Turner Broadcasting to Revamp U.K. Channels

LONDON, May 3: Later this month, Turner Broadcasting in the
U.K. will revamp its portfolio of kids’ channels, including turning the
preschool block Cartoonito into a full preschool network.

Beginning May 24, Toonami will become Cartoon Network Too,
with distribution on Sky, Tiscali TV, Virgin TV and Top Up TV. Cartoon Network
Too is set to feature the best Toonami shows alongside current Cartoon Network
favorites.

Cartoonito, the
preschool block that currently airs daily on Cartoon Network Too between 6 a.m.
and 3 p.m., will become a full preschool channel. “Cartoonito launched as a
block in September 2006 with an array of popular programming including Barney, Hi-5
and more recently Pororo,” said
Cecilia Persson, the VP of programming, acquisition and presentation for Turner
Kids Channels. “It is a bright and happy destination that has been well received.
The decision for it to become a full channel was backed by extensive research,
which indicated that a preschool channel works best when it matches the typical
day of its audience. This is why we have introduced day parting to reflect the
lives of preschoolers and their parents, splitting programming and
interstitials into clearly defined moods and activities such as storytelling
and getting ready for bed.”

Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Boomerang +1 will remain in
their respective EPG positions.

Dee Forbes, the senior VP and general manager of Turner
Broadcasting U.K. and Ireland, noted: “These changes are designed to give
Turner a broader kids’ proposition with an earlier entry point to our brands
through the provision of a wholly preschool channel. Our audience can now grow
with our brands, from Cartoonito to Boomerang to Cartoon Network and Cartoon
Network Too.”

Forbes continued: “We are very aware that kids’ TV is highly
competitive, and has also taken industry-wide knocks in terms of advertising
restrictions and depletion of original programming. Turner has upped the ante
regarding original production, and has recently launched a dedicated Cartoon
Network Development Studio, charged with making U.K. produced content.
Additionally the kids’ channel changes will unequivocally provide us with a
more robust offering, enabling our channels to forge ahead in the kids’ TV
arena.”