FUNimation Ent., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corp, has doubled the content on its syndicated anime block to four hours. CoLours TV Network, available nationwide as part of DISH Network's basic satellite TV package, is the first broadcaster to pick up the extended block. The new block covers key primetime programming slots and launched on Sept. 11, 2006.
The new extended block will feature uncut episodes from fan favorites, such as the action-packed YU YU HAKUSHO; the anime classic, THE SLAYERS and the hit comedy series, NEGIMA, which was voted as one of the top four best anime series by fans in Japan.
"Based on strong fan feedback and network partner response, we are pleased to announce that the FUNimation Channel syndicated anime block will double from two hours to four hours," said FUNimation president/ceo Gen Fukunaga. "Once again this is outstanding news for anime and entertainment fans in the United States as we continue to offer new and exciting programming to a growing number of households."
"We are excited about expanding our lineup schedule with programming content that is in great demand by our urban, savvy viewers," said Tracy Winchester, president/ceo of CoLours TV.
FUNimation's four-hour syndicated anime block is distributed by OlympuSAT and, along with the 24-hour anime programming on the FUNimation Channel, is available to broadcasters nationwide. CoLours TV Network runs FUNimation's syndicated anime block seven days a week starting at 8:00 pm ET.
Minneapolis-based Navarre Corp. (www.navarre.com) is a publisher and distributor of physical and digital home entertainment and multimedia products, including PC software, CD audio, DVD video, videogames and accessories. Founded in 1983, Navarre 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 provides its products to more than 18,000 retail and distribution center locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Navarre has expanded its business to include the licensing and publishing of home entertainment and multimedia content, primarily through the acquisitions of Encore, BCI Eclipse Co. and FUNimation Prods. and The FUNimation Store Ltd.
Fort Worth, Texas-based FUNimation Ent. (www.funimation.com), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corp., is a brand management company and one of the nation's leading independent home video entertainment companies. FUNimation is known for acquiring top-rated anime series from Japan and for developing some of North America's most popular anime series. The company manages a full spectrum of rights for most of its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, Internet and home video sales and distribution.
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 and is distributed by OlympuSAT, a full service satellite distribution company.
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.
