Kids
Nick voted kids’, cable’s No 1 network in US
NEW YORK: Nickelodeon may still be in the process of firming up plans to expand brand presence in India through initiatives like the Chhota VJ Hunt, but in the US the channel has apparently been successful in creaming the competition.
Nickelodeon finished August and summer 2002 first among its core kids demo, according to Nielsen Media Research. For August (27/7-25/8/), Nickelodeon ranked as basic cables No. 1 network with kids in total day, averaging a 3.0 rating and delivering 967,000 average kid viewers among the networks primary demo of kids in the age group of two to 11.
It also came first among total viewers on a 24-hour basis in August. The network averaged 1.9 million persons in the 2+ age group – up five per cent over last year and 46 per cent ahead of the No. 2 ranked networks. The leading kids channel in India Cartoon Network and LifeTime Television tied for second with 1.3 million persons in the age group of 2+ for the month, claims Nick. For summer (27-5 -25/8) in total day, Nickelodeon also was first with kids 2-11 (3.1/981,000) and total viewers (1.9 million persons 2+).
SpongeBob SquarePants made a significant summer splash this year, advancing its reign as broadcast and basic cable number one kids show to 11 straight months. For August, among kids age two to 11, the programme averaged a 6.6 rating and delivered 2.1 million average kid viewers, up 11 per cent in delivery over last year; with total viewers this month, the shows 3.4 million persons(2+) average represents a 17 per cent increase over last year. For summer, with kids aged two to 11, the show averaged a 6.4 rating and delivered 2.1 million average kid viewers, up 10 per cent in rating and 17 per cent in delivery over last year; among total viewers this summer, the programme’s 3.4 million persons (2+) average marks a 26 per cent increase over last year.
Nickelodeons US television network currently claims to be seen in over 81 million households and claims the top slot among cable networks for over five consecutive years.
Kids
Mukta Arts and Green Gold ink MOU to animate iconic film IPs
Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan to spawn animated shows plus features.
MUMBAI: When classic hindi movie meets animation, the result is a fresh reel of nostalgia with a cartoon twist. Mukta Arts Ltd. and Green Gold Animation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on animated shows and feature films drawn from Mukta Arts’ four-decade treasure trove of iconic IPs. The partnership taps Mukta’s SGM Animation Studio launched in 2025 as its dedicated animation and games arm and Green Gold’s proven track record in building scalable, homegrown franchises. Creative teams from both sides have already kicked off discussions, with the first project currently in development.
The slate will draw inspiration from landmark Mukta films including Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Khalnayak, Saudagar and Iqbal, plus character-led spin-offs from those universes. The aim is to reimagine these stories for today’s young, global audiences while preserving their emotional core.
Green Gold Animation (home of Chhota Bheem) founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka said, “This partnership with SGM Studios allows us to apply our experience in building long-lasting animation IPs to a truly iconic film catalogue. Together, we aim to create animated worlds that are rooted in these legendary stories, yet designed to connect with today’s young, global audiences.”
Mukta Arts Ltd. filmmaker and founder Subhash Ghai added, “Mukta Arts has always believed in creating stories with lasting emotional value. Through animation, we are extending our IP into a new medium for the next generation.”
In an industry where timeless tales never go out of fashion, this collaboration promises to bring beloved characters back to life with a modern, animated glow proving that some stories are too good to stay in live-action. Stay tuned for the first animated frame to drop.
