– New FCC guidelines light fire under CTW

Children’s Television Workshop has begun its largest programming development project to date in response to the new FCC guidelines requiring broadcasters to air at least three hours of educational children’s programming each week starting this fall (see ‘New children’s programming rules for broadcasters’ in the January 1997 issue of KidScreen). According to a release, the company is taking on more cutting-edge programs geared to kids age six to 11-programming that CTW is not traditionally known for. Earlier this year, CTW joined with CBS to develop and produce at least three half-hours for the network’s Saturday morning lineup, with a commitment for one series to be ready for the fall. Shows in development for CBS include: The Ghostwriter Mysteries, based on the original live-action series, but with ‘a different edge,’ Problem #13, an animated half-hour series that helps kids with math, and an educational music show called Jam Inn!

-Gaumont’s Home to Rent sets up house on FCN

PARIS: Less than two years after opening, Gaumont Multimedia, headed by Marc du Pontavice, has signed a U.S. deal with Fox Children’s Network for the animated series Home to Rent. The 52 x 13-minute series, about five Earth-bound martians squatting in the attic of a house for rent, will begin airing in September. Music for the series was composed and performed by Iggy Pop.