It’s been three years since I stepped into the editor’s chair on KidScreen, and it’s been fascinating-and fun. Despite a few narrow escapes from death (that NATPE when it hailed in New Orleans, the odd flight from hell to get to some off-the-beaten-track kid event, and driving in L.A.), I think the only job better than this would be programming a kids channel, or being a director of animation, or getting to dream up new kid projects. Oh wait, that’s what you guys do. OK, so there’s also the cold hard reality of trying to survive in an increasingly competitive industry, but amid all that, there’s still a sense of community in the kids biz that’s quite exceptional and has made my sojourn a pleasure.

The magazine has changed a lot in three years to keep pace with the industry, but the people toiling to produce quality entertainment for kids-while they may move around a lot-remain constant and committed. So it’s especially hard to say goodbye when KidScreen’s many friends and collaborators have all been extremely creative and passionate about their work. I’ll miss the calibre of our cartoonist J.K. Benton and our intrepid market columnist Robby London. As editorial director with Brunico, I’m moving onto another publication of ours, Strategy (oh look, I buried the lead), but I leave you in good hands.

Many of you already know KidScreen’s new editor Jocelyn Longworth. Jocelyn has been doing a great job managing the editorial process of the magazine, and now it’s time for her to take on the whole enchilada. JoLo has that unique blend of insight and passion required to steer KidScreen wisely, and most importantly, she’s been dutifully watching cartoons, reading comics and otherwise doing her kid culture absorption homework. She is both ready and able to take this magazine to the next level.

Congratulations Jocelyn, on your promotion to editor. Over to you kiddo. . .

Wow, all of a sudden it feels like the Oscars! I’ll try to keep my speech short. Thanks Mary for that fabulous intro, but more importantly thank you for supporting me and passing on your incredible wealth of kid knowledge. I definitely would not be where I am today without your help and guidance.

I’ve been at KidScreen for three and a half years now, and this business excites me just as much now as it did when I first came on-board. I often liken it to an amoeba-full of life and unpredictable because no one ever really knows what form it’ll take down the road. The kids entertainment industry’s ever-evolving nature also makes it a challenge to cover, but with the help of my very able editorial cohorts, I’m chomping at the bit to get started.

In this month’s Licensing Show special report, we’re launching the first of several KidScreen Advisory Panels of experts who will shed light on trends and issues shaping their sectors of business. Kicking the initiative off, licensing savants take a look at the strategic intricacies behind a burgeoning robot licensing trend (see ‘Experts say tech hooks clinch bot success,’ page 68). Look for production & programming and advertising & promotion players to step up and give their two cents in upcoming issues.

We’re also continuing our efforts to use the web to eke our way into your busy schedules and mine your brains for feedback. Check out what our licensee e-poll revealed about six properties shaping up to make a splash at Licensing 2001 International (see ‘Pre-market reality check,’ page 82).

Until next time, keep on changin’ and stay tuned for more exciting stuff to come…

mm & jl