The draw of a prank show is pretty much universal. Kids and adults alike can find humor in watching the unsuspecting victim stumble into awkward or surprising situations. That appeal is one of the reasons why prank shows are once again gaining traction, as we write about on page 34.

That’s fine when you’re the viewer, but very rarely do people like to see themselves as the subject of the prank. It’s also not as common to be the person who is pulling the prank. There is, however, one circumstance where people tend to feel they are playing the prankster and the prankee at the same time, and that’s when they’re starting a new job—especially if that job happens to be in a new industry. And that’s exactly the situation I’m finding myself in right now. For those of you who don’t know me— and at this point, that’s most of you reading this page—I’m Carolyn and I’m the new editor of Kidscreen. Hi.

Stepping into this role is exciting. I get to work with a talented team of reporters, editors and graphic artists, as well as sales professionals, conference planners and other members of the Brunico team whose work allows us to get the magazine out and the daily newsletter in your inbox.

Joining Kidscreen now means that I’ll be able to play a role in covering an industry that’s undergoing revolutionary change, and that’s always a desirable situation for any journalist…even if it’s a time of stress and anxiety for members of that industry who are trying to figure out what’s coming next, how it will affect them, their suppliers and their customers, and how they’ll ensure they’ll survive and thrive in the new business landscape.

I have confidence in my ability to tell the tale of how the kids entertainment industry is being transformed, thanks in large part to news instincts and reporting skills that I’ve sharpened over the years covering a wide range of stories and industries for trade pub- lications, daily newspapers, news websites and consumer magazines. But as somebody in a new role, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have the tiniest bit of doubt that I’m somehow acting as the prankster and setting myself up for a spectacular face-plant.

Maybe I’ll trip on something that’s obvious to everybody in the industry but that’s invisible to me and wind up the prankee. Even if that happens, that’s OK. Everyone who tries something new is at risk of slipping on the proverbial banana peel as they get their feet under them, and I’m certainly no exception.

What seems to be different, however, is this industry itself. Everyone I’ve spoken with so far has emphasized how nice and caring the people are, which, when you think about it, makes a lot of sense. They’re devoted to entertaining children, a process that involves not just capturing their eyeballs for a few minutes, but teaching kids lessons, building up their resiliency and showing them the wider world. I’d expect an industry like that to be welcoming to newcomers.

So, as a newcomer, if you happen to see me in Cannes at MIPCOM or MIP Junior, please stop me and say hello. I’m looking forward to getting to know you.

This editorial originally appeared in Kidscreen’s Q3 2024 magazine issue.