Sparrowhawk Media, DIC Ent. and Corus Ent. Inc.’s Nelvana Enterprises have created a strategic joint venture to launch KidsCo, a multi-platform global television channel for children and families. The first launch of “KidsCo” is anticipated this fall in central and eastern Europe with subsequent premieres throughout 2008 and 2009 in approximately 40 territories across Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific.

KidsCo, a 24/7 multi-platform channel, will be committed to providing a responsible and entertaining environment for children and families around the world. The unique channel utilizes Sparrowhawk’s state-of-the-art broadcast distribution facility in the U.S. and the company’s international network of affiliates. Veteran media exec David Elstein is chairman of Sparrowhawk, and Hulbert, former president of Walt Disney International Television, is part of the management team at Sparrowhawk that launched and managed the Disney channels worldwide and currently broadcasts the international Hallmark channels.

KidsCo will feature renowned animated and live-action television series and feature-length movies from pre-eminent independent animation program suppliers, DIC and Nelvana. DIC’s programming library features more than 3,000 half-hours of top quality series, including INSPECTOR GADGET, STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE, MADELINE, DENNIS THE MENACE, CARE BEARS and more. Nelvana Enterprises’ catalog of 3,000 + half-hours of kids’ programming features international favorites, such as BABAR, FRANKLIN, THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN and ROLIE POLIE OLIE.

KidsCo will also acquire programming from other major children’s content suppliers, produce original properties to launch on the channel and will also feature prime-time family movies. KidsCo programming will be localized market-by-market and will be programmed by day-parts to create a strategic line-up targeting segmented audiences.

“This alliance draws on the collective expertise of the best in the business, and the libraries of our content partners contain some of the world’s most popular children’s programming,” said Hulbert, Sparrowhawk Media ceo. “The combined experience within the KidsCo organization has enabled us to develop this concept based on an innovative business model from which we all benefit. He adds, “Sparrowhawk’s global commercial and technical distribution networks manage the successful operation of the Hallmark Channel across more than 150 countries. It is this unique combination of assets that enable us to deliver KidsCo in an environment designed to reassure parents, at a price that platforms will find very refreshing.”

“As the children’s market continues to evolve it presents new challenges for program suppliers looking to find a home for their product,” said Andy Heyward, chairman/ceo. “The KidsCo collaboration allows Sparrowhawk, Corus and DIC to pioneer an innovative business model that allows us to own international broadcast real estate to showcase our existing catalogs, as well as launch new programming overseas.” He added, “KidsCo offers the partners a unique opportunity to merge their combined strengths to create a truly dynamic international distribution platform.”

“This partnership reinforces the strength of Nelvana’s library in international markets,” said John Cassaday, president/ceo, Corus Ent. “We are proud to be partnering with Sparrowhawk Media and DIC Ent. to deliver on our shared mission of entertaining children and families around the globe. Sparrowhawk’s distribution expertise combined with Nelvana and DIC’s extensive libraries of parent-trusted programming will provide audiences with highly-entertaining, family-friendly experiences delivered in innovative ways.”