Cartoonito Joins Virgin Media

LONDON: Turner Broadcasting has secured a new carriage deal for its preschool channel Cartoonito, which now heads to Virgin Media in the U.K.

The channel will bring its lineup, including shows such as Fireman Sam, Care Bears and Hi-5, to Virgin Media’s 3.7 million digital TV customers. As part of an expanded agreement, Virgin Media has also picked up the rights to bring a host of other Turner content to customers online and through mobile. The online elements include a range of TV on demand, including shows such as Cartoon Network’s Ben 10 and Boomerang’s Scooby Doo, as well as new content from Cartoonito. The deal also means Virgin Media will be able to bring customers mobile versions of popular shows from Cartoon Network and Boomerang, as well as simulcast news from CNN.

Cindy Rose, the executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Media, said: “With the addition of Cartoonito and a huge range of TV on demand content, families are going to be spoilt for choice on Virgin Media. Kids already have access to some of the best shows on demand and our expanded line up from Turner Broadcasting will let kids enjoy their favorite shows at any time of the day, morning or evening. In addition, our new deal with Turner Broadcasting will provide a huge boost to our three screen strategy as we develop an innovative new way for our customers to enjoy content. With the most compelling TV service in the U.K., families will be able enjoy premium entertainment at home, online, or on the move.”

Tal Hewitt, the VP of distribution and business development at Turner Broadcasting, added: “We’re looking forward to working closely with Virgin Media in the near future to expand our content offering across all of its three screens. Particularly exciting is adding Cartoonito to the mix. Cartoonito had a phenomenal year in 2009 as the fastest growing kids channel year on year, and this deal opens the channel up to an even wider audience, making Cartoonito the most widely distributed pay-TV preschool channel in the U.K.”