enjoy a role. Especially since we have such young talent on our show. When a young actor is enjoying a story, laughing and giggling, then I'm really inspired to help shape their performance into something special. 

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?  

Mister Rogers is the whole reason I got into television. His power to connect with kids is still inspirational to me: a reminder that kids mostly need someone to talk to – to hear them and to be heard. I also loved Electric Company and Reading Rainbow (I was a PBS kid for sure). As I got a little older, I fell in love with Little House on the Prairie. There was, evidently, a short while that I asked everyone in my family to call me Halfpint... 

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

I love to be outside walking my dog – every day there's a new way the light filters through the trees or a bird sings into the sky. I also love time with my family (my kids are a hoot!). I love making up recipes. I've made more kinds of muffins than I can remember! A great Saturday for me starts with a dog walk and ends applauding at a Broadway show (and then talking about the show on the subway ride home). Throw some Ethiopian or Greek food in for lunch, too! 

 

Fred Rogers Productions, the children’s educational media organization behind the hit series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and 9 Story Brands, its worldwide licensing agent for the popular brand, together with toy partner JAKKS Pacific and retail marketing agency Licensing Street, have secured a new retail program for the much-loved preschool property in Macy’s Toys ‘R’ Us shops.

The assortment includes eight Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood toy skus rolling out to 200+ Macy’s Toys ‘R’ Us shops across the U.S. this month.

Among the toys headed to store shelves are Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Deluxe Trolley, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Family and Friends FiguresDaniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Goodnight Daniel Tiger, and an assortment of mini figures, feature and jumbo plush. One of the new items, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Ultra Jumbo Daniel Tiger plush, is a Macy’s Toys ‘R’ Us exclusive for fall 2023 and will be featured in the retailer’s holiday toy catalog.

The special toy collection will join an assortment of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood-brand products currently available online at Macy’s Toys ‘R’ Us, including books and games.

“We’re delighted to work with 9 Story Brands and JAKKS Pacific to bring the imaginative world of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood to Macy’s Toys ’R’ Us shoppers,” said Matt Shiels, Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs, Fred Rogers Productions. “Children and families now will be able to experience the product range in a fun and exciting, play-focused environment that lets them immerse themselves in the wonder of these new toys.”

“We are excited to see Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood toys return to Toys ‘R’ Us, where the brand originally launched,” said Kyra Halperin, VP, Consumer Products for 9 Story. “With over 10 years on air, the demand for Daniel Tiger products continues to grow. We look forward to continued collaboration with our valued partners to enhance fans' connections to the brand.”

“We are excited to launch this partnership with Macy’s Toys ‘R’ Us as a perfect destination for Daniel Tiger, creating a storytelling experience where kids, parents, and grandparents can bring these beloved characters home,” said Tracy Warshauer, SVP of Marketing at JAKKS Pacific.

Premiering in 2012, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is now in its sixth season on PBS KIDS. The series is co-produced by Fred Rogers Productions and 9 Story Media Group and animated by 9 Story’s award-winning animation studio, Brown Bag Films. 9 Story Brands holds worldwide licensing rights. The property has 50 licensees on board, including JAKKS Pacific (toys), Simon & Schuster (publishing), Crayola (coloring), Isaac Morris (apparel), Tonies (audio toy), Waloo Products (sporting goods), and more.

 

 

 

Describe your role at Fred Rogers Productions.

I’m the controller which is part of the fantastic accounting and finance team that maintains FRP’s internal financials, as well as our internal and external financial reporting. Our financials include the daily operations of FRP, each show we produce (both past and present), and each program we host.

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television.

From elementary school through high school, I loved playing the flute and writing, but I wasn’t sure that was the right career path for me. It wasn’t until high school that I had an amazing math teacher and things “clicked.”

I went to college for accounting and had a wonderful internship my senior year that evolved into my first job as a forensic accountant. Our cases ranged from small business owner disputes, to suspected school district embezzlement, and even federal theft where a detective had to be present as we handled financial documents. It was the perfect balance of accounting, report writing, and client interaction, with a dash of high-stakes pressure. I worked there for several years, but after receiving my CPA license the time was right to make a career pivot and move to Pittsburgh where I worked as a financial auditor, mostly for non-profit organizations.

Working with several unique non-profits sparked my interest in the field. I stumbled onto a job posting by FRP and quickly realized it was the perfect opportunity to bring my accounting skills to an organization that shared my love for the arts and supports a greater-good. Six years later that still rings true!

What do you like most about working at Fred Rogers Productions?

Everyone exudes a passion for their craft. It’s inspiring to see not only how hard everyone works, but how much they truly enjoy their work. Plus, seeing FRP’s impact on kids and families across the US and beyond is incredibly rewarding.

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?

I was a total 90s PBS kid. My favorites were Zoom, Zoboomafoo, and Dragon Tales. The Big Comfy Couch gets an honorable mention because my sister and I used to watch that together.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

Every weekend my husband and I try to do something fun with our two-year-old son. That might be a trip to a local bakery, an outing to the pumpkin patch, visiting different parks, or trying a new restaurant (with an escape plan of course – toddlers can get crazy!). Disney World is our guilty pleasure, and we love taking trips to visit the ghosts at Haunted Mansion (my personal favorite) and drink blue milk at Galaxy’s Edge.