Disney Channel Set for Free TV in Turkey

ISTANBUL: Disney Channel has secured carriage on Free Sat in Turkey, bringing the service to more than 11 million households in the country starting January 12, 2012.

The kid-focused, family-inclusive channel will be available on free-to-air television in Turkey, offering live-action series such as Shake It Up and Wizards of Waverly Place, alongside original movies such as High School Musical and Lemonade Mouth and animated programs such as Phineas and Ferb. Disney Channel Turkey will be launched as an advertising-supported unencrypted channel on Free Sat and will also be available unencrypted to all major direct-to-home, cable and IPTV platforms. The launch will create a wide range of exciting marketing opportunities for advertisers and promotional partners.

"Each and every market we operate in is unique, demanding a tailored solution to maximize the potential for Disney’s family entertainment. Turkey’s youthful population coupled with a high affinity for digital media create a perfect environment for this free to air approach," said Giorgio Stock, the executive VP and managing director of Disney channels, music, publishing, gaming and online at The Walt Disney Company EMEA. "As the gateway to all things Disney, Disney Channel is the ideal vehicle to grow our presence in Turkey—our brand has universal appeal and this launch will give it nearly universal reach."

“The launch of Disney Channel on Free Sat is a significant milestone as it will elevate the Disney brand and catalyze further growth across all parts of the company in Turkey,” stated Sinan Ceylan, the general manager of TWDC Turkey, Greece and Cyprus.  “As Disney Channel Turkey grows it will also create opportunities for Disney Channel to be more localized through investment in local television programming and homegrown talent to complement Disney’s global series and movies that drive pop culture for kids around the world.”