Jetix U.K. Acquires New Comedies and Names New Programming Team

LONDON, March 28: Jetix
U.K. has made two acquisitions to boost its comedy lineup and has also put a
new programming team in place to support programming director Dominic Gardiner.

The first of the two
acquired comedies is the Australian show Lockie Leonard, produced by Essential Viewing. It will premiere on
Jetix U.K. on April 14 and follows the adventures of quick-witted surf-rat
Lockie as he battles life as a 12-and-three-quarters-year-old. Based on the
award-winning novels by Booker Prize nominated author Tim Winton, Lockie
Leonard offers viewers a roller-coaster
ride of friends, family and a truly mixed up yet very normal life.

The animated comedy series
Grossology, produced by
Nelvana, showcases Ty and Abby Archer—the world's foremost experts in
“Grossology.” This crime-fighting duo gets called in when the case becomes too
gross for the adult agents to handle. Grounded in real science and based on the
books of Sylvia Branzei, Grossology
will begin airing on Jetix U.K. in July.

In addition, Jetix U.K.
has appointed four new programming executives who will support programming
director Dominic Gardiner. To lead programming operations, Emma Clark has been
appointed U.K. program manager and she will be responsible for all program
planning and scheduling. Assisting Clark will be Gullu Durak who joins as U.K.
channel scheduler. Jonny Potter joins as U.K. creative manager, responsible for
the production and direction of on-air promotions, and will be joined by Phil
Knock as U.K. producer.