Discovery Kids Time Running Out...

[golfdude]

I just read a story on how Hasbro, yes Hasbro has bought half of the discovery kids channel and starting next fall (Fall 2010), they will rebrand the network into a more family themed channel, which will also include family themed game shows as well, half of the programming time will be given to hasbro, and discovery will keep the other half.. so strange days may only have a year left on air in reruns... the network name will also be changed come next fall as well..

Both the network and the venture’s online component will feature content from Hasbro’s rich portfolio of entertainment and educational properties built over the past 90 years, including original programming for animation, game shows, and live-action series and specials. New programming will be based on brands such as ROMPER ROOM, TRIVIAL PURSUIT, SCRABBLE, CRANIUM, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, GAME OF LIFE, TONKA and TRANSFORMERS, among many others. The TV network and online presence also will include content from Discovery’s extensive library of award-winning children’s educational programming, such as BINDI THE JUNGLE GIRL, ENDURANCE, TUTENSTEIN, HI-5, FLIGHT 29 DOWN and PEEP AND THE BIG WIDE WORLD, as well as programming from third-party producers.

[MirrorCard]

To me, when I hear Hasbro is acquiring something, it means that something is not in good shape.

I remember hearing that game shows are an easy way for a network to stay afloat without relying too heavily on ratings.

Does FCC rules on advertising a product apply to cable channels? For example, I remember hearing that pokemon toy / game boy / cards / etc cannot be shown during an episode of Pokemon because it monopolizes the timeslot. By the same logic, advertisements for transformers action figures cannot be aired during an episode of Transformers, right?

[jrapsas]

Hey mirrorcard. Great to see you here. The Hasbro/Discovery Kids deal has been somewhat controversial for the reasons you pointed out...a toy company buying into a kids network to ostensibly sell toys. Obviously there's no rule against it and there are tons of toys based on tv shows. As long as you are not advertising a toy from a program within a program (like a transformers toy in a commercial break for a transformers show) you can get away it. However it is something that networks have to be careful about and something I'm sure the FCC will be watching closely.

No word yet on whether Strange Days has a future on the channel once it is re-launched. They certainly still have the rights to air the show for a few more years. They are going to need a lot of programming and I don't think it's a stretch to believe that it still might fit the new channel from a brand perspective. My guess would be that the show might stay on for a while, albeit in a less prime timeslot. You can pretty much be assured that it will continue to be on every day until the re-launch.

[golfdude]

discovery just reported today that this fall the network is getting renamed "The Hub" hasbro has a few programs (cartoons) that will be airing right off the bat on the new channel..

The Hub will incorporate cherished Hasbro properties, including TRANSFORMERS and MY LITTLE PONY, and popular Discovery Kids franchises such as ADVENTURE CAMP and FLIGHT 29 DOWN as a part of a diverse and robust lineup of original and acquired programming.

www.hubworld.com is their website for it

[Gouki]

Anything that get Bindi Irwin off the asir can only be a good thing.

[jrapsas]

I don't know yet if SD@BHH will still be on "The Hub" when it launches, but hope to find out soon. As soon as I know, I'll post it.

[Gouki]

Hasbro can be pretty good about getting DVDs and merchandise for products out, so I'd love for BHH to air on the HUB, even if rights had to be exchanged (oh, I doubt they really do have to be, I'm just saying).