Kids
Animax to launch on SkyLife in Korea
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) is looking at further expanding its presence in Asia by launching its anime channel Animax in Korea in the second quarter of 2006.
SPTI formed a joint venture with Korean satellite TV broadcaster SkyLife to launch the 24-hour Animax Korea. The announcement was made today by SPTI president international networks Andy Kaplan and SkyLife CEO and president Dongkoo Surh.
Under the agreement, Animax Korea will be a local programme provider based in Korea focusing on animation programming. It will be carried exclusively on SkyLife’s DTH platform, which has a subscriber base of about 1.9 million in Korea.
“Since the launch of Animax Asia in January 2004, we have seen exponential growth – from one million households when it launched to more than 22 million Asian households. I am confident that Animax Korea’s incredible anime programming, combined with SkyLife’s strong distribution network, will make Animax Korea a destination for viewers in Korea. With the expansion to Korea, Animax will be an even more effective advertising platform for multinational advertisers to extend their promotional reach,” said Kaplan.
“Korea is an important market for us and figures prominently in our channels expansion strategy. SPTI in Asia provides popular programming to huge audiences in the region and we’re honoured to bring Animax to Korean audiences, just as we did with action entertainment programming with the launch of AXN in July this year. Anime is extremely popular and Animax has become a favourite among cable and satellite operators for its advertiser-friendly audience, and judging by its track record, we hope the channel will also become a destination for viewers in Korea,” said SPTI senior vice president and managing director Asia Todd Miller.
Surh added, “We are delighted to have a partnership with SPTI in providing a high quality animation channel on our platform. With SPTI’s expertise as a worldwide entertainment group, we are confident that Animax Korea will help to make SkyLife’s channel line-up even stronger and more competitive.”
The launch of Animax Korea is part of SPTI’s expansion plans for its international network portfolio which now includes over 40 channels. In Asia, SPTI launched AXN in Korea in July 2005. AXN was the first international general entertainment channel approved for retransmission in Korea. Outside Asia, Animax has extended its reach to Latin America with the launch of Animax Latin America in July 2005, and in November this year, AXN launched in Italy.
Kids
Sony YAY! launches ‘House of Masti’ to celebrate 20 years of Shin chan
Comedian Kiku Sharda joins the fun with a special rap track as the mischievous icon returns to Indian TV.
MUMBAI: Shin chan is back and this time, he’s bringing the whole house of masti with him! Sony YAY!, India’s leading kids’ entertainment channel, has unveiled ‘House of Masti’, a specially curated programming block to mark 20 years of the iconic animated series Shin chan on Indian television. The campaign transforms the beloved character’s mischievous world into a fresh, high-energy viewing experience. It features new episodes, fan-favourite moments, and themed programming stunts, all designed to stand out from regular broadcasts.
Adding extra sparkle to the celebration, popular comedian Kiku Sharda has joined the campaign. He anchors the integration with a lively rap track titled ‘Shin chan ka YAY! Dhamaal’, infusing contemporary music and humour into the beloved series.
Sony YAY! business head of kids and animation Ambesh Tiwari said, “Over the past 20 years, Shin chan has built a strong and enduring connection with audiences in India. With ‘House of Masti’, we are celebrating this milestone through a differentiated, campaign-led experience. Kiku Sharda and the rap track add a fun, high-energy layer that will resonate with today’s kids and families.”
Starting 27 April, viewers can enjoy the World Television Premiere of Shin chan along with new episodes and an exciting lineup of blockbuster movies on Sony YAY!.
By blending nostalgia with fresh, engaging content, Sony YAY! is ensuring that the cheeky, laughter-filled adventures of Shin chan continue to entertain and connect with new generations across the country.
In a world full of serious cartoons, Shin chan remains delightfully naughty and with ‘House of Masti’, Sony YAY! is making sure his brand of chaos stays as fresh and fun as ever. Get ready for some serious masti!
