Brunico to end Kidscreen, Realscreen, NATPE events in 2027; Jocelyn Christie exits

MUMBAI: In a move that signals shifting tides in the global content business, Brunico Communications has announced it will discontinue its US events portfolio from 2027, bringing the curtain down on marquee gatherings such as the Kidscreen Summit, Realscreen Summit and NATPE Global.

The decision marks the end of an era for Kidscreen Summit, a cornerstone of the children’s media industry for nearly 30 years. The annual event has long served as a hub for creators, broadcasters, streamers and buyers across live-action and animation, alongside hosting the widely regarded Kidscreen Awards.

Brunico cited ongoing market consolidation and structural changes in the content production landscape as the key drivers behind the move. The company will now pivot its focus towards its publications portfolio, including Kidscreen, Realscreen, Playback and Strategy, as well as the Canada-based Banff World Media Festival, which is set to return from June 14 to 17, 2026.

Adding to the shake-up, long-time Kidscreen publisher Jocelyn Christie has exited the company after a 28-year tenure. Widely credited with shaping the Kidscreen brand, Christie played a pivotal role in expanding the summit into the largest global gathering of children’s media executives and extending its reach into Asia through initiatives such as Kidscreen East and the Asian Animation Summit.

Brunico Communications president & CEO Russell Goldstein said the decision was “difficult but necessary” amid evolving market dynamics, noting that the company would double down on delivering insight, coverage and networking opportunities through its media platforms.

For her part, Christie reflected on her tenure with a sense of pride and anticipation for what lies ahead. Brunico Communications publisher Jocelyn Christie said, “I’m immensely proud of the work that has gone into building the Kidscreen brand over my last 28 years. I’m equally excited to explore new opportunities to carry my experiences forward into what comes next.”

While the lights may dim on its flagship events, Brunico appears keen to keep the conversation going through its editorial platforms. As the industry recalibrates, the company is betting that content, not conferences, will be its strongest connector in the years ahead.