BBC, Marblemedia

The BBC unveils plans to spend at least $41 million on kid's programming over the next three years! Additionally, BBC's will up its spending for BBC Two dramas by 50%, the channel also becoming the home for BBC Films. The news came in a speech by Jena Bennett, Director/BBC Vision at BBC Vision Forum, an annual event for in-house and indie producers. Bennett explained the move comes in response to the recommendation from the BBC Trust that BBC strengthen its original kid's programming output in the UK and explained, "This additional funding, derived from efficiency savings, once again recognizes the particular pressures facing this genre and it will be used to reinforce the creative strength of BBC Children's, and help the CBBC channel maintain its position."

Marblemedia acquires the rights to the 1980s TV game show, Just Like Mom. Marblemedia plans to produce an updated version of the series with new elements including an interactive portion, and changing the series name to Just Like Mom ... and Dad. The series will be showcased at Mipcom next month. The original Just Like Mom series, which aired on CTV from 1980-85, featured three mom/kid teams working together to prove they knew each other best through quests/answer rounds and The Bake-Off Challenge. Catherine Swing, a creator and co-host of the original series, will serve as creative consultant on the new incarnation of the show.