Toonz & ReachMe.TV Team for New Channel

India’s Toonz Media Group and U.S.-based ReachMe.TV have rolled out Toonz TV, a new entertainment channel that will reach more than 100 million viewers in the U.S. at launch.

The two companies plan to expand the channel’s reach into foreign markets in the third quarter of this year. Toonz TV’s initial launch will be via ReachMe.TV’s in-airport and in-hotel networks across the U.S. The channel will offer Toonz’s international animation catalog, new productions between Toonz and ReachMe.TV, as well as a collection of interactive features and games incorporating AR, VR and other emerging technologies.

The channel will operate from Toonz’s studio at Technopark in Triravndrum, India, and ReachMe.TV’s new studio in Hollywood.

“We all know that the entertainment landscape is changing, and kids’ programming is a big part of that evolution,” said ReachMe.TV’s co-founder and CEO, Lynnwood Bibbens. “Toonz’s immense experience from software development to feature film animation and interactive gaming is a perfect match for our platform and our 100 million-plus viewers on the go!”

“Let’s face it…families no longer gather in front of the TV…they need a new way to connect,” added ReachMe.TV’s co-founder, Ron Bloom. “We believe new entertainment formats and interactive technologies in animation and gaming will provide the ultimate way to bring families back together, and this new relationship with Toonz will help us to be part of that reunion!”

“We have wanted a partner who shared our philosophy and experience and could go beyond traditional media production and distribution to re-invent the network model,” commented P. Jayakumar, the CEO of Toonz Media Group. “ReachMe.TV is the ultimate partner to bring our unique philosophy and talent to life.”