In the latest episode of The Animashow, my guest Pierre Siracusa, Director of Youth Programming, Animation, and Education at France Télévisions, shares his deep vision of what animation can and should be within public service media. As the largest co-producer of animation in France, France Télévisions plays a pivotal role in shaping stories that are not only entertaining, but educational, diverse, and socially resonant. We discuss how animation can open up complex themes—like history, identity, and empathy—without ever talking down to young audiences. Pierre explains the collaborative nature of developing animated content, the responsibility of engaging parents in children's viewing habits, and the challenge of staying relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape. From shows like Les Grandes Grandes Vacances to La Petite Casbah, he makes a powerful case for why animation matters—and how it can help build bridges across generations and cultures.
