Disney Channel and Toon Disney Launch in India on 17 December 2004
Mumbai, India, 15 December 2004: For the first time ever kids and families in India will now be able to watch a unique blend of Disney branded and locally produced entertainment that offers something for all members of the family. The launches mark the first dual channel debut by an international broadcaster in the history of Indian television.
Disney Channel and Toon Disney will be fully languaged services at launch with almost 3000 hours of multi-genre content already dubbed into multiple languages. Toon Disney will be India’s first and only 24-hour Tamil and Telugu language kids’ channel. Disney Channel will be a 24-hour Hindi service. Both channels will also provide an optional English language feed in appropriate markets.
Disney Channel’s programming schedule will include almost 400 episodes of local production, representing the single largest localisation commitment by any international broadcaster. The Channel also sets new standards in providing entertainment that the whole family can enjoy by scheduling approximately 60 movies each month including some of the most celebrated Disney animated and live action features.
“The unique strength and appeal of Disney Channel and Toon Disney, combined with the distribution commitment of Star India, give us a great opportunity to capture the hearts of millions of viewers across the country,” said Rajat Jain, Managing Director, WDTVI-I. “As the world leader in kids and family entertainment, we have a huge responsibility to India’s vast and diverse TV viewing population. We have identified several crucial gaps in entertainment currently catering to kids and their families. Our mission is to meet these audience needs by combining the very best of Disney’s global assets with our strategic localisation initiatives.”
Disney Channel offers an unparalleled blend of quality Disney entertainment and distinctive, originally produced programs that kids love and families trust and enjoy. This includes Disney’s celebrated animated movies and series, as well as specials, sitcoms, family dramas, live action adventure stories and movies.
Toon Disney is the true home of animation built from the best cartoons from the Disney and Saban libraries. The channel showcases some of the greatest animated series ever made reflective of Disney’s hallmark storytelling heritage embodying fun, optimism and decency.
Worldwide, Walt Disney Television International operates 26 channels in 67 countries. In Asia Pacific, Disney Channel is present in Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. India is a priority market and will be the first market in the region to introduce a Toon Disney channel.
Walt Disney Television International recently signed a multi-year deal with STAR Group (STAR) to distribute Disney Channel and Toon Disney Channel in India.
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About Walt Disney Television International-India Walt Disney Television International – India (WDTVI) is responsible for all of The Walt Disney Company’s free and pay television activities across Indian and South Asia.
For Media Enquiries, please contact:
K. Seshasaye Head of Public Relations Walt Disney Television International (India) Tel: 91-22-5651 6630 [email protected]
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