Children's programming veteran Linda Simensky has been named sr. director of children's programming for PBS, as of Nov. 3, 2003, based at PBS corporate headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. AWN reported on Oct. 9 that she was leaving her post at Cartoon Network to join PBS.
Simensky will manage the award-winning PBS KIDS programming block, work with producers, co-production partners and distributors throughout development, production, post-production and broadcast.
"With a thorough understanding of every genre in the children's entertainment field, Linda brings leadership and a proven track record of creative product that will further build upon our critically acclaimed line-up on PBS KIDS," said John F. Wilson, svp of PBS programming, to whom Simensky will report. "She is tasked with the challenge of delivering deep educational value throughout the programming while also ensuring an entertaining and engaging platform for kids."
Simensky began her career with a nine-year tenure at Nickelodeon in New York City, where she helped build their animation department and launch such popular series as DOUG and RUGRATS. In 1995, she was appointed director of programming of Cartoon Network in Atlanta, Georgia, where she handled scheduling, acquisitions, program operations and development. She was promoted in 1997 to vp of original animation and became svp of original animation in 2001. While at Cartoon Network, Simensky oversaw the development of DEXTER'S LABORATORY, POWERPUFF GIRLS, SAMURAI JACK and other major projects.
PBS KIDS provides a nonviolent, noncommercial daily television schedule offering quality entertainment in a safe learning environment for children. PBS, is a private, nonprofit media enterprise, owned and operated by 349 public television stations in the U.S. PBS serves 90 million people each week through quality programs and education services on noncommercial television, the Internet and other media.
