Disney/ABC Television Group to shutter the 10-year-old SOAPnet channel to make room to launch Disney Junior, a new preschool-targeted multiplatform brand and 24/7 HD basic cable/satellite channel and corresponding website, in the US in 2012.
Ahead of the new channel debut, Disney Channel's daily preschool-targeted Playhouse Disney programming block will be re-branded as Disney Junior (date TBD). Carolina Lightcap, President/Disney Channels Worldwide, will add Disney Junior to her portfolio, which already includes Disney Channel, Disney XD and Radio Disney.
Outside the US, the 22 Playhouse Disney channels and programming blocks, available in 156 countries/territories, reaching 45+ million households will be re-branded Disney Junior beginning in 2011.
Designed to encourage parents to engage and watch/participate with their preschoolers, the new Disney Junior early learning skills and entertainment brand will provide affiliates with VOD offerings and a Spanish language SAP feed.
Disney says its new channel will feature 200 new episodes each year of both new series, such as Jake and the Never Land Pirates, and existing preschool series, including Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, Special Agent Oso and Imagination Movers among others, as well as Disney movies. SOAPnet is currently available in 75 million homes in the US.
The Jim Henson Company inks new licensees for its preschool series Dinosaur Train, which airs on PBS Kids ( www.pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain ).
The newest domestic partners signing on for Dinosaur Train include: DecoPac (cake toppers); Anagram (balloons); Cranston (fabric); Kidz World (upholstered furniture); Pacific Play Tents (tents, slumber bags, folding animal chairs); Publications International (sound boos, look and find books); and Global Manufacturing (scooters, skates and bikes). The new lines of Dinosaur Train merchandise will begin rolling out in the US from late summer.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
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