KidsCo makes Asian debut

London - KidsCo, the JV channel owned by NBC Universal (NBCU), DIC Entertainment and Corus Entertainment has launched on the Philippines' SkyCable, South Korea's Hana TV, Singapore's mio TV and Palau's PNCC on March 20, 2008. The Philippines' Cable Boss has also been signed as KidsCo's distributor in the market.

Raymund Miranda, NBCU's managing director, global networks, Asia Pacific, said, "KidsCo represents a unique opportunity for platforms to continue to address an underserved audience in a region that is one of the youngest in the world."

KidsCo is expected to be available in up to 40 territories, including in Europe and Latin America within the next 18 months. The channel currently airs in Romania, Ukraine, Hungary, Russia, Turkey and Poland, and uses NBCU's US-based broadcast distribution facility and international network of affiliates.

KidsCo is a 24-hour multi-platform channel aiming to provide a "responsible and entertaining environment" for children and families worldwide. Its programming is localized market-by-market and has been programmed by day-parts to target segmented audiences.

KidsCo features animated and live-action TV series and feature movies from independent animation programme suppliers DIC and Corus' Nelvana. DIC provides over 3,000 half-hours series including Inspector Gadget, Strawberry Shortcake, Madeline, Dennis the Menace, and Care Bears. Nelvana Enterprises' 3,200 half-hours of programming include Babar, Franklin, The Adventures of Tintin and Rolie Polie Olie. KidsCo has also acquired programming from other children's content suppliers Entertainment Rights and TV-Loonland having just closed deals with the two companies.