Astral to Provide Kids’ Online Programming for Bell TV Subscribers

TORONTO: On November 11, Astral Media will launch Family Channel and Playhouse Disney broadband services that will deliver a host of original films and series to kids via the Bell TV Online platform.

The Family Channel and Playhouse Disney online services will enable subscribers who receive their home TV service through Bell TV with the ability to watch movies, series and other premium content on their computers at no additional cost. Offering a combined average of approximately 160 hours per week, the services will provide access to programming on demand and commercial free on any computer in Canada with high-speed Internet. Available at bell.ca/tvonline, Family OnLine will launch with titles such as Hannah Montana, Zeke and Luther, The Suite Life on Deck, Sonny With a Chance and Overruled! Playhouse Disney OnLine will offer such titles as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, Special Agent Oso, Franny’s Feet and The Secret Life of Benjamin Bear. Both services will add new titles each week.

"It made sense that Family OnLine and Playhouse Disney OnLine would be the next in a succession of online launches for Astral Media given that kids, in particular, enjoy and expect to receive their content on an online platform," said Domenic Vivolo, the senior VP of sales and marketing for Astral Television Networks. "Family has built its brand on the promise of being where kids are and providing the entertainment experiences that kids want. Family OnLine and Playhouse Disney OnLine fulfill this promise and reflect the way in which kids consume content by offering programming that is accessible everywhere, at any time and on any computer."