Scholastic Media announced today that The Magic School Bus, the Emmy award-winning animated science-adventure series for kids based on the wildly popular book series, will premiere on the Qubo Channel starting September 27.
Press Release from Scholastic Media
NEW YORK – September 16, 2010 – Scholastic Media announced today that The Magic School Bus, the Emmy award-winning animated science-adventure series for kids based on the wildly popular book series, will premiere on the Qubo Channel starting September 27. In addition to Qubo’s 24-hour channel, The Magic School Bus series also will premiere on ION Television on Thursday, October 7, as well as on NBC’s three-hour Qubo educational programming block, and on Telemundo beginning Saturday, October 9.
As one of the most popular and beloved children’s TV series, the critically acclaimed The Magic School Bus has aired consistently since its 1994 premiere. It is a natural fit for Qubo, which was developed to bring quality children’s programming to viewers across North America. Scholastic is one of several partners in the channel. With increased attention to the importance of science awareness and education at an early age, appetite for science-based fare like The Magic School Bus has increased in children’s programming.
“Children delight in the energy and imagination of The Magic School Bus series” says Deborah Forte, Executive Producer of the series, President of Scholastic Media, and Executive Vice President of Scholastic Inc., the global publishing, education, and media company. We are happy that the series continues to attract the support and enthusiasm of parents and teachers too, by encouraging children to discover, explore, and learn about the world around them.”
“The Magic School Bus has made science come alive for millions of children and families for over fifteen years,” says Marc Zand, EVP, Digital Networks, ION Media Networks. “We are delighted to bring it to Qubo viewers who value quality entertainment that allows children to both laugh and learn.”
The Magic School Bus has won numerous industry excellence awards, including two Emmys for Lily Tomlin, five CINE Golden Eagles, a Parents Choice Gold Medal, a National Conservation Achievement Award, an Environmental Media Association Award, and an Annenberg Public Policy Center Award. The show has also received critical praise and recognition by national press, including TV Guide, Parenting and Entertainment Weekly magazines as one of the top shows for kids. The series has been a favorite guest venue for celebrity voices as well, including those of Dolly Parton, Wynonna Judd, Dabney Coleman, Bebe Neuwirth, Tyne Daly, Eartha Kitt, Elliott Gould, Swoozie Kurtz, Rita Moreno, Edward James Olmos, Ed Asner, and Tony Randall, among others.
Based on the best-selling Scholastic book series written by Joanna Cole and illustrated by Bruce Degen, the television series has been broadcast in more than 35 countries in 16 languages. With more than 58 million books in print, the franchise will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2012. A re-launch of the series’ website – consistently one of the most highly-trafficked among Scholastic brands – will take place this fall, and plans for a live show are in the works for next year. For more information on The Magic School Bus, please visit mediaroom.scholastic.com/magicschoolbus.
About Qubo Channel:Qubo is an entertainment destination for children and their caregivers that provides fun, quality programming to help kids develop healthy minds and healthy bodies. Qubo was formed in 2006 by an unprecedented alliance of leading distribution partners and content players in children’s television that includes ION Media Networks, Scholastic, NBC Universal, and Corus Entertainment Media. Qubo can be seen 24/7 on Qubo Channel and www.qubo.com and is also broadcast Wednesday- Friday mornings on ION Television, Saturday mornings on NBC, and weekend mornings on Telemundo.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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