As
per the agreement, KOL and DIC will co-produce programming for the 2006 broadcast
season, including the new television series Dance Revolution. This series
is inspired by Konami's hit video game franchise Dance Dance Revolution
(DDR). The new dance competition series will be hosted by Radio KOL DJ Rick Adams,
who will also continue to maintain his live online radio show for kids available
on KOL.
In
addition, KOL and DIC will develop a website designed to transform the programs
airing on KOL's Saturday Morning Secret Slumber Party on CBS into a comprehensive
and interactive experience for kids. KOL will also offer special online programming
including games, program clips, behind-the-scenes features and more to drive on-air
viewership.
Dance
Revolution and the online activities will support the schedule of programming
debuting this fall on the E/I compliant branded block. Other programming on the
Saturday Morning line-up includes Cake, Horseland, The Animated Trollz
and Madeline.
Additionally, KOL will create public service announcements
on healthy eating, to air during the block and online utilizing KOL's popular
original animated character Princess Natasha, adds the release.
DIC
will seek initial guidance on all programming to air on the KOL's Saturday
Morning Secret Slumber Party on CBS, from children's experts from the DIC
Educational Advisory Board -- a group comprised of leading media experts, educators
and pediatricians created to provide information, guidance, advice and general
expertise to DIC in the development of multimedia programs and projects for children.
"With
AOL's expertise in developing online programming and our success in building brands
such as 'Princess Natasha' and Radio KOL, appealing to millions of kids, we are
confident that this landmark partnership with DIC will be a tremendous success,"
says AOL Kids & Teens SVP Malcolm Bird. "Once again, AOL is leading the
industry by building another initiative that taps the power of television and
the online medium to ultimately grow a larger audience across both platforms."
"Kids
today continue to expand their entertainment options beyond television, and our
new partnership with KOL will provide us with a tremendous opportunity to reach
kids through the launch of the new Saturday morning programming block on CBS as
well as through KOL's growing online destination," comments DIC Entertainment
chairman & CEO Andy Heyward. "We are thrilled to work with KOL to co-produce
innovative programming and to create a unique cross-promotional program that will
drive kids online; increase on-air viewership and provide our clients with an
effective way to reach kids in a progressive safe environment."