Astral to Launch Playhouse Disney in French

TORONTO: Astral Media is to launch a French-language version of the Playhouse Disney channel for Bell TV subscribers in Canada on July 5.

The commercial-free channel airs Disney shows such as La maison de Mickey (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse), Les Zic-Magines (Imagination Movers) and Agent Special Oso (Special Agent Oso). Also on the network are original Canadian productions such as Maggie et la Bete Feroce (Maggie and the Ferocious Beast), Elliot et ses amis (Elliot the Moose) and Les Doodlebops (The Doodlebops) and the newly developed Stella and Sam.

"Building on the well-known Disney brand and the vibrant legacy of characters such as Mickey Mouse, Playhouse Disney has proven to be a popular destination for engaging, learning-focused and fun programming for families in English Canada," said Marie Collin, the senior VP of programming and communications for Canal Vie, VRAK.TV and Ztele. "As such, Astral chose to build on this strong brand and leverage its long-standing relationship with Disney to launch Playhouse Disney under our existing preschool license."

"Playhouse Disney programming is already available throughout the world in a multitude of languages so the introduction of this service is a logical next step for our business and a natural extension of Astral’s commitment to providing relevant, appropriate and highly entertaining programming to families across Canada," added Dominique Cornellier, the VP of marketing and communication at Astral Tele Reseaux. "With the debut of the French-language channel, francophone families will now also have the opportunity to enjoy the exclusive and quality programming that Disney is known for, all in a safe and commercial-free environment. The service will also provide an opportunity to showcase the best in Canadian programming including the newly developed series Stella and Sam, based on the popular books by Quebec writer Mary-Louise Gay."

Kevin Crull, the president of Bell Residential Services, commented: "Bell is very happy to be the first television provider to offer a French-language Disney channel in Canada. By offering such entertaining and in-demand content to Canadians coast to coast, along with leading services such as remote PVR, the best HD PVR and the most HD channels, Bell continues to deliver an unparalleled TV experience."