Search form

FUNimation Develops Anime Programming Block Distributed by OlympuSAT

FUNimation Ent. announced today (March 23, 2006) that it has developed a two-hour anime block for syndication, composed of programming from the FUNimation Channel, distributed by OlympuSAT and available to broadcasters nationwide. CoLours TV Network, available as part of DISH Network's basic satellite TV package, will be the first broadcaster to carry the block.

The FUNimation Channel a 24-hour digital network featuring programming of top-rated anime brands from Japan.

"We are very excited to be working with OlympuSAT and the CoLours TV Network," said Gen Fukunaga, president/ceo of FUNimation Ent. "Part of our strategy is to use syndication to rapidly reach wider audiences and give them a taste of the top rated anime programming available from FUNimation."

"We are excited to be distributing the FUNimation Channel and offering this block for syndication given the high demand for anime," said Tom Mohler, president of OlympuSAT. "FUNimation is the proven leader in anime, with a portfolio of proven ratings hits and unique top quality productions."

CoLours TV Network will run FUNimation's syndicated anime block seven days a week from 10:00 pm to 12:00 midnight ET (7:00-9:00 pm PT). "The CoLours TV Network is a perfect location for our syndicated anime block. It provides viewers across the nation a place they can find our great shows every night all week long," explained Fukunaga.

Fort Worth, Texas-based Funimation (www.funimation.com), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corp., is a leading brand management company for anime content and one of the nation's largest independent home video entertainment companies. The company is best known for creating the blockbuster franchise DRAGONBALL Z in the U.S.

Minneapolis-based Navarre Corp. (www.navarre.com) is a publisher and distributor of a broad range of home entertainment and multimedia products, including PC software, CD audio, DVD and VHS video, videogames and accessories. Founded in 1983, the company has established distribution relationships with customers across a wide spectrum of retail channels, which includes mass merchants, discount, wholesale club, office and music superstores, military and e-tailers nationwide. The company currently provides its products to over 18,000 retail and distribution center locations throughout the United States and Canada. Navarre has recently expanded its business to include the licensing and publishing of home entertainment and multimedia content, primarily through the acquisitions of Encore Software, Inc., BCI Eclipse Co. Llc., FUNimation Prods. Ltd. and The FUNimation Store Ltd.

CoLours TV (www.colourstv.com) is a 24-hour cable and satellite network offering fresh entertainment and educational programming about urban and ethnically diverse cultures. Owned by Black Star Communications, a non-profit corporation, CoLours TV is currently in 12 million U.S. cable and satellite households.

OlympuSAT Inc. (www.olympusat.com) distributes independently owned and operated digital networks on individual transponder platforms and currently represents more than 20 diverse channels through its Hispanic and Faith & Families Packs. A turnkey service provider, OlympuSAT facilitates technical related services for the transponder and uplink along with affiliate sales services. The OlympuSAT suites are distributed via Intelsat Americas 13. An affiliate of Ocean Communications, OlympuSAT is based in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Tags