Kids
Disney reports marginal two per cent rise in revenue
MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Disney has announced that first quarter profits rose by seven per cent to $734 million. Revenues grew marginally by two per cent to $8.9 billion
At the media networks, revenues were up six per cent to $3.7 billion, while operating income rose seven per cent to $606 million. Cable network revenues rose three per cent to $1.9 billion, but operating income fell by 15 per cent to $372 million, in part to higher production costs and new investments at ESPN, and higher programming and marketing costs at ABC Family.
ABC’s revenues grew by nine per cent to $1.8 billion and operating income shot up by 87 per cent to $234 million, with higher prime-time advertising revenue following strong upfront sales and continued ratings gains.
Disney CEO Robert Iger says, “I am encouraged by the solid momentum in our earnings and the financial and creative strengths that underpin these results. Our recently announced plan to acquire Pixar advances our efforts against each of that strategy. In addition, the announcement of our proposed combination of the ABC Radio business with Citadel Boradcasting underscores our commitment to maximising the value of our assets for our shareholders, while focusing our capital and management resources toward our core businessess.”
On the film front despite The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Chicken Little revenue fell by 13 per cent to $2 billion, while operating income fell by 60 per cent to $128 million. The company attributed the quarter’s results to declines in worldwide theatrical motion picture distribution, domestic home entertainment and television distribution, partially offset by an increase in international home entertainment.
Disney however is hoping that its forthcoming films like Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and Pixar’s Cars will improve results.
Disney also announced that it will sell its 22 ABC Radio stations and network to Citadel Broadcasting Corp. of Las Vegas in a cash and stock deal valued at $2.7 billion.
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!
