|
Linda Hardesty
The Internet is becoming such a major factor in kids programming that it's considered in the creative process from the very genesis of new shows and even new networks. Fox Family Channel, which is in the process of creating two new networks, the boyzChannel and the girlzChannel, has had Web sites for these channels months in advance of any TV carriage.
Nick Jr. will be premiering its new show, Dora, the Explorer, on the Internet in second quarter 2000. "We think it's a great way to learn more about the character and build awareness for the show," said Brown Johnson, SVP-Nick Jr. Dora, the Explorer will move onto TV about six months after its Web premiere.
Johnson said even though Nick Jr.'s audience is pre-school and not really computer literate, they do surf the Internet with grown-ups.
At HBO Family and Noggin, companion Web sites were created at the same time as the TV channels.
Dolores Morris, VP-HBO Family, said, "The site actually looks a lot like the channel. We use the Web site and channel to cross promote because in the future it will all be on one box."
HBO Family's show 30x30 is a good example of a symbiotic relationship between a TV show and its companion Web site. The show features movies made by kids. "More and more kids are making movies and cartoons," said Morris. Kids are getting their hands on camcorders to make movies, and HBO Family buys and airs their films. The network received 200 films in its first season.
"They're incredible," she added. "Some look like movies you would pay $10 to see at a theater."
Back to this issue
|
