The Hub Sets Up Advisory Board

BURBANK: The Hub has formed an independent advisory board, to be chaired by educational psychologist and TV industry specialist Dr. Helen Boehm.

The members of the advisory board will collectively share their knowledge and experience to provide professional advice and insight regarding new research, innovations and recommendations that impact the health, education and safety of children and their families. Dr. Boehm will share her expertise in social-emotional learning and educational programming. Joining Dr. Boehm on the board are Dr. Ralph Lopez, who will advise on adolescents and developmental concerns in pediatric psychiatry; Dr. Karen Hill Scott, an early childhood and preschool media advisor; Dr. Sharon Cooper, a special advisor for issues concerning developmental pediatrics; Susan Borra, who will advise on childhood obesity issues and family fitness policy; Dr. Larry Magid, advising on interactive technology, Internet safety and privacy; and Dr. Donna Mitroff, an expert in children’s media standards and evaluation.

“The value to us of this board as we build The Hub cannot be overstated,” said Margaret Loesch, the president and CEO of The Hub. “Now more than ever children—and families—are besieged with the influences of a tech-savvy and high pressure outside world. As a television network we realize the enormous influence we exert and the responsibility that this brings. We have a unique opportunity to be a positive influence in children’s development and in their lives. The guidance of The Hub Advisory Board will enable us to become part of the solution, and make better informed and more insightful decisions about the content and presentation of our programs.

“We’re extremely fortunate that Dr. Boehm agreed to assemble this impressive and diverse team of experts and to serve as its first chairperson. With Helen’s experience, passion and dedication, she is a wonderful choice to lead our new board’s efforts.”

Dr. Boehm commented: “I’m eager to be the catalyst for this board to support Margaret’s mission for The Hub. The members of this board are not typical ‘ivory-tower’ academic researchers, but are respected professionals working in the field with unique areas of specialization and expertise. The Hub Advisory Board will bring important perspectives on learning and diverse ways of thinking to the table. Our mandate from Margaret is to help the creative professionals at the network better understand the developmental issues that children today face—what makes kids ‘tick’—and how The Hub can best meet the entertainment needs and concerns of our viewing families.”