Disney Kids & Family Chief Says Studio Is Adapting to How Children Watch Now

At MipJunior in Cannes, Ayo Davis, president of Disney's Kids & Family division, said young viewers' habits have shifted dramatically and Disney had to rethink its approach. She noted that children now watch a wide range of content, from Bluey to Squid Game, and said the company must reach them wherever they are. The division is working with digital creators including Dhar Mann and Nastya.
At a Cannes industry event on Sunday, Ayo Davis, who leads Disney’s Kids & Family unit, described a fragmented children’s media landscape. She said her own household illustrates the range, with a 12-year-old moving between very different titles. Davis argued the company needed to move fast and reassess its strategy because this demographic matters greatly.
Disney’s response includes partnerships with digital creators Dhar Mann and Nastya. The panel took place at MipJunior in Cannes.
This shift could affect children, parents, and creators by normalizing a wider mix of traditional and online programming. Families may gain more choices, but parents could face harder curation across platforms. Smaller studios and digital creators may see new opportunities, while legacy children’s brands may need to adapt. The long-term impact may depend on whether these partnerships prioritize age-appropriate discovery and transparent recommendations.