From a purely cynical standpoint, producing programming that is educational is not only what’s expected of the brand, but a strong marketing tool when it comes to driving sales of Disney content, channels and the brand worldwide. And the emerging popularity of preschool programming in Asia would seem the ideal way to capture viewers while they’re young and exploiting their ‘pester power’ as their consumer appetite grows. But upon meeting Nancy Kanter, Disney’s Channel’s senior vice president for original programming, it’s very hard to believe her capable of cynically playing the educational card simply to drive the brand. “The marketing aspect isn’t something that I wrestle with because the learning is inherent within the play,” she laughs disarmingly. “The two work so well together that I don’t have to worry about meeting marketing goals – only curriculum ones.” As for the obvious merchandising potential of Disney shows, Kanter is quick to dismiss that as a driver of how and why original programming is commissioned. “If we make a great show that kids love, the merchandising will follow. But reverse model thinking does not work.”