“The pace of change today is probably one of the more challenging aspects of running a children’s TV network,” says Sandy Wax, president and general manager of PBS KIDS Sprout, the first 24-hour TV channel dedicated to little ones ages 2-5. “As content creators, we’re constantly challenged to think about how technology changes the ways kids watch and interact with television.”
Since launching in 2005, Sprout has generated more than a billion video-on-demand orders while seeing consistent ratings growth. It’s now the number one kids’ TV brand in the country, ahead of both Disney and Nickelodeon. Under Wax’s watch, the network recently secured NBC’s Saturday-morning slot, expanding its reach to 110 million families every weekend.
Outside of work, the Bala Cynwyd resident serves as a board member at the Please Touch Museum and an advocate for Cradles to Crayons, which provides new and used items to local children in low-income or homeless families. As for juggling all those balls? “Forget worrying so much about ‘achieving balance’ among work, family and life,” says Wax. “Do your best and be your best advocate. Sometimes women hesitate to tout their own accomplishments and speak up about their own achievements.”
