PARTNERING A TOY COMPANY AND A LEARNING NETWORK

Growing up I use to play Transformers with my brother in return for him playing My Little Pony's with me. I secretly actually liked playing Transformers so that trade off was definitely in my favor.

But in early childhood, games and toys like G.I. Joe, Transformers, Battleship, My Little Pony, and Fragglerock were staples of my brother and my childhoods, and also home to famed toy manufacturer, Hasbro.

Fast forward to 2010, Hasbro has partnered with learning and entertainment network, Discovery, to create "The Hub," which premiered today on the small screen to bring these famed toys to life for the next generation and to re-hash memories for the rest of us. This partnership shows a great opportunity for a company with valuable brands to further its reach and growth potential by tapping into another distribution outlet--TV. But because Hasbro does not necessarily have the infrastructure and experience to go out on its own, partnering with an established network provides value to them. And for Hasbro, what better partner than one that already reaches an audience that craves learning and entertainment opportunities for the family. Discovery Communications epitomizes the Hasbro brand's demographic, but provides a platform that is open and doesn't necessarily have competing shows like a Nickelodeon might have for Hasbro.

With the launch today, 10.10.10, we are curious to see how the network succeeds. Hopefully it will be like a Spider-Man success story and not The Hulk.