After more than two decades, Greg Childs is stepping down as editorial director of the Children’s Media Conference (CMC), handing the baton to Helen McAleer.
McAleer will take on oversight of the editorial program for the beloved annual event for the children’s media business. Currently a consultant, she was formerly MD at Walker Books and founded Walker Productions after 12 years at BBC Worldwide (now BBC Studios).
“Our industry is facing significant challenges, and CMC has always responded to changes in content creation, distribution and financing with realism and relevance,” McAleer said. We are committed to continuing that approach while looking firmly to the future for our delegates and the wider children’s media community. I’m excited to lead CMC into its next chapter.”
Childs, founding editorial director, will remain on the CMC board, having a role in the event’s long-term evolution.
“The very first session at the very first CMC was about ’the coming of broadband,'” Childs said. “Well, it came… and so did on demand delivery, interactive content, reduction in commissioning spend, increased international cooperation, the rise of the streamers and especially YouTube, multiple platform fandom, AI production, and so much more. CMC has weathered all these storms within the industry and will continue to bring the various parts of the kids’ content world together to work out solutions, find partnerships and build on shared understanding. The work goes on!”
The CMC board is reviewing plans for 2027 to ensure the event remains relevant to the needs of the kids’ media sector.
