Jump to content

Draft:Ready Set Learn

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ready Set Learn!
Network
LaunchedDecember 28, 1992; 31 years ago (1992-12-28)
ClosedOctober 8, 2010; 13 years ago (2010-10-08)
Country of originUnited States
OwnerDiscovery Communications
FormatWeekday morning preschool block
Running time
  • 6 hours (1992–2003, TLC; early 2000s, Discovery Kids)
  • 5 hours (late 2000s, Discovery Kids)
  • 3 hours (2003–2008, TLC)
Original language(s)English

Ready Set Learn! was an American television block broadcast from late 1992 until 2010 across the TLC and Discovery Kids networks, both owned by Discovery Communications. A cable competitor to PBS' children's offerings, it comprised three hours of original, imported, and rerun programming plus music videos geared towards preschoolers, broadcast twice on weekday mornings. In its early years, it was hosted by children's entertainer Rory Zuckerman, who was billed mononymously; an early 2003 relaunch replaced her with Paz, a penguin who was represented in animated and puppet form.

A 1990 Carnegie Foundation report inspired Discovery to develop the block; shows were selected based on their educational value and visual vibrancy. Amid a $10 million investment from TLC, a line of home video and software releases, and plans to spin it off into a standalone channel, the parent company used Ready as a loss leader to expand the network's carriage. A counterpart for older children debuted on the main Discovery Channel in early 1997. By mid-2002, the TLC block ended up under the management of Discovery Kids, whose schedule it also appeared on.

Ready Set Learn! ran on TLC from December 28, 1992 to September 26, 2008, with Discovery Kids following suit during the 2000s. Despite brief skepticism on its chances as an "educational television" outlet, it was positively reviewed during both its 1990s and 2000s incarnations. The block helped TLC receive a CableACE Creator's Award in 1995, and was also honored by the National Education Association and the American Academy of Children's Entertainment.

History

[edit]

"Kids don't just sit and watch, they play along and learn at home."

Tagline from TLC's pre-launch pitch video for the block[1]

The TLC network's foray into preschool television,[2] Ready Set Learn! was first mentioned as early as August 1992.[3] Of the first five shows announced for the block, three of them (Bookmice, Kitty Cats, and The Magic Box) would have their U.S. premieres there;[4] the other two were rerun packages[4] of Join In! (previously on the religious VISN network)[5] and Zoobilee Zoo (a previously syndicated production of DIC Entertainment and Hallmark).[6] Greg Moyer, Discovery Communications' senior vice-president of programming, expressed hope that a full-fledged channel would spin off from it[7] within one or two years of launch.[4]

According to TLC employee John Ford,[8] the block was inspired by Ready to Learn: A Mandate for the Nation,[4] a 1990 Carnegie Foundation report[4] which stated that 35% of U.S. children began their education unprepared.[8] Assisted by director of programming Mike Quattrone (who had previously undertaken similar endeavors at PBS),[8] Ford selected the shows on the strengths of their educational value along with their visual vibrancy.[2] Finding it "extremely well-produced", he also bet on Kitty Cats as the block's breakout series.[2]

Ready Set Learn! debuted on December 28, 1992,[7] with Professor Iris rounding out the six-show lineup.[9] A competitor to the PBS lineup,[3] its three-hour schedule aired twice on weekdays, first at 6:00 a.m. and again at 9:00 a.m.—a slot that Ford viewed as "a safe haven".[2] TLC chose to air it commercial-free because doing otherwise would detract from its purpose.[8] As such, Discovery used the format as a loss leader for expansion of the network's carriage, which stood at 18 million homes at the time.[2] According to the Associated Press, TLC invested $10 million in the block's initial development (excluding tentative fees from underwriting);[8] original programming was also planned.[3]

In its early years, Ready Set Learn! was hosted by children's entertainer Rory Zuckerman (billed simply as "Rory").[3][10] A resident of Bethesda, Maryland (where TLC's parent company Discovery was based), Rory set out to teach children language skills through her music, as well as to "welcome the children into the world of The Learning Channel and also the parents, care-givers and other viewers" as hostess.[9] The block would become the home of her own shows, Rory and Me and Rory's Place, which were seen by one million combined viewers per month in 1996.[11]

Interstitial material on the block was branded under the "Short Stuff" banner, and rounded out each half-hour. Around 1994, music videos began appearing during this feature, starting with clips from Joanie Bartels (an artist signed to Discovery's former in-house record label). By 1996, TLC played 10–12 videos per day on Ready—showcasing children's artists as varied as Fred Penner, Parachute Express, Joe Scruggs, and Sharon, Lois & Bram—to the point where they eventually almost replaced the older "Short Stuff" segments from 1992.[12] The latter group would later headline the mainline Ready program Skinnamarink TV.[13]

In early 1997, the Discovery Channel launched a counterpart Sunday-morning block to Ready Set Learn!, alongside the companion U.S. and Latin American Discovery Kids formats.[14] By mid-2002, the TLC block had come under the purview of the Discovery Kids team; a revamped lineup that tentatively included Animal Jam, The Save-Ums!, and Ni Ni's Treehouse was slated to take effect early the following year.[15] The resulting relaunch on February 24, 2003 introduced Paz the Penguin as the new host of the interstitial segments; the 9:00 a.m. repeat moved to Discovery Kids.[16] Paz, created by Irish author Mary Murphy, was seen in both puppet and animated forms;[16] Discovery's Marjorie Kaplan saw him as "the avatar for his audience, the optimistic, persistent learner we want each of our viewers to be", and with his introduction, "hop[ed] for a 'less hyper, more unified programming environment.'"[17] The Magic School Bus, a 1990s PBS staple,[18] bookended the revised three-hour stretch.[17] During Ready's last few years, new programs on the block premiered on Discovery Kids a week ahead of TLC.[19][20][21]

The final TLC airing of Ready Set Learn! occurred on September 26, 2008, with Bigfoot Presents: Meteor and the Mighty Monster Trucks and The Magic School Bus in its closing hour.[22] From that point on, reruns of TLC's remaining programs for older audiences occupied its timeslot.[23] By then, the Discovery Kids version was airing from 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.;[24] it evolved into HubBub after the network's October 10, 2010 rebranding as The Hub.[25] As part of a cross-channel preview campaign leading up to The Hub's debut, TLC briefly returned to family-oriented entertainment with an airing of the Hasbro game show Family Game Night.[26]

Reception

[edit]

Almost three weeks before its launch, the Hartford Courant was skeptical on whether the original Ready Set Learn! could succeed as "educational television", writing, "What children will learn first and foremost from this 'unprecedented' offering is how to watch TV, something they will master all too soon without TLC."[1] The block managed to premiere to positive press; Peggy Charren of Action for Children's Television approved of its commercial-free nature,[8] while a reporter for the Northwest Florida Daily News said, "From what I've seen, they're doing a pretty good job [at making television a teacher]."[27] Lynne Heffley of The Los Angeles Times favorably reviewed the 2003 relaunch, citing Hi-5 (a U.S. remake of an Australian format) and The Save-Ums! as the standouts. "All the new shows are colorful, watchable and scrupulously created with the principles of child development firmly in mind," she said. "Several feature characters who talk directly to viewers, in the tradition of the best children's programming."[16]

In October 1993, Ready Set Learn! helped TLC secure one of that season's five Golden CableACE nomination slots;[28] upon its return in 1994–95, the block received a CableACE Creators Award.[29][30] During its original run, it was also honored by the National Education Association and the American Academy of Children's Entertainment.[15]

Merchandise

[edit]

A merchandising line for Ready Set Learn!, featuring coloring books and videotapes, was actively considered from the time of its planning stages.[2][4] Discovery chose Professor Iris to represent the first products under the brand—first through three VHS collections in August 1993,[31] and then through two CD-ROM titles, Fun Field Trip: Animal Safari in November 1994[32][33] and Seaside Adventure in May 1995.[32] By the twilight of the block's tenure (during 2006–2008), DVD releases of select shows went through Genius Products.[34][35]

Programming

[edit]
Programs are listed here by debut date, ordered by original timeslot where applicable.
Title Premiere date Notes Source
Bookmice December 28, 1992 Produced by TVOntario[36] [2]
Join In! December 28, 1992 Produced by TVOntario[36] [2]
Zoobilee Zoo December 28, 1992 Rerun of DIC Entertainment/Hallmark series[6] [2]
Professor Iris December 28, 1992 Produced by Desclez Productions[37] [2]
The Magic Box December 28, 1992
  • New Zealand import[3]
  • Created by educator Wendy Pye[38]
 [2]
Kitty Cats December 28, 1992 Originally produced in French as Pacha et les chats[39] [2]
Rory and Me September 19, 1994
[40]
Chicken Minute September 25, 1995 Created by Ronnie Burkett; tapings began in Montreal in 1991[41] [42]
Little Star September 25, 1995 Produced by Desclez, Société Radio-Canada, and Ravensburger [37]
Pappyland September 30, 1996 Acquired from Syracuse PBS station WCNY[43] [44]
The World of David the Gnome September 30, 1996
[37]
Wisdom of the Gnomes November 5, 1996 Produced by BRB International[45] [37]
Madison's Adventures: Growing Up Wild December 24, 1996
[46]: 555 
The Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon July 4, 1997 Created by Bobby Goldsboro for WEDU Tampa [48]
The Big Garage October 1997
  • Taped in England[49]
  • Produced by Prisma Productions of Montreal and Winchester Entertainment of Great Britain[49]
  • Original November 3, 1995 Canadian premiere on Family Channel[49]
 [13]
Bingo and Molly October 1997 Produced in New Zealand[50] [13]
Skinnamarink TV October 1997 Starring Sharon, Lois & Bram [13]
Salty's Lighthouse April 1998 Produced by Sunbow Entertainment [51]
The Berenstain Bears November 2, 1998 Rerun of 1985 Hanna-Barbera/Southern Star series[52] [53]
Jay Jay the Jet Plane November 2, 1998 [54]
Ni Ni's Treehouse September 25, 2000 Developed by Kenn Viselman [55]
The Magic School Bus February 24, 2003 Rerun of Scholastic/Nelvana/PBS series[18] [16]
Brum February 24, 2003 Produced by Ragdoll [16]
The Save-Ums! February 24, 2003 [16]
Hi-5 February 24, 2003 U.S. remake of original Australian series [16]
Animal Jam February 24, 2003 Produced by Jim Henson Productions[15] [16]
Peep and the Big Wide World April 12, 2004 [56]
Timothy Goes to School September 2004
[46]: 652 
ToddWorld November 8, 2004
[57]
Balamory
  • September 26, 2005 (Discovery Kids)
  • October 3, 2005 (TLC)
 Produced by the BBC [19]
Hip Hop Harry
  • September 25, 2006 (Discovery Kids)
  • October 2, 2006 (TLC)
 [20]
Bigfoot Presents: Meteor and the Mighty Monster Trucks
  • September 25, 2006 (Discovery Kids)
  • October 2, 2006 (TLC)
 [20]
Wilbur
  • April 16, 2007 (Discovery Kids)
  • April 23, 2007 (TLC)
 Produced by Mercury Filmworks [21]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Television as teacher?". Hartford Courant. December 9, 1992. p. B.8. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Donlon, Brian (December 28, 1992). "Ready, Set, Learn! takes off". USA Today. p. 03D. Retrieved September 12, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Learning Channel Plans Ad-Free Kids' Shows". Orlando Sentinel. New York Daily News. August 23, 1992. p. F2. Retrieved September 13, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Brown, Rich (August 24, 1992). "Ready, Set...Another New Cable Network" (PDF). Broadcasting. p. 24. ISSN 1068-6827. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via World Radio History.
  5. ^ "Cox Cable Addition of VISN Expands Religious Programs". The Oklahoman. January 20, 1991. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Margulies, Lee (December 31, 1986). "'Zoo'--Will It Pass Syndication Test?". Los Angeles Times. p. 16. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  7. ^ a b Donlon, Brian (September 10, 1992). "On cable, more education joins the 'toons and goods". USA Today. p. 03D. Retrieved September 12, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Elber, Lynn (January 1, 1993). "No-Ads Programming for Kids on Cable". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Associated Press. p. 09G. Retrieved September 12, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  9. ^ a b Zad, Martie (December 27, 1992). "Ready, Set, Learn! Rory Steers Learning Channel's 30-Hour Pre-School Show". The Washington Post. p. Y04. Retrieved September 12, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  10. ^ Sweetman, Keri (May 6, 1997). "Rory hopes for full house at NAC". Ottawa Citizen. p. B.10. Retrieved September 13, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  11. ^ a b "Children Feel Right at Home in 'Rory's Place' (TV Host Rory Zuckerman)". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. May 15, 1996. p. B-3. Retrieved September 13, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  12. ^ McCormick, Moira (February 3, 1996). "TLC Rounds Up Music Vids". Child's Play. Billboard: 67. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via Google Books.
  13. ^ a b c d e Sklar, Jill Davidson (October 17, 1997). "Rory, Set, Learn! Chevy Chase's Rory Zuckerman is the star of her own educational shows for children". Baltimore Jewish Times. Vol. 237, no. 7. p. 91. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  14. ^ Brown, Rich (September 2, 1996). "Discovery launches kids block". Broadcasting & Cable. Vol. 126, no. 37. p. 49. ISSN 1068-6827. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  15. ^ a b c "Discovery Kids teaming up with NBC for Saturday programming". Home Textiles Today. Cahners/Reed Elsevier: 26. May–June 2002. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h Heffley, Lynne (February 24, 2003). "Television & Radio — Television Reviews: Making a play for the young set; TLC and Discovery Kids Network launch a new block of lively shows for preschoolers". Los Angeles Times. p. E.16. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  17. ^ a b MacNeille, Suzanne (March 23, 2003). "Listening to the Little Penguin That Could". The New York Times. p. N55. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  18. ^ a b Cook, Sally Williams (June 24, 1994). "'Magic School Bus' Travels to TV with Kid-Friendly Science Lessons". Orlando Sentinel. Associated Press. p. E6. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  19. ^ a b Gilles, Judith S. (September 4, 2005). "For Kids: New Shows for Fall". The Washington Post. p. Y07. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  20. ^ a b c Gilles, Judith S. (September 24, 2006). "For Kids: Plenty to Renew Their Interest". The Washington Post. p. Y.16. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  21. ^ a b Ball, Ryan (April 5, 2007). "Discovery Unearths Wilbur". Animation Magazine. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  22. ^ "Diversions | Television: Friday Morning". Courier-Post. Camden, New Jersey. September 26, 2008. p. 30SC. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ "TV Listings: Weekend Daytime: September 29, 2008 – October 3, 2008". The Post-Star. Glens Falls, New York. September 28, 2008. p. B4. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ Atkin, Hillary (April 7, 2008). "Selling Across Platforms". TelevisionWeek. Vol. 27, no. 10. p. 18. ISSN 1544-0516. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  25. ^ Reynolds, Mike (October 4, 2010). "The Hub Gets Ready to Roll into Kids' Market". Multichannel News. Vol. 31, no. 37. p. 29. ISSN 0276-8593. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  26. ^ Szalai, Georg (October 7, 2010). "Behind the Hubbub". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 416. pp. 4, 15. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  27. ^ Shoffer (January 29, 1993). "The Learning Channel offers kids TLC". Northwest Florida Daily News. p. 8E. Retrieved September 12, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  28. ^ Carmody, John (October 11, 1993). "The TV Column". The Washington Post. p. D06. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  29. ^ Margulies, Lee (January 16, 1995). "HBO Takes Bulk of Prizes at the CableACE Awards:". Los Angeles Times. p. 2. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  30. ^ "A cable network success story". Cablecaster. Vol. 9, no. 9. Don Mills, Ontario. November 1997. p. 12. Retrieved September 12, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  31. ^ McCash, Vicki (August 1, 1993). "Kid Vids: Muppets, Puppets, Dolls and Dinosaurs Are Competing for Children's Tape Time". Sun-Sentinel. p. 1D. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  32. ^ a b Snider, Mike (November 29, 1994). "Your home computer is a window to the great outdoors". USA Today. p. 03D. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  33. ^ Abrams, Judith (August 1994). "Software heads back to school". Dealerscope Merchandising. 36 (8). Philadelphia: North American Publishing Company: 28. ISSN 0888-4501. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  34. ^ Gruenwedel, Erik (October 29 – November 4, 2006). "Genius Taps Discovery Kids DVDs". Home Media Retailing. 28 (44). Duluth, Minnesota: Advanstar Communications: 26. ISSN 1553-491X. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  35. ^ "Kids' DVDs of the Week". The Washington Post. February 15, 2008. p. T.39. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  36. ^ a b "TVO sells two series". The Globe and Mail. October 2, 1992. p. C.9. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  37. ^ a b c d Gelman, Morrie (August 12, 1996). "Cable is there for kids". Broadcasting & Cable. Vol. 126, no. 34. p. 34. ISSN 1068-6827. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  38. ^ Mangan, Jennifer (December 25, 1992). "Shows give kids lessons in reading, life". Chicago Tribune. p. 2. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  39. ^ Annual Report: 1994. Telefilm Canada. 1994. p. N/A. OCLC 20668948 – via Google Books Snippets. ...Pacha et les Chats (Kitty Cats), broadcast on The Learning Channel, which has become almost as popular as the famous Barney series.
  40. ^ a b c Moore, Scott (August 28, 1994). "'Rory and Me'; Ready, Set, Land A Show of Your Own!". The Washington Post. p. Y06. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  41. ^ Nicholls, Liz (October 17, 1991). "Charm of a world made small; Marionettiste deluxe finds something humane in cast of puppets". Edmonton Journal. p. D1. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
  42. ^ Mendoza, N F (September 3, 1995). "Carrey On; Fall Kids' Shows Reprise Popular Masks, Fins and Sleuths". Los Angeles Times. p. 4. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  43. ^ Trigoboff, Dan (April 10, 2000). "Draw me a check". Broadcasting & Cable. Vol. 130, no. 15. p. 108. ISSN 1068-6827. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  44. ^ Holston, Noel (September 4, 1996). "Cable networks lay claim to fall // They're competing with networks for new season". Minneapolis Star-Tribune. p. 01.E. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  45. ^ a b "MIP-TV Review". European Media Business & Finance. April 21, 1997. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  46. ^ a b c d e f Lenburg, Jeff (2009). "Madison's Adventures—Growing Up Wild". The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons (3rd ed.). Checkmark Books (Facts on File). ISBN 978-0-8160-6599-8. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via Archive.org.
  47. ^ Tobenkin, David (July 24, 1995). "Children's TV: New blocks put squeeze on kids syndication" (PDF). Broadcasting & Cable. Vol. 125, no. 30. p. 46. ISSN 1068-6827. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via World Radio History.
  48. ^ Davis, Pamela (March 26, 1997). "Singing a new tune // Bobby Goldsboro". St. Petersburg Times. p. 1.D. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  49. ^ a b c Brown, Louise (October 28, 1995). "Fright night Goosebumps leads the way into YTV's annual parade of Hallowe'en hair-raisers". Toronto Star. p. SW.80. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  50. ^ "Avalon prepares puppets for US TV". Evening Post. Wellington, New Zealand. April 25, 1997. p. 2. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  51. ^ "Sony Wonder Acquires Sunbow Entertainment". Entertainment Wire (Business Wire). April 27, 1998. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  52. ^ Milligan, Mercedes (June 4, 2012). "Berenstain Bears Celebrate 50th Anniversary". Animation Magazine. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  53. ^ Cox, Ted (November 2, 1998). "In the Air". Daily Herald. Arlington Heights, Illinois. p. 6. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  54. ^ Ellin, Harlene (September 6, 1998). "Leafing Through the New Fall Shows for Kids". Chicago Tribune. p. 2. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  55. ^ Shattuck, Kathryn (September 24, 2000). "Ask a Child to Create a Friend? That's a Ni Ni". The New York Times. p. 59. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  56. ^ Heffley, Lynne (April 12, 2004). "Television & Radio: Television Review; 'Peep' raises squawks of delight". Los Angeles Times. p. E.13. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
  57. ^ Shattuck, Kathryn (November 7, 2004). "Somewhere, Inside the Rainbow, Blue Boys Fly". The New York Times. p. 2. Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via ProQuest.
[edit]
This page will be placed in the following categories if it is moved to the article namespace.
Categories:

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Draft:Ready_Set_Learn&oldid=1245962080"