Kartoon Studios and LiveOne to Collaborate on Custom Audio and Video Channels

Rhea-AI Summary

Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) and LiveOne (NASDAQ: LVO) have announced a partnership to create three custom audio and video channels for diverse age groups. The collaboration aims to leverage both companies' creative expertise and distribution networks to reach a wide audience. The channels include:

1. Baby Genius for children aged 2-8
2. Stan Lee Presents for kids and teens aged 8 and older
3. Cartoon Hangover for teens aged 15 and up

These channels will be distributed through existing platforms, including the Tesla Streaming Music App, reaching over four million LiveOne members. The rollout is scheduled to begin in Fall 2024, offering tailored entertainment experiences across multiple platforms.

Positive

• Partnership with Kartoon Studios expands LiveOne's content offerings
• Access to over four million LiveOne members for new channels
• Inclusion in Tesla Streaming Music App enhances distribution reach
• Diversification of content for different age groups may attract new subscribers

Negative

• None.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

This collaboration between Kartoon Studios and LiveOne represents a strategic move in the competitive streaming landscape. The partnership aims to leverage LiveOne's 4+ million member base and Tesla's streaming music app, potentially expanding Kartoon Studios' reach significantly. However, the impact on either company's financials remains unclear without specific revenue-sharing details or projected subscriber growth.

The three new channels (Baby Genius, Stan Lee Presents and Cartoon Hangover) target distinct age groups, which could help capture a broad audience demographic. This diversification strategy might mitigate risks associated with audience preferences and provide multiple revenue streams. Yet, the success will largely depend on content quality and marketing effectiveness in a saturated market.

While the partnership shows promise, investors should carefully monitor initial user engagement metrics and any future financial disclosures to gauge its true impact on both companies' bottom lines.

Tech Expert

The inclusion of these custom channels on the Tesla streaming music app is a noteworthy technological integration. Tesla's in-car entertainment system reaches a premium audience, potentially offering Kartoon Studios high-value exposure. This move aligns with the growing trend of in-vehicle entertainment systems becoming more sophisticated and content-rich.

However, the success of this integration will depend on several factors:

• User interface design within Tesla's system
• Content delivery optimization for in-car viewing
• Adaptation to varying network conditions during travel

The partnership's ability to address these technical challenges will be important for user adoption and retention. While promising, the actual technological implementation and user experience remain to be seen, making it premature to predict significant financial impact for either company.

Kartoon Studios Companion Stations to be Available to Over Four Million LiveOne Members, Including on the Tesla Streaming Music App

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) and LiveOne (NASDAQ: LVO) are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership that will bring three dynamic channels of music and video content to audiences of all ages. This collaboration combines both companies’ creative expertise and distribution power to deliver tailored entertainment experiences across multiple platforms.

The partnership will introduce three distinct channels:

1. Baby Genius: Aimed at children aged 2-8, this channel will offer engaging and entertaining content to stimulate young minds. From animated adventures to sing-along music, Baby Genius is expected to become the ultimate destination for early childhood entertainment.

2. Stan Lee Presents: Targeted at kids and teens aged eight and older, this channel will showcase music related to superhero stories, exciting adventures, and content of the Stan Lee Universe. Stan Lee Presents is expected to captivate a generation ready for action and inspiration.

3. Cartoon Hangover: Designed for teens aged 15 and up, Cartoon Hangover will provide edgy, original content that pushes the boundaries of animation. All your favorite content from the Frederator network will be combined with the hottest music to create a unique music experience.  This channel is expected to become the go-to destination for older kids and young adults seeking fresh, innovative entertainment.

Kartoon Studios and LiveOne will distribute this custom content using their existing channels and platforms, with the goal of reaching the widest possible audience. This strategic partnership highlights both companies' commitment to delivering high-quality, age-appropriate content that resonates with viewers across various age groups.

“We are excited to partner with LiveOne to bring these unique channels to life,” said Todd Steinman, President of Toon Media Networks. “By combining our creative talents and distribution networks, we can offer something extraordinary for audiences of all ages.”

“This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide diverse and engaging content for kids and teens,” added Bradley Konkol, Head of Slacker Radio for LiveOne. “We are confident that these new channels will become favorites among families and young viewers everywhere.”

The three new channels will begin rolling out this Fall, with content available from Kartoon Studios and LiveOne’s vast platforms.

About Kartoon Studios
Kartoon Studios (NYSE AMERICAN: TOON) is a global end-to-end creator, producer, distributor, marketer, and licensor of entertainment brands. The Company’s IP portfolio includes original animated content, including the Stan Lee brand, “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; “Shaq’s Garage,” starring Shaquille O’Neal, on Kartoon Channel!; “Rainbow Rangers” on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; the Netflix Original, “Llama Llama,” starring Jennifer Garner, and more.

In 2022, Kartoon Studios acquired Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media, along with its subsidiary, Mainframe Studios, which is one of the most successful animation service houses in the world, producing top brands for 3rd parties, including “Cocomelon,” “Barbie’s Playhouse,” Unicorn Academy,” and “SuperKitties.” Additionally, the company made a strategic investment becoming the largest shareholder in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment AG, one of Europe’s leading distributors and broadcasters of high-quality programs for children and families.

Toon Media Networks, the Company’s wholly owned digital distribution network, consists of Kartoon Channel!, Frederator Network, and Ameba. Kartoon Channel! is a globally distributed entertainment platform with near full penetration of the U.S. market. Kartoon Channel! and Ameba are available across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android Mobile, Web, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Pluto TV, Comcast, Cox, Dish, Sling TV, Android TV, Tubi, Xumo, and Samsung and LG Smart TVs. Frederator Network owns and operates one of the largest global animation networks on YouTube, with channels featuring over 2000 exclusive creators and influencers, garnering billions of views annually.

For additional information, please visit www.kartoonstudios.com

About LiveOne
Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, LiveOne (Nasdaq: LVO) is an award-winning, creator-first, music, entertainment, and technology platform focused on delivering premium experiences and content worldwide through memberships and live and virtual events. LiveOne’s subsidiaries include Slacker Radio, PodcastOne (Nasdaq: PODC), PPVOne, CPS, LiveXLive, DayOne Music Publishing, Drumify and Splitmind. LiveOne is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Spotify, Samsung, Amazon Fire, Android TV, and through STIRR’s OTT applications. For more information, visit liveone.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Twitter at @liveone. For more investor information, please visit ir.liveone.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements,” which may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as “may,” “might,” “will,” “will likely result,” “would,” “should,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “continue,” “target” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions and include statement such as the new partnership bringing three dynamic channels of music and video content to audiences of all ages; Baby Genius offering engaging and entertaining content to stimulate young minds and becoming the ultimate destination for early childhood entertainment; Stan Lee Presents showcasing music related to superhero stories, exciting adventures, and content of the Stan Lee Universe and captivating a generation ready for action and inspiration; Cartoon Hangover providing edgy, original content that pushes the boundaries of animation and becoming the go-to destination for older kids and young adults seeking fresh, innovative entertainment; Kartoon Studios and LiveOne distributing the custom content using their existing channels and platforms and  reaching the widest possible audience; the new channels becoming favorites among families and young viewers everywhere; the new partnership offering something extraordinary for audiences of all ages; and the three new channels beginning rolling out this Fall. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including: the ability of the partnership to bring three dynamic channels of music and video content to audiences of all ages; the ability of Stan Lee Presents to captivate a generation ready for action and inspiration; the ability of Cartoon Hangover to become the go-to destination for older kids and young adults seeking fresh, innovative entertainment; the ability for the custom content to reach a wide audience and become a favorite of its viewers and the ability to roll out the new channels in the fall; and other risks, uncertainties and factors including, but not limited to, those described in each of Kartoon Studios and Liveone’s most recent  Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports of Form 10-Q filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) oC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and Kartoon Studios and LiveOne each disclaims any obligation to update these statements, except as may be required by law. Each of Kartoon Studios and LiveOne intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

LiveOne IR Contact:
Liviakis Financial Communications, Inc.
(415) 389-4670
john@liviakis.com

LiveOne Press Contact:
LiveOne
press@liveone.com

Kartoon Studios Contact:

press@kartoonstudios.com

Follow LiveOne on social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter at @liveone.

FAQ

What new channels are LiveOne (LVO) and Kartoon Studios launching?

LiveOne (LVO) and Kartoon Studios are launching three new channels: Baby Genius for children aged 2-8, Stan Lee Presents for kids and teens aged 8 and older, and Cartoon Hangover for teens aged 15 and up.

When will LiveOne (LVO) start rolling out the new channels with Kartoon Studios?

LiveOne (LVO) and Kartoon Studios will begin rolling out the new channels in Fall 2024.

How many LiveOne (LVO) members will have access to the new Kartoon Studios channels?

Over four million LiveOne (LVO) members will have access to the new Kartoon Studios channels.

Will the new LiveOne (LVO) and Kartoon Studios channels be available on Tesla's Streaming Music App?

Yes, the new LiveOne (LVO) and Kartoon Studios channels will be available on the Tesla Streaming Music App.