Whether they prefer Elsa, SpongeBob or a Russian heroine named Masha, today
(Reuters) — Whether they prefer Elsa, SpongeBob or a Russian heroine named Masha, today’s kids have endless reasons to beg for more screen time. Yet almost nobody thinks there is too much children’s programming.
Media companies have heavily invested in kids’ content as they build new digital businesses to court consumers directly. On Thursday Walt Disney Co announced details about Disney+, a family-friendly streaming service it is launching in November for $7 per month.
The benefit for Disney, Netflix Inc, Viacom Inc and other media companies is clear: Hook viewers when they are young, with content that often has merchandising and theme park tie-ins. And the streaming model in particular makes sense: Children are the original binge-watchers, with an endless appetite for repeats.
