qubo Kids’ Service Slated for Multiplatform Rollout in September

NEW YORK, August 23: The English- and Spanish-language kids’
programming venture from ION Media Networks, NBC Universal, Scholastic, Classic
Media/Big Idea and Nelvana, called qubo, is set to launch as a block on NBC and
Telemundo on September 9.

It will continue its rollout on Sunday, September 10, on
Telemundo, and will then launch on ION’s i network on Friday, September 15.

Targeting kids aged 4-to-8, the service encourages problem
solving on issues such as getting along with friends and family, overcoming
fears and mastering new ideas and challenges. Future qubo multi-platform
offerings will include a dedicated 24/7 digital TV kids’ network that will
launch across ION Media Networks’ nationwide television station group, as well
as a branded website (www.qubotv.com)
and VOD services.

Programming will include Dragon from Scholastic; Jane and the Dragon, Babar
and Jacob Two-Two from Nelvana;
and VeggieTales, VeggieTales
Presents: 3-2-1 Penguins! and
LarryBoy Adventures from Classic/Big Idea.
There will also be interstitial content from Scholastic encouraging early
literacy.

The NBC Saturday morning block will air from 10 a.m. to 1
p.m., while i Network’s Friday afternoon block will run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Telemundo will broadcast qubo on weekends from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

“Qubo is pioneering, not only in its multi-platform
structure but also because of its collaborative partnership between established
media networks and respected companies in the children’s entertainment and
education businesses,” said Marc Graboff, the president of NBC Universal
Television West Coast. “This unique partnership draws on the capabilities of
each of these distribution and content providers to benefit children and
parents. Through qubo, NBC Universal has strengthened our commitment as a
supplier of children’s programming and ensured that the NBC and Telemundo E/I
children’s programming blocks are populated with the highest quality
educational and informative shows.”

“We are thrilled to introduce parents and children to qubo’s
new brand of educational and values-oriented content,” added Brandon Burgess,
the CEO of ION Media Networks. “These programming blocks are the first phase of
qubo’s multi-platform rollout, which will include ION’s own launch of a fully
dedicated digital broadcast network later this year. With the help of our
exceptional slate of partners, we are committed to increasing the quality and
quantity of programming available to all children in the digital age.”