DirecTV launches kiddie app for Apple mobile devices

DirecTV (NASDAQ: DTV) has become the latest pay-TV operator to launch a dedicated kids programming app featuring only shows signed off on by Common Sense Media. 

The new DirecTV Kids app, which runs on Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) mobile devices, is targeted to children 5-10 and includes only content rated  G, PG, TVG, TVY, or TVY7, from programmers including Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, HBO, Starz and Sprout.

DirecTV said Disney programming will soon be added.

Earlier this month, Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) launched Kids Zone, a new programming destination--announced two weeks ago at INTX--that also includes only shows approved by non-profit Common Sense Media for kids age 12 and under. 

With kids rabidly consuming content on SVOD platforms on devices including tablets, these new services probably aren't arriving too soon

"As our kids become more and more connected through powerful devices like tablets and computers, navigating through the rough terrain of the digital landscape for parents can be an incredibly daunting task," said Tony Goncalves, senior VP, digital entertainment products group, DirecTV. 

"The DirecTV Kids App was designed to take the worry away from watching TV and give kids a simple and safe viewing environment without the need for complicated parental control set up on multiple devices," Goncalves added.

For more:
- read this DirecTV press release
- read this Variety story

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