Disney is planning a 2012 launch of Disney Junior, a new basic cable/satellite channel that will cater to preschool age children -- and take the place of SoapNet.
The goal of the new channel is to get parents to join their children in the "Disney Experience," while incorporating learning and developmental themes designed for kids age 1-7, Disney said in a Wednesday release.
The 24-hour channel will include 200 episodes of new series and current hits.
Disney Junior Channel will inherit place of SoapNet and be available in 75 million homes.
SoapNet was created in 2000 as a means for viewers to watch daytime soap operas at night or in other time-shifted periods, but this was prior to growth of DVRs and of programming being made available online.
Here's the release:
DISNEY/ABC TELEVISION GROUP ANNOUNCES DISNEY JUNIOR,
A NEW24-HOUR CHANNEL FOR PRESCHOOLERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Disney/ABC Television Group will launch Disney Junior, a new multiplatform brand and 24-hour basic cable/satellite channel and online site devoted to preschool-age children. Scheduled to debut in the U.S. in 2012, Disney Junior will invite mom and dad to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, both classic and new, while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for kids age 2-7.
(Editors please note: images are available at www.DisneyChannelMediaNet.com)
The new Disney Junior brand will also provide affiliate partners with a robust Video-On-Demand offering, a High-definition network and a Spanish language SAP feed.
Disney Junior's animated and live action programming will blend Disney's unparalleled storytelling and characters kids love deeply with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating and lifestyles, and social skills.
The 24-hour Disney Junior schedule will include 200 new episodes annually of both new series, including "Jake and the Never Land Pirates," and current hits, including "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Handy Manny," "Special Agent Oso," "Imagination Movers" and "Jungle Junction." Disney's vast array of classic and contemporary movies, including among others "101 Dalmatians," "Aladdin" and "Little Mermaid," will be showcased.
In the U.S., the new Disney Junior channel will take the place of the SOAPnet channel, currently available in 75 million homes. Prior to the launch of the 24-hour channel, the Disney Junior brand will be introduced on Disney Channel's daily programming block for preschoolers (currently branded Playhouse Disney).
Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group, said: "The launch of Disney Junior in the U.S. is the next step in our global preschool strategy, which began 10 years ago with the premiere of our first dedicated preschool channel in the UK.
