As Genius Brands International continues to build its worldwide network of digital entertainment platforms, the children’s media company announced the creation of Genius Networks (“GN”), consolidating Kartoon Channel!, Frederator Network and Ameba TV under the new banner. Concurrently, Genius Brands has promoted Todd Steinman to spearhead the newly created business unit as president, Genius Networks. 

In 2022, the Company acquired Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media, which brought Frederator Network to the Genius Brands’ family. Additionally Genius Brands acquired Ameba TV, a Amazon Prime Video Channel and SVOD service.   

“Consolidating our consumer platforms under Todd’s proven leadership, gives us the ability to grow our brands globally, increase revenue and maximize profits more quickly, as he has done in his previous roles with the Walt Disney Company, Warner Brothers and WPP,” says Andy Heyward, chairman and chief executive officer, Genius Brands. “There are an expanding number of opportunities to take advantage of, requiring a singular vision to achieve our ambitious goals, and Todd has an impeccable track record for developing and implementing profitable digital entertainment businesses. As we continue to grow, he will be focused on monetizing our brands and content in innovative ways to further propel Genius Brands as the global leader in children’s entertainment.” 

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Steinman joined Genius Brands last year as chief revenue and marketing officer for Kartoon Channel!. Prior to Genius Brands, he served as vice president, direct-to-consumer division at The Walt Disney Company, which included Disney+ during its launch. He helped create solutions to leverage Disney’s portfolio of network brands, including Disney, Hulu, ESPN, ABC, Freeform, FX and Nat Geo, while setting strategy for revenue teams.   

“I’m thrilled to take the reins of the newly created Genius Networks and lead operations, content, monetization and distribution to further accelerate the Company’s consumer facing goals,” says Steinman. “We have a very talented, innovative and committed team, and given the current breadth of our brands on a multitude of platforms, we are positioned to drive growth and enhance profitability for each of our brands. Growth must go hand in hand with profitability, and that will be my focus.”