Type: Press Releases

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

9 Story Brands and Fred Rogers Productions are pleased to announce a licensing partnership with new children’s outdoor company carter joey™ for the beloved children’s series, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Rights granted include children’s outdoor backpacks, patch packs, and adventure blankets within the U.S. and Canada. The first carter joey™ x Daniel Tiger products will launch later this year and will include a Sling Pack backpack and a patch pack that correlates with episodes of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.

“We are thrilled to partner with carter joey™, an exciting new startup on a mission to inspire families to be intentional with their time and be active, not busy.” said Kyra Halperin, Co-VP of Consumer Products for 9 Story. “carter joey™ will help families play-out the learning themes of the series in their own backyards and bring the important themes to life off-screen.”

"We are delighted to have the honor of partnering with such a well-established and wholesome brand like Daniel Tiger," said carter joey™ Co-Founder, Damon Claus. "There is great synergy between how Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood teaches children valuable life lessons and how carter joey™ encourages the same audience to be adventurous in their approach to learning."

"We are excited to work with a fellow like-minded, Pittsburgh-based brand to bring Daniel Tiger to children and families in a new way," said Matt Shiels, vice president of Business and Legal Affairs at Fred Rogers Productions. "Daniel and his friends model fun and adventure outdoors, and carter joey™ is a natural partner to bring that element to life."

After 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.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions, the iconic children’s media organization behind multiple Emmy®-winning PBS KIDS series, has formed the Writers’ Neighborhood, a five-year initiative focused on identifying and supporting new and emerging writers from underrepresented racial groups as they build careers in children’s media. The eight-week program aims to help hone the skills and broaden the experience of talented creatives who better represent the increasingly diverse audience for the company’s own hit series, like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Alma’s Way, and Donkey Hodie, as well as that of the broader children’s media industry. In the wake of its successful pilot in fall 2022, Fred Rogers Productions will accept applications for the program’s second cohort from May 1 to May 15.

"Many writers in children's media are freelancers, so we designed the Writers' Neighborhood with a dual focus of developing your craft and building your career," said Ellen Doherty, chief creative officer, Fred Rogers Productions. "Knowing how to write a good story or develop engaging characters is a completely different skill set from finding work, asking for and understanding feedback, or cultivating relationships, and we want to help our fellows gain experience on all fronts."

The Fred Rogers Productions Writers’ Neighborhood will welcome eight fellows per cohort as they learn to be intentional in their writing process, determine context for a series when they are not on a production staff, and interpret and take notes, among other important skills, including how to find and secure jobs in the field.

Beyond the eight-week program, Fred Rogers Productions will offer additional mentorship connections and opportunities to engage in industry activities and events. Many of the fellows who participated in last year’s pilot program are now writing episodes for series currently in production at Fred Rogers Productions.

Fred Rogers Productions will host an application information webinar on April 27, 2023, details for which can be found on LinkedIn.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s educational media organization behind Emmy®-winning PBS KIDS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, and Peg + Cat, has secured a two-year $600,000 grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations (AVDF) for its newest series, Alma’s Way and Donkey Hodie. AVDF’s mission is to support institutions it views as pillars of American society, and Fred Rogers Productions is one of a few producers of public media receiving continued support.

“The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations is one of the nation’s foremost patrons of public media for viewers of all ages and a valued supporter of Fred Rogers Productions,” said Paul Siefken, president and CEO, Fred Rogers Productions. “Their funding enables us to provide a range of innovative and enriching programming to children and families every day.”

“By working with Fred Rogers Productions, we are supporting the very best in children’s media,” said Michael Murray, president and CEO, AVDF. “The company continues to lead the way with quality content that fills the gap and raises the bar in educational and prosocial children’s programming, and we’re delighted to help ensure that Alma’s Way and Donkey Hodie remain sources of learning and growth for young viewers.”

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

 A new collection of products from Donkey Hodie, the hit preschool puppet series, will be introduced nationwide this year. Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s educational media organization behind multiple Emmy®-winning PBS KIDS series, and Licensing Street, licensing agent for the show, have partnered to secure deals with top brands in a variety of categories. The debut Donkey Hodie collection, which will include apparel from Komar and Mad Engine, as well as costumes from Rubies, is set to launch this fall.

“Consumer demand for Donkey Hodie products has been high since the series debut and we’re excited to welcome these best-in-class licensees to the Donkey Hodie family,” said Matt Shiels, Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs, Fred Rogers Productions. “They are sure to help extend the whimsical and huggable world of Donkey Hodie so children can create their own imaginative series-themed adventures.”

“Donkey Hodie is a winner with kids and families,” said Jason Korfine, Partner at Licensing Street. “Just like viewers who are drawn to the series, licensees have been eager to join in, too, and we’re delighted to be working with Komar, Mad Engine, and Rubies to offer new series-inspired products for fans everywhere.”

The first Donkey Hodie products heading to retail include:

  • Komar – Sleepwear
  • Mad Engine – T-shirts and apparel
  • Rubies – Costumes and role-play

In addition, Jada Toys, master toy partner, will introduce a range of Donkey Hodie toys, including highly anticipated feature plush. Toys and additional character plush are expected later this year.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Kidscreen announced that Fred Rogers Productions has earned the #9 spot in the Production category of their annual Hot 50 honors. The Hot 50 rankings are the results of votes from our peers in the children's media industry.

We are grateful to share these kudos with our production partners, many of whom are fellow honorees.

Kidscreen magazine is one of the premiere trades that covers children's media. The organization also holds an annual summit that brings together companies from across the children's media industry.

Read more to see the full line-up on here..

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions is pleased to announce six Emmy nominations for 2022. We are very proud to share this honor with our production partners 9 Story Media Group, Pipeline Studios, Sinking Ship Entertainment, and Spiffy Pictures.

 

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A PRESCHOOL ANIMATED PROGRAM:

Alma’s Way

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

 

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A PRESCHOOL ANIMATED PROGRAM:

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

 

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN FOR A LIVE ACTION PROGRAM:

Donkey Hodie

 

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN/STYLING:

Odd Squad

 

OUTSTANDING SPECIAL EFFECTS COSTUMES, HAIR AND MAKEUP:

Odd Squad

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Pittsburgh, PA, October 24, 2022 – Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s educational media organization behind multiple well-loved, Emmy®-winning PBS KIDS series, has named Mallory Mbalia to the newly created position of Director of Learning and Education. In her new role, Mbalia will work to expand the company’s “neighborhood” of educational partners and advisors as well as collaborate with its production; marketing, communications, and engagement; fundraising; and licensing teams. She reports to President & CEO Paul Siefken. 

“We are excited to welcome Mallory to the team and look forward to tapping into her expertise to help us realize our educational goals, now and in the future,” said Siefken. “Mallory is respected throughout both the public television and education communities for connecting content to the classroom and to parents and caregivers, and her experience will translate perfectly to our work in support of children and their families.” 

"Since I was a little girl, I have felt a part of the ‘neighborhood,’” said Mbalia. “Mister Rogers had a beautiful way of making every child feel special every day. To be a part of such an impactful cross-generational organization is a dream come true and I look forward to contributing to its mission through my work.” 

Before joining Fred Rogers Productions, Mbalia was Director of Education at PBS North Carolina in Education and Innovation, where she created and delivered educational initiatives statewide for educators, parents and caregivers, and children of all ages. In 2018, she was named a PBS Digital Innovator All Star for her work as an education outreach trainer. Prior to her tenure as a Director at PBS NC, Mbalia was an assistant elementary school principal after starting her career as a kindergarten teacher. 

Mbalia holds two M.S. degrees, one in School Administration from North Carolina State University and the other in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Phoenix, as well as a B.S. in Human Development with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development from Howard University. 

About Fred Rogers Productions 

Fred Rogers Productions was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program and extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health while supporting parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals in their work with children. Fred Rogers Productions continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media and engages new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company’s highly rated children’s series, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods, have earned 30 Emmy® Awards among other important honors. Newly launched in 2021 on PBS KIDS is Donkey Hodie, the innovative puppet series inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and most recently Alma’s Way, an animated series created by Sonia Manzano, known to generations of children and adults as “Maria” on Sesame Street. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

# # # 

Press contacts: 

Grand Communications (for Fred Rogers Productions) 

Alison Grand 

212-584-1133; Alison@grandcommunications.com Laura Liebeck 

845-440-7974; Laura@grandcommunications.com 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s entertainment company behind Alma’s Way, is thrilled to share that the show has won two Imagen Awards. The series won Best Youth Programming, and Summer Rose Castillo was named Best Voice-Over Actor. See the full list of nominees and winners here. The Imagen Awards celebrate and encourage the inclusion of Latino talent, executives, and voices in all aspects of the creative process in entertainment media. Read more about their mission and work here.

Posted on by Mike Kozak

Pittsburgh, PA, October 2, 2019 – Fred Rogers Productions, the nonprofit children’s entertainment producer behind the Emmy Award-winning PBS KIDS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, and Peg + Cat, has named Christopher Arnold Chief Operating Officer (COO). In his new role, Arnold is responsible for the organization’s daily operations, helping to provide strong day-to-day leadership for the entire Fred Rogers Productions team. He reports directly to President and CEO Paul Siefken. Arnold is succeeding long-time company COO Kevin Morrison, who is retiring after an extensive and successful entertainment industry career.

“We are delighted to welcome Chris to our ‘Neighborhood,’” said Siefken. “He’s coming from a world-class game developer like Schell Games, and his valuable experiences and fresh perspective will help us to further strengthen our operations and lead to the company’s continued growth and success.”

“Enhancing the lives of children and their families with engaging, relatable, and educational content and experiences is at the heart of what Fred Rogers Productions does, and I am so pleased and proud to be part of this remarkable organization with such a laudable mission,” said Arnold. “I look forward to working alongside Paul and the rest of the talented team, who are committed to realizing this goal every day.”

As COO, Arnold oversees both internal and external operations for Fred Rogers Productions, including working in partnership with Siefken to implement the company’s strategic plan and facilitate processes and approaches to achieve it. He leads and manages the organization’s Legal & Business Affairs, Licensing & Merchandising, Finance, Technology, and Human Resources.

Prior to joining Fred Rogers Productions, Arnold was General Counsel and Vice President of Human Resources for Pittsburgh-based Schell Games, a full-service education and entertainment game development firm, where he was responsible for developing relationships with partners such as The Walt Disney Company, ILMxLAB, The LEGO Group, Yale University, Google, and Facebook. Previously, he served as Operations Counsel at Mylan, a leading generics and specialty pharmaceutical company; General Counsel and Director of Human Resources at Guru.com, a global talent marketplace; and Corporate Associate at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, one of the nation's leading law firms.

Arnold is a graduate of Allegheny College and earned his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

About Fred Rogers Productions 
Fred Rogers Productions was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it not only created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program, but also extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health  while supporting parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals in their work with children. Fred Rogers Productions continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media and engages new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company’s highly-rated, Emmy Award-winning children’s series include Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

#  #  #

Press contacts:  
Grand Communications
Alison Grand
212-584-1133; Alison@grandcommunications.com

Laura Liebeck
845-440-7974; Laura@grandcommunications.com

 

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Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Beverly Hills, CA and Pittsburgh, PA, July 29, 2019 –From the Neighborhood of Make-Believe to neighborhoods across the U.S., a new season of DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD, the top-rated, Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series from Fred Rogers Productions, will premiere next summer. Featuring 20 engaging episodes, including a half-hour special, Season 5 of the hit series will address key universal themes for preschoolers and their parents, including managing sibling rivalry, maintaining calm at mealtimes, missing loved ones, growing up, coping with accidents, and more through the show’s hallmark musical strategies. In addition, three of the series’ most popular strategies will be revisited through brand-new stories. Plus, Daniel will get to meet fun new neighbors who are sure to become viewer favorites, too.

“Research shows that DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD nurtures empathy and strengthens emotional recognition, important skills for preschoolers,” said Linda Simensky, Vice President, Children’s Programming, PBS. “This series is the ‘go-to’ resource for parents who are navigating life with their young ones, and we’re excited to provide even more effective strategies to help their kids learn and grow in Season 5.”

“DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD truly resonates with young children and their parents, and we’re thrilled to bring a brand-new season of the standout series to PBS KIDS,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO, Fred Rogers Productions. “Season 5 will bring wonderful new friends to the Neighborhood, along with exciting new experiences for Daniel—and young viewers nationwide.”

In conjunction with the Season 5 premiere, new digital content for kids, parents, and teachers will launch in summer 2020.

Each episode of DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD showcases two distinct stories starring 4-year-old Daniel Tiger and his friends, who invite viewers to join them on their adventures as they explore the colorful Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Irresistible musical strategies reinforce the unique theme of every show, so preschoolers and parents can sing along and incorporate them into their daily lives. The popular animated series was created by co-executive producers Angela Santomero, Chief Creative Officer at 9 Story Media Group, and Kevin Morrison, COO of Fred Rogers Productions, along with Vince Commisso, President & CEO, 9 Story Media Group.

The animated show has garnered a host of prestigious awards, including the 2019 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Preschool Children’s Animated Series, the 2019 Parents’ Choice Gold Award for Television, and the 2018 Common Sense Media Seal of Approval and was nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming by the Television Critics Association in 2019. Fans can watch DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD on their local PBS station, the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel, and on digital on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app. SixDANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD apps for children and one for parents are available on the App Store, Amazon Appstore and Google Play. Games, activities, and more can be found on pbskids.org/daniel.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is the #1 rated PBS KIDS program among kids 2-5, kids 2-8, and moms of young children*. It also continues to be one of the most streamed shows, averaging more than 51 million streams in May 2019**.

*Nielsen NPOWER L+7, 4/29/2019 - 5/26/2019, PBS Child Multi-weekly GAA%.
**Google Analytics, May ’19

About PBS KIDS

PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers children ages 2-8 the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital media and community-based programs. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn, including their teachers, parents and community. Provided by stations, the free PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and live stream is available to more than 95% of U.S. TV households. Kidscreen- and Webby Award-winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning, including the PBS KIDS Video app, which is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Chromecast. PBS KIDS also offers parent and teacher resources to support children’s learning anytime and anywhere. For more information on PBS KIDS content and initiatives supporting school readiness and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Fred Rogers Productions

Fred Rogers Productions was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it not only created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program, but also extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health while supporting parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals in their work with children. Fred Rogers Productions continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media and engages new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company’s highly-rated, Emmy Award-winning children’s series include Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, and Odd Squad, as well as Through the Woods. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

About 9Story Media Group

9 Story Media Group is a leading creator, producer and distributor of kids and family focused intellectual property. Its award-winning animation studio, Brown Bag Films, is recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Doc McStuffins, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Octonauts, Wild Kratts, Peter Rabbit and The Magic School Bus: Rides Again. The company’s international distribution arm, 9 Story Distribution International based in Dublin, represents over 4,000 half-hours of animated and live-action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. Its in-house consumer products division, 9 Story Brands, builds international entertainment brands for kids, with expertise across creative, brand marketing, and licensing. With facilities in Toronto, Dublin, Manchester and New York, 9 Story Media Group employs over 800 creative and corporate staff. www.9story.com

# # #

Contacts:

Lubna Abuulbah, PBS KIDS; 703-739-8463; labuulbah@pbs.org
Alison Grand, Grand Communications; 212-584-1133; alison@grandcommunications.com

 

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