Kids
Disney’s UK entertainment channel ABC1 to roll in September
MUMBAI: Walt Disney has scheduled the UK launch of its entertainment channel ABC1 for 27 September. ABC1 network will be a localised version of Disney’s ABC Television network in the US.
The launch will mark Disney’s full-fledged foray into mainstream UK broadcasting. The Little Big Mouse currently has a 25 per cent stake in British commercial breakfast TV station GMTV. Disney had first revealed its ABC1 plans last year.
As regards ABC1, it is worth noting that among the three channels Disney is planning to launch in India in the first half of 2005 is also a localised version ABC Television network.
German business daily Handelsblatt in a recent report quoted David Hulbert, president of the Disney unit of Walt Disney Television International, as saying that the launch of the three channels (the other two being The Disney Channel and Playhouse) would definitely happen within a year.
Managing the show out here is Rajat Jain, who took charge on 1 August as vice-president and managing director of The Walt Disney Company (India) and Walt Disney Television International (India). Jain operates out of offices that Disney took up recently in Mumbai’s Lower Parel suburb.
Coming back to ABC1, the channel will initially be available only on Freeview, a popular digital television service sans subscription fees. The channel has expansion plans targeting other pay-TV services however. To begin with ABC1 will be running in a 12-hour schedule that will in due course become 24-hour schedule.
The channel is expected to release its full programme schedule at the end of August. For a few months from now on ABC1 will be without advertisements. Disney’s other services operating in the UK, including the Disney Channel, depend on subscription revenues.
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!
