Astral Media’s Family Channel to Launch Playhouse Disney Canada

TORONTO, September 24:
Astral Media's Family Channel will launch Playhouse Disney Canada, a multiplex
channel targeting young children that will feature development-based
programming from Disney, along with original Canadian content.

The new channel will
launch on November 30 on ExpressVu Digital TV from Bell, with other Canadian
distribution deals to be announced shortly. As a multiplex channel, Playhouse
Disney will be available only to Family Channel subscribers.

Building on the well-known
Disney brand and leveraging a legacy of characters such as Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh, Playhouse Disney aims to provide entertainment
that kids want, coupled with the commitment to safe, development-based
programming that parents demand. In addition to programming from Disney, the
channel will also broadcast high-quality, original Canadian content such as Franny's
Feet, The Secret World of
Benjamin Bear and King. The channel will also provide Canadian
independent producers with further opportunities in the licensing and
commissioning of programming and generating broader exposure for Canadian
series.

"Playhouse Disney
Canada represents a broadening of the highly successful partnership that has
existed between Family and Disney for the last 20 years and extends the
successful model pioneered by Family Channel of bringing the highly sought
after and immensely entertaining programming of Disney together with
exceptional and award-winning Canadian series," said Joe Tedesco, the VP
and general manager of Family Channel. "Playhouse Disney Canada is an
extension of the Family Channel entertainment experience and we are confident
that Playhouse Disney will resonate with younger children and become a
destination for fun and entertaining programming that is engaging, unique and
family friendly."