Kids
Disney launches preschool channel in the Philippines
MUMBAI: Walt Disney Television International has expanded its pay-TV presence in the Philippines with the launch of its second 24-hour channel and the only dedicated preschool offering in the Asian region – Playhouse Disney.
The Philippines’ new Playhouse Disney Channel targets the previously under-served preschool category. The learning-focused channel invites children aged 2-5, their parents and caregivers into a world of discovery, imagination and creative play through learning-based programming.
The channel is distributed by Asian Cable Communications Inc. (ACCION), which is also the distributor of Disney Channel in the Philippines.
Walt Disney Television International Southeast Asia – Korea managing director Raymund Miranda said, “We are thrilled to extend our Playhouse Disney Channel Asia feed into the Philippines. There is an estimated 7.9 million children five years old and younger in the Philippines. This is a huge audience who can benefit from the fun learning provided by Playhouse Disney Channel. We’re excited to deliver to Filipino preschoolers a channel which inspires imagination and develops crucial life skills within a safe, entertaining TV environment.”
Walt Disney Television International Asia Pacific senior vice president and managing director Nicky Parkinson said, “This launch marks the expansion of our pay-TV presence in the Philippines and completes the evolution of the brand from a block on Disney Channel to a stand alone channel today.”
Playhouse Disney Channel is a commercial-free service that features award-winning preschool shows and customised short-form activity segments and programming to engage and stimulate preschoolers’ imagination and learning in a seamlessly fun and creative environment.
Programming and content is based on the “Whole Child Curriculum,” a philosophy of education developed by early childhood specialist Dr. Renee Cherow O’Leary. The curriculum is based on the theory of Multiple Intelligences and aspires to stimulate thinking skills, develop motor skills, impart early academic learning, instill moral and social lessons and encourage creativity and artistic expression.
The channel offers a line-up of award-winning, preschool programs that reflect Disney-quality storytelling, and features favourites such as The Book of Pooh, Bear in the Big Blue House, JoJo’s Circus, and Higglytown Heroes.
The Philippines is the 11th market in the Asia Pacific to launch Playhouse Disney Channel and follows in the heels of the recent launch of the channel in Australia. Playhouse Disney Channel will also launch in New Zealand on 24 December.
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!
