Turner Broadcasting Launches Cartoonito in Africa

LONDON, October 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Turner Broadcasting is proud to announce the roll-out of Cartoonito, its creative preschool channel block, on African television on 12 October 2011.

Cartoonito is set to become an exciting new entertainment destination for preschoolers aged three to six and their parents and will broadcast daily on Boomerang, (DSTV channel 302).  The Cartoonito block will be a clearly signposted place where viewers can watch some of the best preschool content currently available globally.

Turner Broadcasting has picked up the new series of Bananas in Pyjamas as one of its flagship debut shows.  Produced by Southern Star Entertainment/Southern Star Singapore (a division of Endemol Group) in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the well-known series has a much-loved heritage and a quirky feel that will fit aptly with the channel's vibrant and imaginative brand attributes.  Bananas in Pyjamas is one of a number of high profile deal signings by the broadcaster.

Also forming part of the debut line up will be Jelly Jamm, an exciting new 3D animated series, co-produced by Spanish indies Vodka Capital, 737 Shaker and Radio Television Española.  The renowned preschool series which helps young children understand how to lead a healthy, active lifestyle will go into production early 2012.

Turner Broadcasting's consolidated expansion into preschool signals an exciting new phase for its kids' channels portfolio, with Cartoonito providing a stepping stone for preschoolers to its well-known Boomerang and Cartoon Network brands.

Michael Carrington, Chief Content Officer, Turner Broadcasting said: "We're excited to be making such a big splash in the preschool market, with the launch of Cartoonito in Africa.  Whilst Controller of CBeebies, I'd always admired Cartoonito from afar, and having the opportunity to extend this wonderful preschool brand was one I couldn't resist.  Building on the success of the UK channel, and with two fantastic launch shows at the helm - Bananas in Pyjamas and Jelly Jamm - Cartoonito is set to delight audiences in Africa as a hub of fun and imaginative entertainment for preschoolers and their parents."

Also making the leap to Cartoonito across Africa will be the actual Cartoonitos, six animated character shapes that introduce shows in the continuity breaks, called Lolly, Bubble, Cuba, Spike, Ting and Ringo. As the familiar faces of the channel, the Cartoonitos bring Cartoonito its creative and identifiable personality.

Further information:
Leandi Jamneck
Communications Manager-Cartoonito SA
leandi@bletchleypark.co.za
+27(0)714838321