Rethinking the Model: Beyond Broadcasting and Streaming

Montreal, August 19, 2026 — The Youth Media Alliance (YMA) is pleased to announce the distinguished panelists and moderator for its upcoming Virtual Networking Townhall, taking place October 1, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. ET.

Under the theme “Rethinking the Model: Beyond Broadcasting and Streaming,” the interactive forum will bring together industry leaders to examine how the children’s and youth media sector can adapt to changing business models, new digital platforms, evolving audience behaviours, and the growing importance of discoverability.

The event will feature a 50-minute moderated panel discussion, followed by 10 minutes of Q&A and 30-minute breakout discussions where participants will have an opportunity to explore the issues raised during the panel and exchange practical ideas. The event is free and will take place online.

Meet the Panel

Jayna Rana — Director of Digital, 9 Story Media Group

Jayna Rana is a digital media specialist with extensive experience developing and managing children's content for digital platforms. At 9 Story Media Group, she has worked on the company's digital strategy and YouTube presence, helping bring major children's brands to audiences across digital platforms. Earlier in her career, she worked extensively with 9 Story's YouTube channels and digital programming, including managing content across multiple brands and languages.

Renaud Sylvain — President & Executive Producer, Happy Camper Média

Renaud Sylvain is the co-founder, president and executive producer of Happy Camper Média, a Quebec City-based production company and 2D animation studio. Under his leadership, the company has developed, produced and distributed successful children's properties, including Agent Jean!, Les Dragouilles and Mini-Jean et Mini-Bulle, with projects extending into formats such as podcasts and web games. His background in communications, marketing, distribution and production gives him a strong entrepreneurial perspective on the evolution toward multiplatform content.

Kimberly Persona — Executive Producer & Creator, Balloon House Productions

Kimberly Persona is an executive producer and creator at Balloon House Productions, where she develops and produces children’s and family content with a focus on innovative approaches beyond the traditional broadcasting and streaming models. Her work offers a valuable perspective on alternative ways of developing, financing, producing and connecting content with audiences. As the industry continues to evolve, Kimberly brings an entrepreneurial and creative perspective on building content and new opportunities outside conventional media pathways.

Marie-Claude Robichaud — Vice-President, Multiplatform Strategy, Research and Innovation, Télé-Québec

Marie-Claude Robichaud has more than 20 years of experience in the media industry, with a career spanning advertising agencies, TVA and Télé-Québec. She leads strategic transformation initiatives at Télé-Québec, helping the public broadcaster evolve within a rapidly changing media environment. Her expertise spans strategy, audiences, digital transformation, research and innovation, providing an important broadcaster's perspective on the future of children's media.

Moderator

Athena Georgaklis

Athena Georgaklis is a highly respected Canadian children's media executive with extensive experience in development, production, broadcasting and content strategy. During her career at Nelvana and TELETOON, she led the development and production of numerous Canadian children's series in both English and French, working with creators, producers and talent. Her broad experience across the children's media ecosystem makes her ideally suited to lead this forward-looking conversation.