FremantleMedia launches kids division

FremantleMedia Enterprises has launched a kids division, marking the first time the international producer and distributor has moved into the children’s TV business.

The division will be run by former Warner Bros and Sony exec Sander Schwartz, who has become EVP, head of children and family entertainment.

David Ellender, global chief executive of FremantleMedia Enterprises, said: “About 18 months ago, we decided that we’d built such a strong consumer licensing division that we had the right business to move into children’s programming.”

He added that the company was planning to expand its consumer products arm and develop relationships with third party producers and broadcasters.

Schwartz was previously president, international production at Sony Pictures Television and before that president, Warner Bros Animation and has produced kids series including Kids WB!’s The Batman and What’s New Scooby Doo?