Toronto, Canada – November 10, 2015 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Geraldine Laybourne to its board of directors. Laybourne, a self described serial media and technology entrepreneur, is widely recognized as one of the most powerful women in television. She was a cable programming pioneer in the 80’s and 90’s, leading the team that created Nickelodeon and Nick at Nite. Laybourne then went on to serve as president of Disney/ABC Cable Networks and later founded Oxygen Media, where she served as Chairman and CEO until she sold the company to NBC Universal in 2007. Currently, Laybourne is the Chairman and co-Founder of Kandu, a kid’s technology company.
Laybourne’s appointment follows 9 Story’s recent acquisition of the award winning studio Brown Bag Films and is part of the company’s strategy to become a first choice destination for creators and show runners.
“We are overjoyed to welcome Geraldine Laybourne to our Board of Directors,” said Vince Commisso, President & CEO of 9 Story Media Group. “We have been on a mission to become the go-to studio for top quality, creator driven kids projects. Hiring Natalie Dumoulin as our VP, Creative Affairs last year was the first step and our recent acquisition of Brown Bag Films solidified that position. Gerry has been an absolute leader over the course of her career for her support of creator-led projects. As a board member, her expertise and counsel will be absolutely invaluable as we grow to become a global leader in kids and family entertainment on all platforms.”
“I was drawn to 9 Story for several reasons: the sincerity of their creator-driven mission, their track record of best-in-market production and the impressive talent in the company,” said Laybourne. “Traditional kids networks are demanding new content and new approaches on a daily basis; and new platforms are recognizing how invaluable and sticky kids content is to their platform. It is a great time to grow a kids content company.”
9 Story Media Group is a leading content creator, marketer and distributor of kids & family focused intellectual property. Recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood, Wild Kratts, Numb Chucks, Arthur and Peg + Cat, 9 Story represents over 2,150 half hours of animated and live action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. With one of North America’s largest animation studios, 9 Story employs over 250 creative and production staff in its Toronto facility and has produced over 900 half hours of award-winning children’s content. 9 Story recently acquired the award winning animation studio Brown Bag Films, which employs over 170 staff members across Dublin, Manchester and Los Angeles. Brown Bag is recognized for producing leading animated children’s series such as Octonauts, Doc McStuffins, Bing Bunny and Henry Hugglemonster. 9 Story is owned by senior management, ZMC (Zelnick Media Capital) and media entrepreneur Neil Court. www.9story.com
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For further information:
Jennifer Ansley, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, 9 Story Media Group
+1 416 530-9900 ext 230, jennifera@9story.com