The Cable Networks Group provides a strong foundation for franchise building across the Company as well as unique opportunities to capitalize on international expansion and digital media opportunities. The Group includes Disney Channel Worldwide's portfolio of kids' channels, ABC Family, SOAPnet and Jetix, as well as the Company's equity stake in Lifetime Entertainment Services and A&E Television Networks. Combined, these assets reach the full spectrum of audiences from preschoolers to adults.
In 2006, Disney Channel emerged as a global powerhouse in kids' entertainment, with the unprecedented success of emerging franchises High School Musical, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Hannah Montana. To date, more than 250 million people have seen High School Musical, and the franchise has generated more than $100 million in operating income to the Company. Another 200 million viewers around the world have tuned in to see Mickey Mouse and his friends in CG animation, and Hannah Montana has become an international sensation, drawing record ratings and sales.
Building on the momentum of that milestone year, Disney Channel continued its successes in 2007, adding new animated and live-action series as well as original movies to the list. Disney Channel launched its first spin-off, Cory in the House, based on the long-running series That's So Raven. Younger viewers worldwide were introduced to My Friends Tigger & Pooh, an interactive preschool series in vibrant CG animation. Taking classic assets like Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh into CG and bringing them to 500 million homes around the world brought these franchises to new levels, with wider exposure than they've ever enjoyed before.
Top: My Friends Tigger & Pooh takes Winnie and his friends into 500 million homes globally.
Middle Left: Playhouse Disney's animated series Handy Manny returned for a second season in October 2007.
Middle Right: More than 200 million people around the world have tuned in to see Mickey and his friends in the CG-animated series, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
Bottom: Disney Channel's first full-scale international production, Bunnytown, debuted to preschoolers in November.
