Category: Uncategorized

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us a little bit about the work you do at Fred Rogers Productions.

As the Director of Business Intelligence, I help our organization gather, organize, understand, and use data for all sorts of things! Another aspect of my role is helping develop systems and processes so everyone at our organization can operate as smoothly as possible based on their individual needs and the needs of FRP. I truly think of myself as a helper, and I love being involved in so many different projects across all our departments.

What data point have you discovered that you want everyone to know?

Asking a data person their FAVORITE data point? That’s unfair! While I can’t pick just one, I will say my favorite data points generally are those that we get to look at broadly for long periods of time because it demonstrates how significant our reach and impact truly is. For example, since I started at FRP in June 2024, our video content has been viewed over 2 billion times across PBS KIDS platforms domestically, and our games have been played nearly 500 million times!

Do you have a favorite project that you’ve worked on since you’ve been here?

I thoroughly enjoy projects that make everyone’s life easier when they are done!  For example, I’ve worked closely with our finance team over the past year improving functionality within one of the systems they use. Watching that project start at “this is one of our biggest pain points” to “this gives us EXACTLY what we needed” is very energizing for me! I also enjoy working on projects that have a tie-in to strategy and future impact. Simply compiling data and telling stories with data is certainly important, but finding data points or process improvement opportunities that are non-obvious and allow us to do things differently provides the opportunity for our organization to make a greater impact than we already do.

What is your favorite PBS show, past or present?

I am a father of two girls who are 6 and 4, so PBS KIDS is a constant in our household. Growing up I vividly remember watching Arthur every day after school before starting my homework! Currently, we really explore the whole PBS KIDS catalog in our house, but are currently bingeing Odd Squad, Alma’s Way, America’s Awesome Kids, and Tiny Time Travel. 

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

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my wife and kids, working out, working on my baseball card collection, listening to music, and cooking. As everyone with children can attest, life can be pretty chaotic at times. So, when the rare chance comes for some down time, you’ll also find me posted up on the couch watching sports or random documentaries!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us a little about how you work with the Fred Rogers Productions team.

As the line producer, I am responsible for running the budget and the day-to-day logistics of the series. Metaphorically, it's a bit like being a pilot: I book the flights for the passengers, create and follow the flight path, and then adjust and reroute that flight path during the journey when needed. Basically, I secure all passengers for a safe takeoff, flight, and landing with zero turbulence.

 Do you have a favorite episode you've worked on?

I am sworn to secrecy because it’s an episode that hasn’t aired yet! What I can say is that it's about family, tradition, and spending time with your loved ones however that may be!

 What were your favorite TV shows growing up?

Growing up there were three, and I now realize were a reflection of my personality: Mr. Dressup satisfied my love for art and creativity. Ernie's drawing segments were my absolute favorite! Then there was Sesame Street that was feeding my right brain by exercising mathematics and language, creating the foundation of skills I still use today. And finally, the most important of all, my HEART, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood with life lessons about kindness and love.

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

I love spending time with my family! Whether it be hiking, a beach day, a weekend road trip, or just at home having a movie night, I love the time we spend together and cherish every second.

Anything else you'd like to mention?

I still pinch myself sometimes because it's a dream to be able to work with such wonderful people that I grew up watching and learning from. Six-year-old me could have never dreamed of being a part of something that brings such value to our children. Thank you for watching, and cheers to more and more Daniel Tiger and his wonderful Neighborhood!

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions and 9 Story Brands, the brand management and consumer products division of 9 Story Media Group, announce they’ve renewed their long-term licensing agreement with JAKKS Pacific, Inc., a leading manufacturer of toys and consumer products, for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, the beloved Emmy® Award-winning PBS KIDS series. The renewal marks the third multi-year extension of the licensing agreement with the toy maker. 9 Story Brands, which holds worldwide licensing rights for the property, brokered the renewed agreement with JAKKS Pacific. The company has been master toy licensee for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood over the life of the series since it premiered in 2012 and has worldwide distribution rights across mass-market, mid-tier, food, drug, value, and online stores, among other retail channels. The company will produce a refreshed range of toys based on the popular animated show.

Now in its eighth season, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood has consistently been one of the most-watched PBS KIDS series nearly 15 years after its premiere. Since the beginning of 2025, it has accumulated close to 888 million cross-platform views and almost 200 million cross-platform gameplays. *

“JAKKS Pacific has been an important part of the Daniel Tiger ‘Neighborhood’ for years,” said Katie Huber, senior director of licensing for Fred Rogers Productions. “We’re so excited to continue working with them in tandem with 9 Story to grow our range of toys in fun and engaging ways that incorporate the learning strategies of the show through classic play patterns for kids.”

“The collaboration between Fred Rogers Productions, 9 Story Brands, and JAKKS Pacific has been a winner from the very beginning,” said Kristin Lecour, VP of Consumer Products and Distribution for 9 Story Media Group. “The all-new range will continue to support evergreen play patterns for our core audience as well as begin to celebrate key preschool milestones for existing and new Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood fans everywhere.”

“Our Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood figures, plush, and vehicles have all been a hit at retail over the years,” said Dominick Lisi, SVP of Marketing for Girls & Preschool at JAKKS Pacific, Inc. “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood remains one of the most-watched PBS KIDS series, and that momentum makes this an easy renewal for us. We’re excited to continue bringing fans the toy line they love.”

The new multi-year licensing deal for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood encompasses a wide range of categories, including figurines, playsets, vehicles, bath toys, musical toys, role play, dress up, wooden toys, and plush.

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions is expanding its executive team by appointing Benjamin Lehmann, Emmy® Award-winning producer and director and Sesame Street alum, as its first-ever Vice President of Production. Lehmann will provide management and operational oversight of the company’s beloved television, digital, audio, and interactive productions. In this role, he will spearhead operational strategy, directly managing the budgets, schedules, and logistics across all media workflows. Additionally, Lehmann will supervise and guide the company’s senior production teams to support their creative execution and ensure productions align with Fred Rogers Productions’ mission and strategic goals.

“Ben is a talented and resourceful producer who has a demonstrated commitment to making really good content for kids,” said Ellen Doherty, chief creative officer for Fred Rogers Productions. “His proven leadership skills, production expertise, and kind heart will make him a valuable member of our ‘Neighborhood.’”

“I’ve long admired the work of Fred Rogers and all the company’s standout series that are helping further his legacy of supporting kids and families,” said Lehmann. “When the opportunity arose to join Fred Rogers Productions and work with Ellen Doherty, (President and CEO) Paul Siefken, and the whole team, I jumped at the chance. This is a very exciting time for Fred Rogers Productions with the recent launch of the first Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood YouTube channel and continuing production of our hit series. There’s something extra special about joining a company where people are all working towards a singular goal of serving the needs of children. I’m very much looking forward to helping to deliver on that mission.”

A seasoned and well-respected producer and media executive specializing in children’s and family entertainment and educational media, Lehmann is a former head of production for Sesame Workshop, where he led the production and creative teams. He was a longtime producer on Sesame Street, executive producing Seasons 49 to 53. Lehmann also developed The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo (HBO MAX) and was executive producer and series director on Helpsters (Apple TV).

Most recently, Lehmann was an independent producer and director working on projects for PBS (Tiny Time Travel), Netflix (Sesame Street, Blippi), and Hidden Pigeon Company (The Pigeon Explains), among others.

Lehmann has been honored with many industry awards. In addition to multiple Emmys, he has earned a Peabody Award, GLADD Media Award, Imagen Award, and the Japan Prize.

Lehmann holds a B.A. in Film History and French Literature from University of Colorado Boulder.

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, the #1 children’s museum in the nation (2026 USA Today Readers’ Choice poll), will premiere the new hands-on exhibition, It’s a Beautiful Day to Be You: Inspired by Mister Rogers, Daniel Tiger & Donkey Hodie, in partnership with Fred Rogers Productions (FRP) on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

The project is funded through Fostering Character Through Children’s Museums, a Lilly Endowment Inc. initiative designed to help children’s museums develop new or expand existing efforts that explore and encourage the development of positive character traits among children and youth.

The Children’s Museum is excited to once again partner with Fred Rogers Productions, a long-time collaborator and widely respected educational children’s media company with a focus on early childhood development. The new exhibition and accompanying resources draw from three beloved television series rooted in the legacy of Fred Rogers - Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Donkey Hodie and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The two organizations previously worked together to develop the traveling exhibitions Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit and How People Make Things.

It’s a Beautiful Day to Be You helps children build character through not only words, but doing, sharing and reflecting.

The exhibit will be open to visitors from Saturday, October 3, 2026, until Sunday, January 3, 2027.

A North America tour will launch in January 2027 with venues confirmed through 2029. For information about the tour and rental opportunities, visit https://pittsburghkidsdesign.org/contact-us/.

“We are beyond thrilled to have the partnership of Fred Rogers Productions and the support of Lilly Endowment to create a new experience that will debut at our museum this fall before travelling the country,” said Jane Werner, Executive Director of Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. “This collaboration has allowed us to build an exhibit that bridges generations and highlights developing character traits that emphasize what it means to be a neighbor.”

Visitors explore beloved locations from Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and Donkey Hodie and connect with the timeless lessons of Mister Rogers and the PBS KIDS programs that carry forward his legacy. In addition to Daniel Tiger and Donkey Hodie, many beloved characters from both series will be part of the exhibit, including: Miss Elaina, O the Owl, Katerina Kittycat, Prince Wednesday, Mom and Dad Tiger, Purple Panda, Bob Dog, Duck Duck and Grampy Hodie.

“We are delighted to continue our long-standing collaboration with Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh to bring the worlds of Donkey Hodie, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to life in this new interactive experience,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions. “It’s a Beautiful Day to Be You will provide a playful space where children along with their families can practice essential character traits like kindness, resilience and bravery. Fred Rogers reminded us that 'Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.' This exhibit carries that vital message forward to a new generation."

It’s a Beautiful Day to Be You is included with admission to Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. The museum’s fall hours are 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily, with closures on select Wednesdays.

For more information, visit pittsburghkids.org

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us a little bit about how you work with the FRP team. 

My work with the magical Fred Rogers Productions team always begins with the character of Jeff Mouse! I consult on production design, character mockups, story proposals, episode outlines, and scripts, with the goal to assist in creating authentic disability representation. I was even fortunate to work on the new Donkey Hodie game, “Rainbow Tree Treasures.” This is the first PBS KIDS game to feature a playable character who uses a power wheelchair.

For Jeff Mouse, it was so important from the start that the movement of the character’s power wheelchair felt authentic. And then, of course, the power wheelchair itself has to function well within the extraordinary world of Donkey Hodie. The excellent production designers, puppetry artists/performers, and the team of producers made creative adjustments along the way that rendered such a fantastic result! As the development progressed and Jeff’s presence in the Donkey Hodie universe increased, my creative mandate naturally shifted, too.  I found myself drawing even more from my life to help make Jeff feel as authentic as possible. It truly has been one of my greatest privileges.

Do you have a favorite project or episode you’ve worked on?

One of the first things I worked on was the episode with the Penguins. I remember talking about power wheelchairs and their horns during a meeting. When I saw Jeff beep his horn at the Penguins, it was such a magical moment. I knew an entire generation of young disabled kids would be brought so much joy seeing themselves represented. And of course, Jay Thomas Manuel starring as Jeff Mouse, too— what a dream scenario!  

What’s something you wish parents and caregivers knew about Jeff’s character on Donkey Hodie?

Jeff Mouse was originally inspired by a real-life disability activist named Jeff Erlanger. Jeff appeared on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood when he was 10 years old and went on to advocate for equitable treatment of disabled people before his passing in 2007. We—as disabled people—belong to a long line of individuals like Jeff that came before us and fought for a better life and a better future. Jeff Mouse is a part of that wonderful tradition. It is my belief that disabled people throughout history have changed the world. For parents and caregivers, Jeff is a wonderful representation of that. My hope and sneaky suspicion is that more change is coming.

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up (bonus points for PBS KIDS mentions!)?

The fabulosity of Mrs. Frizzle, and inherent genius of Lily Tomlin, makes The Magic School Bus one of my all-time faves! 

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

 Recently, I found out that I'm a soft summer. So currently, I am obsessively Googling color schemes that suit my season. Apparently, soft summer people look good in dusty, hazy, muddy colors. So you might catch me crying in a random aisle at J.Crew. I love bright oranges and reds—so send me prayers and good vibes!

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions is broadening its agreement with Simon & Schuster to include a range of books inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the iconic PBS KIDS series created by beloved children’s TV pioneer, Fred Rogers. The first title under the new multi-year deal will launch in fall 2027. Simon & Schuster has been the publishing partner for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, the hit animated spin-off of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, for the past 12 years, and the new agreement marks a significant expansion of the successful collaboration. In tandem with this growth, Fred Rogers Productions will exhibit this year for the first time at the American Library Association annual conference, June 25-29, 2026, at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Booth 3117.

“Simon & Schuster has been an exceptional partner since our first Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood title was published in 2014,” said Katie Huber, senior director of licensing, Fred Rogers Productions. “We’re delighted to expand our collaboration with them for Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and to work together to deliver even more ways for parents, teachers, and librarians to help children learn and grow from the enduring series created by Fred Rogers.”

Fred Rogers Productions, in partnership with Little Dot Studios, recently introduced the first-ever Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood YouTube channel to inspire, delight, and entertain generations of longtime and new fans of all ages. Launched globally on June 4, the official channel features full episodes, a livestream, clips, and compilations from the iconic show, featuring Fred Rogers’ timeless lessons of kindness, curiosity, and community.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood aired nationally from 1968 to 2001, with the last new episode premiering 25 years ago. Fred Rogers was the creator of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood as well as the host of all 895 episodes, composer of its more than 200 songs, and puppeteer who imagined 14 characters into being. More importantly, he changed the face of children’s television and transformed the way many people think about the inner lives of young children.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood continues to air and stream on PBS stations across the U.S., with select episodes available to stream on the PBS KIDS Video app. The series is also available with PBS KIDS on Amazon Prime Video and streaming 24/7 on the Mister Rogers'

Neighborhood channel on Pluto TV. Episodes are also streaming free on PBS Retro, available on Plex, Roku, Vizio, TCL, and LG.

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

What’s your favorite unexpected thing you’ve come across in the archive?

So many times Fred Rogers and the non-profit organization he started (Family Communications Inc., today called Fred Rogers Productions) would be recognized for its efforts on behalf of children. Invariably, many organizations would think they were being original when they presented Fred with a sweater as a sort of gag gift before handing him the actual award. This happened so many times, and each time Fred would graciously react as if that had never happened to him before.

How extensive is the archive? What sorts of things are in there?

We have very close to thirty thousand assets (video, images, and documents) in our archive. We have historical assets such as episodes from Fred’s Canadian series, as well as the local series he and Josie Carey did live on WQED in the 1950s. We also have many of his speeches and the interviews he gave over the years. I tell people I have a great job. I get to hang out with Fred Rogers.

 What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on here?

Getting to write four episodes of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: “Daniel Gets a Shot,” “It’s Time to Go,” “Looking for Snowball,” and “Daniel Wants to be Alone,” which celebrates the attributes of being an introvert. 

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

I’m working on my first novel, which takes up most weekend mornings. I like to spend time with my four children and two grandsons. At the end of the day, I look forward to evening walks at North Park with my wife, Alice, and our dog, Yeti.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about the work you do at Fred Rogers Productions.

As a non-profit, one of our primary marketing channels is social media (for all six of our shows!), but my role encompasses all types of marketing: digital, event, email, working directly with PBS stations all across the country – licensing, and even some fundraising. I’m also fortunate to lead the promotion of our many unique programs outside of our show productions, like our Writers’ Neighborhood fellowship!

 

What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on here?

It’s hard to pick one, but I curated a large collection of  supportive social media messages for the Protect My Public Media campaign. Engaging with parents and fans to help build the connection to a cause rooted in everything we do was extremely rewarding. This campaign had echoes of Fred Rogers’ testimony before Congress back in 1969, and it brought me closer to my partners at PBS KIDS, my station colleagues, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting as we all rallied together. I was very proud to be a part of it and to have the opportunity to make such a direct impact.   

 

What is your favorite PBS show, past or present?

Arthur, Arthur, Arthur. I watched Arthur until around  8th grade, partially because I had a little brother. But I have vivid memories of my dad watching it with us and genuinely enjoying it, which is not always the case for parents! There are so many iconic episodes that still live rent free in my head. I also weirdly sing the theme song to Between the Lions way too often; I think it’s brilliant! Currently, I would say Wild Kratts or Alma’s Way are my faves. I would’ve really enjoyed Alma as a child, and I do still love learning about “creature powers!”

 

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

I am your typical jack of all trades, master of none type. I grew up horseback riding, which is my biggest passion, but I am also a hobby beekeeper and chicken keeper. I play plenty of video games with my brothers, play soccer with my sister, watch a lot of K-dramas, and do all sorts of creating. I’m currently very into stained glass and working on my first lamp. I don’t enjoy being very busy and probably need to cut down on some of the extracurriculars, but I do really enjoy learning new things! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

The Bronx Zoo is announcing the debut of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood at the Bronx Zoo, an immersive new exhibit created to inspire curiosity, imagination, and wildlife advocacy through playful interactives, performances, and more, featuring favorite characters from the beloved PBS KIDS series from Fred Rogers Productions.

The experience will open to the public on May 22 and run through September 7. This opening marks the world premiere of a first-of-its-kind concept that brings together two cherished worlds – Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and the world of wildlife – to enchant both kids and kids at heart. Activities are designed to be accessible to neighbors of all ages and abilities and will integrate both Spanish and English. Entry is free with WCS membership or purchase of Bronx Zoo admission.

“For over 125 years, the Bronx Zoo has inspired a passion for wildlife and lifelong curiosity in guests of all ages,” said Rachel Libretti, Director of Events, Programming, and Rides at the Bronx Zoo. “We’re thrilled to debut Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood at the Bronx Zoo in continuation of this rich educational tradition and are honored to bring some of America’s most treasured characters to life at our trusted, family-friendly park.”
In addition to the more than 11,000 animals guests will encounter while exploring the zoo’s 265 acres, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood at the Bronx Zoo offers a combination of fan-favorite activities and Bronx Zoo exclusives that will excite children to discover the natural world.

In addition to the more than 11,000 animals guests will encounter while exploring the zoo’s 265 acres, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood at the Bronx Zoo offers a combination of fan-favorite activities and Bronx Zoo exclusives that will excite children to discover the natural world.