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DISNEY CHANNEL
Disney Channel, available in 83 million homes in the United States,
is enjoying its highest ratings ever. It consistently ranks among
the top five networks in total viewers among all basic cable networks.
In fiscal year 2003, Disney Channel’s primetime ratings
with children ages 6-11 increased by more than 60 percent and with
“tweens” ages 9-14 by 55 percent. This ratings success
is the result of the network’s programming strategy that mixes
hit original series like Lizzie McGuire, That’s So Raven
and Disney’s Kim Possible with popular original movies
and programming acquisitions.
Disney Channel’s original programming is fueling growth
across the company, as other businesses leverage these new franchises.
For example, Lizzie McGuire was the break-out kids’
television property of 2003, spawning a feature film, licensed apparel,
merchandise, toys and a best-selling book series. Emmy Award®-nominated
Kim Possible grew into a successful off-air franchise, including
a merchandising deal with Wal-Mart. Playhouse Disney, the channel’s
daily programming block for preschoolers and their parents and caregivers,
and its popular series such as Stanley, Rolie Polie Olie
and JoJo’s Circus, are also providing popular characters
used throughout The Walt Disney Company.
TOON DISNEY
Created for children 2-11, Toon Disney features an outstanding
variety of animated entertainment. One of the top performing, ad-supported
children’s networks, Toon Disney expanded its distribution
20 percent in 2003 and is now in more than 40 million homes in the
United States.
In recent Beta Research surveys, Toon Disney ranked as the number
one emerging network in satisfaction among subscribers with children
under the age of 13 and as the number one emerging network in importance
with regard to the enjoyment of satellite television among subscribers
with children ages 12 and under.
In 2003, Toon Disney added four new series from Walt Disney Television
Animation: Disney’s Legend of Tarzan, Disney’s Recess,
Disney’s Fillmore and Disney/Pixar’s Buzz Lightyear
of Star Command.
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