By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Genius Brands has promoted Todd Steinman to president of the newly-created Genius Networks business unit.
“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,” said 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.”
Genius Networks is a new unit of the company that consolidates Genius Brands’ family-friendly TV networks, content producers, and video streaming services under one banner. The entertainment divisions included in Genius Networks are Kartoon Channel!, Ameba, and Frederator.
Through these newly consolidated channels, Genius Networks encompasses a wide range of digital content including subscription-based VOD, ad-supported VOD, streaming channels, and a network of animation creators on platforms such as Youtube, Meta, and TikTok.
“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,” said Genius Brands’ CEO Andy Heyward.
“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.”
Steinman initially joined Genius Brands last year as chief revenue and marketing officer for the company’s Kartoon Channel!. Prior to Genius Brands, he served as VP in the direct-to-consumer division of The Walt Disney Company. During his time at Disney, Steinman helped leverage the company’s network brand portfolio, which included Disney, HULU, ESPN, ABC, FreeForm, FX, and Nat Geo.
Before his time at Disney, Steinman co-founded the digital media agency M80, which provided strategy, social media management and analytics to Fortune 500 companies. When M80 was acquired by WPP, Todd stayed on to lead the NBC Universal business where he negotiated media deals with companies such as Google, Amazon, Snapchat, Spotify, and more.
Genius Brands initially launched the Kartoon Channel! streaming app in 2020. The company acquired the Frederator Network through its purchase of Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media in 2022. Ameba TV was acquired by Genius Brands in 2022 from the Amazon Prime Video Channel and SVOD service.