MUMBAI: Betsy McGowen has been named President,newdance kids, the kids division of newdance, a dynamic new division of AECG (Alan Ett Creative Group) that focuses on developing creative concepts for strategic partnerships that unite brands and broadcasters, it was announced today by newdance President Peter Isacksen  In the newly created position, McGowen will be responsible for overseeing newdance kids' slate of children's programming. Her duties will include product development, strategic planning, promotion, marketing, network relationships and production. The North American rights to Kids Top 20, the worldwide successful Dutch format, is the first acquisition to fall under the newdance kids banner.

Kids Top 20, an international phenomenon, is a live-action, interactive music show, that features the world's hottest young pop stars and kid-friendly music videos  Targeted to preteens, 6-12, Kids Top 20 is a proven ratings juggernaut in Holland, Belgium, France, Germany and Finland with an average market share of 45% in the target demographic. The format of Kids Top 20 is designed to empower kids by using their input to serve as the show's core and by showcasing kids as active, on-air show participants  Each week, kids go on-line to vote for their favorite songs and artists and that, in turn, generates the  Kids Top 20 Chart. After votes are tallied, producers then invite audience favorite guests and pop stars to appear and perform. Additionally, each show features appearances by stars from movies, sports and entertainment. Currently, plans are in place to unveil the show in other European countries as well as China, the Middle East and Australia.

Having someone with Betsy's background makes Kids Top 20 a very appealing package for brands and broadcasters,... says Isacksen. She brings an unbelievable track record from her days at Kids' WB! and will be a huge asset as we move forward building this franchise. We couldn't be happier that she'll be playing in our sandbox!... Added Alan Ett, CEO of AECG, Betsy is clearly one of the most creative, capable executives in the world of children's programming  We are absolutely thrilled to be associated with her unending talent, vision and wit....

"I look forward to building a kids business with Alan and Peter, two proven creative talents and cutting-edge entrepreneurs,... says McGowen  Our first acquired project, Kids Top 20, is an example of our philosophy of concentrating on branded entertainment that works across many platforms  Moving forward, we will develop content in-house and invite creators working in all genres to pitch their properties to us here at newdance kids." 

Prior to joining newdance kids, McGowen served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Kids' WB! on The CW and The WB Television Networks, overseeing all programming and marketing for network television's number one children's block  She previously served as Senior Vice President, Kids' WB! Marketing and held a top marketing position at Kids' WB! since its inception in 1995, where she helped shape the network's distinct brand image and on-air campaigns  Under McGowen's direction, Kids' WB! won 57 PROMAX awards for on-air branding, image and show promotion, and two Prism Awards for anti-smoking campaigns  Before her tenure at The WB, McGowen served as a freelance writer/producer/editor for many clients, including Fox and the Disney Channel  She has also served as a staff promo writer/producer for  Fox Kids Network and as an offline/online videotape editor at NBC and Fox.

McGowen majored in fine arts and theater at Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and currently lives in Los Angeles.