Press Release from The Walt Disney Company
London, June 15th, 2009: The Walt Disney Company today announced that it will launch Disney XD in the UK, the country's first boy-focused, girl-inclusive channel for kids aged 6 to 14. Disney XD will include a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure, music and humour.
Disney XD programming will be differentiated by Disney-branded live-action movies, new and library animated programming and local acquisitions.
Launching simultaneously with Disney XD will be the immersive online experience Disney XD.co.uk, an exciting new entertainment choice with numerous games and exclusive clips.
Ad-supported Disney XD will replace Jetix and is a strategic addition to the current Disney line up available to UK pay TV subscribers. The Disney multiplex of channels includes four channels dedicated to boys and girls aged 2 to 14 and their families:
-- Disney Channel (and Disney Channel +1), the kid-driven, family inclusive channel aimed at 6 to 14 year olds airing live action favourites like HANNAH MONTANA, hit animated series such as PHINEAS AND FERB and Disney Channel Original Movies including HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and CAMP ROCK.-- Disney XD, the kid-driven, boy focused channel aimed at 6 to 14 year olds with programming featuring themes of adventure, accomplishment, gaming, music and sports (developed with ESPN).--Playhouse Disney (and Playhouse Disney +1), the home of fun, learning-based entertainment shows aimed at engaging the minds and imaginations of 2 to 5 year olds with hit series including MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE and HANDY MANNY--Disney Cinemagic (and Disney Cinemagic HD, Disney Cinemagic +1), the premium family movie channel, which is the first place on television to see the latest Disney/Pixar animated movies alongside classic Disney movies and series
"Disney Channel's portfolio of channels is already the undisputed leader in the kids' TV market and Disney XD is the perfect vehicle to build on the success in this strategic segment. The exclusive new content will appeal to a broader target audience while the Disney branding will create awareness and value," commented Boel Ferguson, General Manager for Disney Channels UK & Ireland. "Disney XD will capitalize on all of the assets across the Company to make it the leading boy focused entertainment platform in the UK and around the world."
This announcement follows the successful launch of Disney XD in the US in February this year, which debuted with record breaking ratings over its premiere weekend reaching 15.7 million viewers including 6.5 million kids (6 to 14). The channel also launched in France on April 1.
Disney Channel Worldwide represents the most successful portfolio of kids' channels in the world with 98 channels and/or channel feeds available in 167 countries and in 32 languages.
