The world of children’s animation has undergone a digital revolution in recent years, and KiKA, the children’s channel of ARD and ZDF in Germany, has been at the forefront of this change. In an interview with Prensario, Sebastian Debertin, director of programming for the children’s channel, spoke about the current moments of the channel and its strategy to stay at ‘the top’ in an increasingly ‘more competitive’ market.
Debertin started by highlighting KiKA‘s success in both linear and non-linear television. ‘With more than 25 years of history, we have been pioneers in offering quality children’s programming, both local and international. Furthermore, we have managed to maintain our dominant position in a saturated market, even surpassing international giants such as Disney and Netflix in Germany, Switzerland and Austria’.
One of the keys to KiKA‘s success, according to Debertin, has been its focus on offering a variety of high-quality content that resonates with local and international audiences. ‘From locally produced programs in Germany to international co-productions, we strive to find and develop the best programs for children of all ages’.
The executive also highlighted the role of collaborations with independent producers and new companies in the animation industry. ‘Through initiatives like Premios Quirino in Spain or MIF / Annecy Festival, KiKA seeks to support and promote emerging talent in animation, helping turn promising projects into global success stories’.
Regarding the content distribution strategy, the executive stressed the crucial role that digital platforms play in today’s world. ‘With apps like KiKa Play and KiKA Nietzsche, we are offering children and their families access to a wide range of programs anytime, anywhere. This multimodal strategy allows KiKa to reach a broader audience and adapt to the changing viewing preferences of young viewers’.As for specific shows that have had great success on the signal, Debertin mentioned the third season of The Smurfs as one of the standout projects. ‘This iconic franchise, produced in collaboration with international partners, has proven to be a hit both in Germany and around the world, demonstrating the lasting power of characters and stories that resonate with children of all ages’.
