TORONTO: The addition of former Senator Jerry S. Grafstein to the board of directors at Knightscove Media Corporation is the latest effort in the company's grand plan to become a family-entertainment powerhouse across a variety of platforms, Leif Bristow, president and CEO, tells World Screen Newsflash.
Bristow notes that Grafstein brings "unique knowledge, wisdom and insight" to the company; "as a co-founder of iconic Canadian media successes CityTV and YTV, Jerry knows what is required to achieve value for stakeholders and consumers alike." Bristow adds, "Jerry understands media, he knows his way through the broadcast world in terms of the players... regulation and policy."
Knightscove is being positioned as a provider of family-friendly content across a range of platforms. Bristow began building the conglomerate a few years ago with the acquisition of Canada's oldest independent DVD distribution company, since rebranded as Knightscove @ Home. The company then acquired the U.S. network Kidmazing, which is currently in just under 10 million homes, Bristow says. "We have commitments with a major carrier to take us to 20 million households. Once you surpass 15 million you become attractive to national advertisers. Our goal is to end up in over 30 million homes this year." Ultimately, Bristow would like to see Kidmazing operated as a full-24 hour channel entirely for families, in at least 35 million homes. Knightscove is also looking to expand its reach in Canada, with plans to apply for six specialty channel licenses, an effort that will be driven in part by former lawmaker Grafstein.
The company's most recent acquisition was that of Ellis Entertainment, adding a significant nature library and an international distribution operation to the company's reach. The final two pieces of the Knightscove puzzle are Knightscove TV, a production arm that is currently at work on Phinda Quest, a wildlife/nature show for kids and families; and Knightscove Family Films.