Jetix, Disney Merge French Channel Operations

PARIS, June 11: In a move to reduce costs and maintain
profitability, Jetix Europe is integrating its French channel business with
that of the Disney Channel, with immediate effect.

The news comes just a few days after Jetix Europe
announced a channels and distribution agreement for EMEA with The Walt Disney
Company, its majority shareholder. The
distribution of Jetix channels in the region will now be serviced by Disney-ABC
International Television's newly integrated TV-distribution business.

With the new agreement, the
Disney Channels France team will manage Jetix’s French channel operations
alongside Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney. Jetix says that the move allows
it to retain a profitable business in France following the recent renewal of a
multi-year distribution agreement. The arrangement also allows for greater
cooperation between Jetix France and the Disney and Playhouse Disney channels.

While consumer products in
France will continue to be managed by Jetix Consumer Products, the day-to-day
management of the channel and website in France, including ad sales, marketing,
programming and online, will be handled by Disney Channels France.

Paul Taylor, the CEO of
Jetix Europe, said: “We looked into various options for how we could most
profitably run our channel in France going forward. We believe that licensing
it to Disney will maintain its success as one of France’s most-watched kids’ TV
channels, whilst also reducing the operational cost and ensuring profitability
for all of our shareholders. It will also position Jetix France much closer to
our parent company’s French kids’ channels, allowing both parties to share
resources and expertise in this competitive market.”

—By Mansha Daswani