What does it mean when Elmo parts ways with HBO and lands on Netflix? On the surface, it’s just another licensing deal, but it’s actually a masterclass in brand alignment, strategic partnerships, and earning consumer trust. I explain how HBO’s decision to let go of Sesame Street isn’t a loss but a smart refocus on its core identity. Meanwhile, Netflix didn’t just acquire a show. They borrowed decades of trust from parents without changing anything about their platform.

But it’s not just about Elmo. I also dive into the bigger shifts in kids’ content, from Cocomelon’s hyper-optimized attention grabs to the thoughtful rise of creators like Ms. Rachel. Plus, we explore what this all means for public media’s future role - not in content creation, but in content curation.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why HBO was right to drop Sesame Street, and what it says about knowing your audience
• How Netflix uses Elmo as a perception play, not just a programming decision
• Why Cocomelon drives parents nuts, but still dominates kids’ screens
• What makes Ms. Rachel a modern-day Mr. Rogers
• Why public media needs to shift from funding to filtering
• The branding lesson every business can learn from this platform pivot

Do you have a question or just need to vent about your marketing frustrations? Send it to [email protected], and I might just answer it in a future episode.

FRUSTRATED BY YOUR MARKETING? is hosted by Jim DeMicco and presented by SkyeLine Studio.

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