LONDON, U.K. — WildBrain’s digital media division, WildBrain Spark, announced Thursday the launch of a dedicated channel of subtitled content for kids on its YouTube network in support of the Turn on the Subtitles (TOTS) literacy campaign, recently launched in the U.K.
The TOTS initiative highlights the benefits of Same Language Subtitling (SLS), which allows audiences to hear and read the same language, word for word, in perfect timing, says the news release. According to the release, academic research has shown that turning on the subtitles for children’s content improves literacy significantly, particularly for kids between the ages of six and 10.
“We knew we wanted to support this valuable initiative from its inception and have now launched a dedicated 100% subtitled WildBrain Literacy for Kids channel,” said Jon Gisby, executive vice-president and managing director at WildBrain Spark, in the news release. “TOTS has a simple message backed by compelling research and the benefits are significant and important, as well as aligning completely with our values. With kids spending so much time at home viewing content, and parents seeking to support home-learning, this initiative is also incredibly timely.”
Oli Barrett MBE, co-founder of TOTS added: “Alongside the support of parents and teachers, we believe that responsible businesses have a potential role to play in improving the literacy of young people around the world. The leadership shown by WildBrain Spark is hugely appreciated and we hope that others will be inspired by their example.”
WildBrain Spark’s Literacy for Kids channel features popular episodes from its library of premium kids shows including Yo Gabba Gabba, In the Night Garden and Rev & Roll. New episodes will be published weekly and are available globally in English with the channel promoted across the WildBrain Spark network.
