Rocket Fund tasks children’s media researcher and industry veteran Kim Wilson to examine how Canada can sustain quality children’s content as traditional funding models collapse and platforms reshape the industry
Whistler, BC – (December 5, 2025) – Shaw Rocket Fund announces the commissioning of a revolutionary white paper examining Canada’s children’s digital media landscape at a critical moment of transformation for the sector. The research, led by Kim Wilson through OneFish TwoFish Consulting, will provide policy recommendations and industry insights as traditional funding models collapse and digital platforms reshape how young audiences consume content.
The white paper’s comprehensive research will address urgent questions facing Canadian children’s media. How do we sustain quality content production when revenue streams have fundamentally shifted? What does authentic Canadian storytelling mean in an era of global platform distribution? And how do we ensure children’s well-being as Generation Beta becomes the first truly AI-native generation?
“Canadian children’s media is at an inflection point,” notes Agnes Augustin, President & CEO, Shaw Rocket Fund. “With major channel closures, declining broadcaster revenues, and platforms operating under new regulatory frameworks, our sector needs rigorous research that examines the full ecosystem; not just isolated pieces.” She adds, “Kim brings the perfect combination of industry expertise, academic rigour, and stakeholder relationships to tackle these complex, interconnected issues.”
The research takes a comprehensive “glocal” approach, examining how regulatory frameworks, content creation economics, child development, and cultural representation function as an integrated system. Multi-stakeholder research will be conducted across industry leaders, regulatory bodies, technology companies, parents, children, educators, and cultural communities.
Wilson brings extensive experience in children’s media as both researcher and industry veteran. Through OneFish TwoFish Consulting, Toronto Metropolitan University’s Children’s Media Lab, and her over two decades of work leading TVOKids and Kids’ CBC, she has developed industry networks and research expertise uniquely positioned to tackle this sector-wide challenge.
“We’re seeing the children’s media landscape transform more rapidly than our policy frameworks can keep pace with,” commented Wilson. “This research aims to provide Canadian stakeholders—from policymakers to producers to parents—with the evidence and insights needed to ensure our children have access to high-quality, culturally relevant content that serves both their development and our creative economy.”
Today’s announcement is being made at the Whistler Film Festival (WFF), where Shaw Rocket Fund’s Agnes Augustin will moderate the panel Future of Kids Programming and Why Canada Can’t Afford to Look Away. The white paper originated out of discussions with WFF and the Rocket Fund, from WFF’s desire to address the state of the Canadian children’s sector at their conference. This panel will delve into topics that will also be reflected in the white paper.
Shaw Rocket Fund has championed Canadian children’s media for 27 years, supporting the creation of content that entertains, educates, and reflects Canada’s diverse communities. This research commission represents the Fund’s continued commitment to thought leadership and evidence-based advocacy for the sector. It aligns with the Rocket Fund’s ongoing mission to support the industry, guide it through changing times, and advance the long-term sustainability of both the sector and the Fund.
The findings will be disseminated throughout the sector to inform policy development and industry strategy.
