NOGGIN

World Screen Weekly, October 2, 2008

COUNTRY: U.S.

LAUNCH DATE: February 2, 1999

OWNERSHIP: NOGGIN is owned by Nickelodeon and is part of the Viacom International family of networks.

DISTRIBUTION: It currently reaches 65 million homes via cable, digital cable and satellite.

DESCRIPTION: NOGGIN’s mission is to be like preschool on TV—a place on air and online where kids can gain key curricular knowledge in thematic blocks. Through interactivity and narrative, NOGGIN and noggin.com help kids learn early literacy, social studies, basic math, science, movement and art skills for children aged 2 to 5.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT:

President, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group: Cyma Zarghami

President, Animation, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group: Brown Johnson

Senior VP, Production & Development, Nickelodeon Preschool Television: Teri Weiss

PROGRAMMING STRATEGY: NOGGIN’s programming, both on air and online, supports the network’s philosophy of: “It’s like preschool on television,” and aims to foster the early development of life-long skills for children. The network’s approach is built on the concept of “connected learning,” which helps youngsters find educational elements in everything they do. Guided by national standards in preschool education, NOGGIN combines experiences that children know and love with key learning components.

Also setting NOGGIN apart from its competitor is its original programming, which includes Jack’s Big Music Show, Oobi, The Upside Down Show, Oswald and Little Bear. The live-action series Jack’s Big Music Show is hosted by a music-loving puppet and features videos along with live, in-studio performances by popular children’s musicians. Oobi centers on a bare-hand puppet who is curious about the world around him. The program is focused on the stage in a child’s life when everything is new and interesting, building concepts and skills from mathematics and early literacy to logical thinking and movement. The Upside Down Show, from Sesame Workshop and Nickelodeon Preschool Television, is a live-action series that stars a comedic duo of two brothers who encourage their audience to interact and participate in their fun excursions.

Brown Johnson, the president of animation for Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group, says that the network stocks around a third of its schedule with acquired fare, picking up “quality family programming from all over the world.” These include Franklin, Maisy and Max & Ruby. NOGGIN also broadcasts a host of hit Nick Jr. titles such as The Backyardigans, Blue’s Clues, Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, Little Bill and The Wonder Pets!

As far as special short-form programs are concerned, Johnson says that Story Time with Moose and Zee, Snack Time: Cooking with Luis and Move to the Music are a few of the most popular.

Integrated with NOGGIN’s educational approach, the network’s website, noggin.com, “offers preschoolers a place to play, create, think and learn,” explains Johnson. “Surfing with their parents, kids can interact with their favorite NOGGIN characters and learn basic mouse skills like clicking and dragging. Colorful and funny, noggin.com is designed to make preschoolers laugh out loud.” Also in new media, Johnson explains that “a rollout for a new series or the premiere of a new episode would feature a non-linear launch strategy using various brand forms,” including iTunes, Verizon Wireless V Cast and Nick Jr. Video, among others.

WHAT’S NEW: This fall, the network will premiere a second season of Pinky Dinky Doo and a new original half-hour animated series Toot & Puddle. The property is based on the award-winning and New York Times-bestselling book series by renowned children’s author and illustrator Holly Hobbie.

WEBSITE: noggin.com