KidsCo, a multi-platform channel, will be committed to providing a responsible and entertaining environment for children and families around the world. The channel will begin rolling out this year utilising Sparrowhawk’s state-of-the-art broadcast distribution facility in the US and the company’s international network of affiliates.

The first launch of KidsCo is anticipated later this year in Central and Eastern Europe with subsequent premieres throughout 2008 and 2009 in 40 territories across Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific.

KidsCo will feature animated and live-action television series and feature-length movies from pre-eminent independent animation program suppliers, DIC and Nelvana. DIC’s programming library features over 3,000 half-hours of top quality series, including Inspector Gadget, Strawberry Shortcake, Madeline, Dennis the Menace, Care Bears and more. With more than 3,000 half-hours of kids’ programming, Nelvana Enterprises’ catalog features shows such as Babar, Franklin, The Adventures of Tintin and Rolie Polie Olie.

KidsCo will also acquire programming from other children’s content suppliers, produce original properties to launch on the channel and will also feature prime-time family movies. KidsCo programming will be localized market-by-market and will be programmed by day-parts to create a strategic line-up targeting segmented audiences.