ITV

Category: Kids

  • Ofcom reviews the role of public service broadcasting on kid’s TV in UK

    Ofcom reviews the role of public service broadcasting on kid’s TV in UK

    MUMBAI: With the exploding children’s media landscape in UK, Britain’s content regulator Ofcom has announced a project to review the future of children’s programming with specific reference of public service broadcasting (PSB).

    The project will look at the state of children’s media in the UK and examine the role of television within this.

    The research will commence this month and a research report will be published in summer 2007.

    A full PSB Review is expected early in 2008.

    Currently, 18 dedicated children’s channels are available on multi-channel platforms hence, the review will examine the extent to which the purposes of PSB on television have been fulfilled. “It is proposed that the final focus of the project be on children’s television programming across PSB and non PSB channels; we ultimately aim to assess the desirability and scope of any public service interventions in this market.”

    The project, will also attempt to address some of the geographical issues relating to children’s programming like “the role of PSB children’s programming in reflecting the cultural diversity of the different nations and regions of the UK.”

     

  • BKN inks 2 broadcast deals & toy deal for TV series ‘Dork Hunters from Outer Space’

    BKN inks 2 broadcast deals & toy deal for TV series ‘Dork Hunters from Outer Space’

    MUMBAI: BKN International AG, has announced that it’s wholly owned UK subsidiary BKN New Media Ltd, has sealed two new major TV broadcast deals with GMTV in the United Kingdom and RTL II in Germany as well as a pan-European master toy deal with Character Group for its animated action comedy series Dork Hunters from Outer Space.

    GMTV has acquired two seasons, totaling 36 all-new episodes of Dork Hunters from Outer Space and is set to premiere the animated action comedy series on free -TV GMTV1 from 2008. While RTL II has confirmed that the series will be set to launch on free-TV RTL II in late 2007, informs an official release. In conjunction with the TV broadcast deals, a pan-European master toy contract was signed with children’s toys and games company Character Group plc, the licensing company behind Doctor Who and Scooby-Doo among others in the UK and Europe.

    Character Group plc will launch in late summer 2008. At this stage they will license all standard “master toy” products, such as basic plush; feature plush; action figures; toy vehicles and accessories; playsets; activity, arts and crafts; interactive toys; boardgames; toy writing and school instruments; toy accessories including lipstick and make-up.

    BKN are handling all TV and DVD distribution as well as merchandising and licensing rights worldwide. BKN is planning a strong marketing and advertising campaign for the brand targeting the trade and consumers for this major launch supported in part by toys, videogames and on-line activities.

  • Ofcom reviews the role of public service broadcasting on kid’s TV in UK















    MUMBAI: With the exploding children‘s media landscape in UK, Britain‘s content regulator Ofcom has announced a project to review the future of children‘s programming with specific reference of public service broadcasting (PSB).


    The project will look at the state of children‘s media in the UK and examine the role of television within this. The research will commence this month and a research report will be published in summer 2007. A full PSB Review is expected early in 2008.



    Currently, 18 dedicated children‘s channels are available on multi-channel platforms hence, the review will examine the extent to which the purposes of PSB on television have been fulfilled. “It is proposed that the final focus of the project be on children‘s television programming across PSB and non PSB channels; we ultimately aim to assess the desirability and scope of any public service interventions in this market.”The project, will also attempt to address some of the geographical issues relating to children‘s programming like “the role of PSB children‘s programming in reflecting the cultural diversity of the different nations and regions of the UK.”

     

  • Galli Galli goes to the ‘gallies’













    NEW DELHI: From the highest level of technology, the TV, to the oldest poor-man‘s ‘movie‘ entertainment, the bioscope: that‘s what mass education programme Galli Galli Sim Sim, will give to the slum children in its mass education programme.


    At the moment, the programme will be shown to children through TV sets carried on designed pushcarts, but the prototype for the bioscope is being readied as well.


    “We have modernised the bioscope and we shall deploy these vends when these are ready to slums as part of our programme for mass education for those millions of children who cannot access TV,” Shaswati Banerjee, executive director Sesame Workshop India (SWI), which runs the programme, tells indiantelevision.com.










    The programme, Galli Galli Sim Sim, is a hit on Doordarshan and Pogo channels, with the TG of two to six-year-olds, and the funding for the initial educational outreach was provided by a corporate social responsibility grant from Turner Entertainment Networks Asia. In an effort to reach these millions, SWI, a subsidiary of Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind Galli Galli Sim Sim and other educational media for children, has kicked off a mobile viewings programme, in which during the first phase, starting 15 February, one branded pushcart with a TV set and a DVD player will reach the poorest of slums and show the programme.


    Banerjee explained that the trial phase, in which a Maruti van was used to take the programme to the slums, proved too costly and could not give the intended impact. Hence, they designed a pushcart that can be taken to any corner of a slum.


    “Initially, we reached 22,000 children over the 25-day period of the pilot project. Using the cart, we shall be able to show the programmes to much larger numbers and run the programme during the whole day,” Banerjee said.


    She added that the cart is fitted with cells that would do away with the necessity of power connection, which means it would be able to look at localities where there is no regular power supply. Over all, this changed mode of delivery will increase the number of screenings from just three a day to between eight and 10. The trial with five pushcarts will start in Sanjay Colony, Bawana and Madanpur Khadar slums of Delhi, and in five locations in Mumbai, including Dharavi, Gavandi, Borivili and two other places yet to be finalised, she added.


    January to March will be the testing period, and from April the full programme will be launched. Sometime about then, the bioscope boxes, once extremely popular as entertainment source in villages and small towns, will be introduced as well.


    Testing of the prototype replacing the TV set with the bioscope will start too.


    The baseline survey will be conducted and impact measured during the pilot project. And finally the impact-based model for delivery will be worked out, Banerjee said.


    The cost per child, the ratio that funding agencies use to measure, varies according to the models, of which there are two, she added.


    In the outreach-based model, which is the pushcart with TV set model, in which the programmes are screened and also educational material left with the NGOs handling the Balwadis, costs Rs 25 per child.


    The cost for the impact-based model, in which only educational materials are given, costs Rs 15 per child. These are the ones being tested before being scaled up and become replicable across the country.


    Galli Galli Sim Sim is the Indian version of the world-renowned children‘s television series Sesame Street, and airs on Cartoon Network, Pogo and Doordarshan.


    Commenting on the successful completion of the first phase of Galli Galli Sim Sim‘s outreach initiatives, Soumitra Saha vice president, regional entertainment advertising sales for Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, said: “Turner‘s partnership with Sesame Workshop goes beyond television.


    “Given how many young children in India don‘t have access to basic educational and developmental needs, it is highly rewarding for Turner to partner with Sesame Workshop in their carefully created and well coordinated educational outreach programme to help fill this gap.”


    Based on the work in the pilot phase, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has awarded Sesame Workshop a grant, which the organisation will use to support Sesame Workshop India to research, develop, and implement similar educational interventions in slum areas in India‘s six largest cities such that there are measurable improvements in children‘s learning outcomes.


    “Sesame Workshop India‘s unique outreach programme reaches large numbers of children and instills them with the power of learning at a very early age, which is extremely important in a country like India where several million children drop out of school before they reach the fifth grade,” said Barun Mohanty, Director of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation in India.


    “Equally impressive is Sesame Workshop India‘s commitment to measuring its impact on learning levels to ensure sustainable, positive changes in early childhood education, Mohanti added.


    “We are excited to help bring this program to India‘s urban slums, as Sesame Workshop India draws upon its global expertise and lessons learned from similar communities in Egypt, South Africa and elsewhere,” Mohanti emphasised.


    The initiative is estimated to reach over 1.5 million children and caregivers over the next five years.

  • ‘Dora The Explorer’ is the number one toy license in the US

    ‘Dora The Explorer’ is the number one toy license in the US

    MUMBAI: US kids brand Nickelodeon has announced that its lead licensed property and preschool character Dora the Explorer continues to make toy and licensing history.

    According to industry experts, The NPD Group, holiday 2006 sales propelled Dora intothe number one slot as the year’s top toy license. At Toy Fair in the US a number of key licensees including master toy partner Fisher-Price will showcase an expanded range of Dora the Explorer products that encompasses new play patterns and broader price points.

    Nickelodeon welcomes to Toy Fair four new additions to its toy partner line-up with the introduction of new licensees CDI/Jakks, MegaBloks, RC2 and Imperial Toy. From construction toys to role play and novelty toys, these companies will introduce a wide range of toys entering more channels of distribution than ever before with brands like Go, Diego, Go!, SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Backyardigans leading the way.

    These industry leaders join Nickelodeon’s growing network of licensees committed to supporting the imagination and creativity of children worldwide.

    Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products president Leigh Anne Brodsky says, “Nickelodeon, with top-selling mega brands like Dora the Explorer, is the dominant force in pre-school licensed toys. With the highest ranked preschool shows on commercial television, we’re expanding our properties in new directions and bringing kids more of the characters they love. Last year’s launches of Go, Diego Go!, The Backyardigans and Avatar had great success and this year’s Toy Fair will continue their momentum.

    “The popularity for everyone’s favorite, SpongeBob, is at an all-time high and we’re excited about the launch of Hasbro’s Operation SpongeBob SquarePants. It’s a marriage of two classics that go together like peanut butter and jelly.”

    Dora the Explorer is in her fifth year of licensed product with more than $5.3 billion in retail sales under her belt. Dora has made the transition from top seller to global mega brand. Dora product will be making a big splash at this year’s Toy Fair. The property led 2006 sales with Fisher-Price’s Dora Talking Cash Register and Fairy Wishes Dora seen as two of the most popular toys of the season. This year’s line-up is anticipated to be Dora’s
    biggest ever.

    In 2007, the franchise is looking to hit new heights with added products and play patterns including make-believe dress-up, role play and building sets. New products include Dora Let’s Get Ready Vanity. It features fiesta adventure
    cards, bilingual interactive phrases and object recognition. Then there is Sparkle And Twirl Mermaid Dora. This toy looks to puts a new ‘spin’ on the character. When kids put Dora into her special shell base, she magically starts to twirl around, her arms raise, her tail magically grows, and sound effects will play as she transforms into a magical mermaid.

    The Talking Friendship Adventures Dora is a life-sized 34 inch tall doll who can speak 70 bilingual interactive phrases. Dora Friendship Adventure Game is a Dora focussed adventure and environment for Fisher-Price’s new Smart Cycle, which encourages an active, healthy lifestyle for kids. Smart Cycle is an innovative plug-and-play toy that combines physical play with learning for preschoolers. The Dora Friendship Adventure Game lets kids pedal and steer their “on-screen vehicle” through both active and learning- focussed Dora play modes.

    Meanwhile Nick says that Go, Diego, Go! toys launched in 2006 with success. Nickelodeon will expand the merchandising program greatly this year to include new die-cast vehicles, wood toys, building sets and water toys. In 2006 Diego’s Talking Rescue Center became one of the most sought after holiday toys and earned ‘Best Toy’ accolades from Parents Magazine, Family Fun Magazine and the New
    York Daily News. The Go, Diego, Go! Live tour, which will visit 50 markets across the US.

    SpongeBob SquarePants has made more than $6.3 billion in retail sales to date. SpongeBob SquarePants Nick says is the most-watched kids show in history. Nick says that the show’s and merchandise success is largely due to appeal that cuts across gender and age groups. No competitive brand has the appeal and scope of the one and only SpongeBob SquarePants.

    One product that will be launched is the Operation SpongeBob SquarePants. This is an updated version of the classic board game with a distinct Bikini Bottom twist — and the original games signature lights and buzzers. Bringing the two hits together is a perfect fit.

     

  • ‘Dora The Explorer’ is the number one toy license in the US















    MUMBAI: US kids brand Nickelodeon has announced that its lead licensed property and preschool character Dora the Explorer continues to make toy and licensing history.


    According to industry experts, The NPD Group, holiday 2006 sales propelled Dora intothe number one slot as the year‘s top toy license. At Toy Fair in the US a number of key licensees including master toy partner Fisher-Price will showcase an expanded range of Dora the Explorer products that encompasses new play patterns and broader price points.



    Nickelodeon welcomes to Toy Fair four new additions to its toy partner line-up with the introduction of new licensees CDI/Jakks, MegaBloks, RC2 and Imperial Toy. From construction toys to role play and novelty toys, these companies will introduce a wide range of toys entering more channels of distribution than ever before with brands like Go, Diego, Go!, SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Backyardigans leading the way.


    These industry leaders join Nickelodeon‘s growing network of licensees committed to supporting the imagination and creativity of children worldwide.


    Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products president Leigh Anne Brodsky says, “Nickelodeon, with top-selling mega brands like Dora the Explorer, is the dominant force in pre-school licensed toys. With the highest ranked preschool shows on commercial television, we‘re expanding our properties in new directions and bringing kids more of the characters they love. Last year‘s launches of Go, Diego Go!, The Backyardigans and Avatar had great success and this year‘s Toy Fair will continue their momentum.


    “The popularity for everyone‘s favorite, SpongeBob, is at an all-time high and we‘re excited about the launch of Hasbro‘s Operation SpongeBob SquarePants. It‘s a marriage of two classics that go together like peanut butter and jelly.”


    Dora the Explorer is in her fifth year of licensed product with more than $5.3 billion in retail sales under her belt. Dora has made the transition from top seller to global mega brand. Dora product will be making a big splash at this year‘s Toy Fair. The property led 2006 sales with Fisher-Price‘s Dora Talking Cash Register and Fairy Wishes Dora seen as two of the most popular toys of the season. This year‘s line-up is anticipated to be Dora‘s
    biggest ever.


    In 2007, the franchise is looking to hit new heights with added products and play patterns including make-believe dress-up, role play and building sets. New products include Dora Let‘s Get Ready Vanity. It features fiesta adventure
    cards, bilingual interactive phrases and object recognition. Then there is Sparkle And Twirl Mermaid Dora. This toy looks to puts a new ‘spin‘ on the character. When kids put Dora into her special shell base, she magically starts to twirl around, her arms raise, her tail magically grows, and sound effects will play as she transforms into a magical mermaid.


    The Talking Friendship Adventures Dora is a life-sized 34 inch tall doll who can speak 70 bilingual interactive phrases. Dora Friendship Adventure Game is a Dora focussed adventure and environment for Fisher-Price‘s new Smart Cycle, which encourages an active, healthy lifestyle for kids. Smart Cycle is an innovative plug-and-play toy that combines physical play with learning for preschoolers. The Dora Friendship Adventure Game lets kids pedal and steer their “on-screen vehicle” through both active and learning- focussed Dora play modes.


    Meanwhile Nick says that Go, Diego, Go! toys launched in 2006 with success. Nickelodeon will expand the merchandising program greatly this year to include new die-cast vehicles, wood toys, building sets and water toys. In 2006 Diego‘s Talking Rescue Center became one of the most sought after holiday toys and earned ‘Best Toy‘ accolades from Parents Magazine, Family Fun Magazine and the New
    York Daily News. The Go, Diego, Go! Live tour, which will visit 50 markets across the US.


    SpongeBob SquarePants has made more than $6.3 billion in retail sales to date. SpongeBob SquarePants Nick says is the most-watched kids show in history. Nick says that the show‘s and merchandise success is largely due to appeal that cuts across gender and age groups. No competitive brand has the appeal and scope of the one and only SpongeBob SquarePants.


    One product that will be launched is the Operation SpongeBob SquarePants. This is an updated version of the classic board game with a distinct Bikini Bottom twist — and the original games signature lights and buzzers. Bringing the two hits together is a perfect fit.

     

  • ‘The focus for Nick in 2007 is to drive reach’ : Nina Elavia Jaipuria – Nick India vice president & general manager

    ‘The focus for Nick in 2007 is to drive reach’ : Nina Elavia Jaipuria – Nick India vice president & general manager

    While Viacom’s smallest wonder, Nick India wants to be synonymous with fun and laughter, the network seems to have found the perfect fit in Nina Jaipura as a head for the channel. With ‘all smiles’ Jaipuria epitomizes the values that the channel stands for and bursts into sudden bouts of laughter as she describes her favourite shows on the channel like Bakkom, the funny bear, which she gladly advices her team to watch (even at work) to de-stress. Although, the channel entered the Indian terrain in 2000, there has been a singular lack of activity, but better late than never, the Nick team seems to have finally got their act together. In a free flowing conversation with Indiantelevsion.com’s Renelle Snelleksz, Jaipuria outlines the game plan for Nick in India, and the efforts to sprint ahead in 2007.

    Excerpts:

    On recently assuming the position to spearhead operations at Nick, what strategy have you outlined to up its presence in India this year?
    During the latter half of 2006, we made several programming and grid changes as well as modified content strategy to get our content right. We also made inroads into distribution and we are now No. 2 in distribution with about 42 per cent C&S connectivity in the country today. Following this we doubled our time spent by 110 minutes, similarly the market share of Nick also doubled from 6 to 12 per cent over 2006. Once all this fell into place we got a ‘sticky’ audience.

    Having said that, the focus for 2007 is to drive reach for the channel because just having a sticky audience is not good enough, you need to increase the ratings. We will use this year to establish our brand and characters. Basically, it is a year for consolidation since we now have the content right and with distribution and promotion in place, now it’s about driving reach.

    How does the channel plan to implement awareness building initiatives?
    The way we want to do this is through a 360 degree marketing approach and while we have our on-air presence and promotion we are also going to step outside the channel as well.

    In fact, we started our marketing activities last year with the ‘Masti Dosti’ contest and the marketing campaign we did around it. It was about consolidating all the pieces and putting it together for the kids, so while we did school contact programmes, we also did cross channel promotions and even painted school buses with Nick themes. In addition, we did a lot of meet and greet sessions for kids, because it involves getting kids to learn about the characters. We are planning to continue to extensively use school contact programmes with our brand ambassadors SpongeBob and Patrick. In fact, we are also looking at bring Dora from Dora The Explora to India this year for our pre-schoolers.

    By taking these characters into malls, multiplexes and getting them to run alongside kids during the Mumbai Marathon we wanted to give them a touch and feel experience as well as sample shows on the channel. That’s how we intend to look at Nick in the way forward.

    You will also see us across many other channels where kids are viewing other shows. We will have syndicated blocks and Nick advertising on Sony, Max, Zee and Zee Cinema. In addition, we are also into regional channels like an ETV Marathi or Zee Bangla. We are reaching out to kids through various means, as you have to touch them at their touch points.

    In the kid’s television space how will Nick differentiate itself from growing competition?
    As a channel we stand apart from the rest and what differentiates us is that everything on our channel today is something that is going to make you laugh. We are a comedy destination and this is the stand we want to take forward.

    The laughter quotient actually operates as a brand filter for all content that goes on our channel. The second aspect of our content is that it has to be appropriate in terms of being absolutely safe and completely non-violent. Therefore it goes through the gatekeeper, which is the mother and we have her trust as well. The content is also universal in terms of gender and is age appropriate catering to kids in the entire 4-14 age group.

    Apart from this, we do have a message for younger kids as well, with the Nick Jr. block which is a mix of education and entertainment. It’s about edutainment where you learn while you play and in which every story has a moral.

    Nick has been a leader in international markets especially US and UK. However, it hasn’t been able to deliver the same results in India despite its launch in 2000. Why so?
    Well it’s all about timing. The focus of the network is now on Nick which was not there earlier. We now have a core structure which is aligned to the business objectives of the channel. In fact we already saw it happening in the last quarter of 2006 and we will see more activity this year.

    We will continue to create a loyal audience and keep delivering on content that has been adopted globally, which has placed us in the first and second position in most countries.

    Why are Indian kids not yet hooked onto Nick, despite its seven year existence in India? Is it that they cannot relate to the content?
    It’s not about kids not liking the content on Nick, but more about kids not sampling the content on the channel because it’s not been out there for them. Once we spread awareness, we will get kids hooked as the content will speak for itself.
    ‘It’s about how much we can do and how fast we can do it.‘

    Nickelodeon recently unveiled a virtual community playground ‘Nicktropolis’ – What about an interactive website for the channel in India?
    We are also looking at launching a grand website for ourselves as what you see today is a very small portion of it. It will be very comprehensive, telling kids about the initiatives at Nick, it will have all the shows and characters and of course it will host several contests and games. It will give kids a chance to interact and play around with these characters.

    In today’s digital environment, is there effectiveness in reaching out to kids via the mobile phone?
    I think this is a metro specific phenomena, as most kids have access to their parents’ phones, so its still too early to say now, but it will definitely grow. Therefore, all our websites have a mobile SMS function for contests and activities. Once we believe that kids have direct access to this medium we will get onto downloads, ring tones and wall papers. We have already started with digital based products with the SpongeBob PC game.

    Can we expect to see an expansion on the merchandise front?
    We tied up with Bombay Dyeing for bed linen, a SpongeBob PC game has been developed and is available at Planet M, Dora the Explora apparel range has been unveiled and can be found in Landmark and Pyramid and a whole collection of party products in Big Bazaar and Hypercity.

    We have also kicked off what is called a ‘Nicksters Club’ using a database, to send out monthly flyers via snail mail or email. Along with giving kids activities to do, it also announces their birthdays and sends out a little gift to them, which is nice gesture from the channel.

    Apart from International acquisitions, do you think it’s time to strengthen localized programming, a strategy that several other kids’ channels have also adopted?
    The strength of Nick lies in its pedigree and the of kind that has been produced for over 27 years in various countries. That content has proven itself across the world therefore we need to first optimize on the content that we already have. There is a lot of scope to bring that content to India, package it and give it an Indian flavour and then roll it out to kids.

    While we may look at local productions sometime in the future, currently there is a great opportunity to cash in on the pedigree that exists with us. Kids are not really very culture specific, they are so universal in nature that everything works for them, and it’s really how you deliver it.

    Will the channel introduce any new shows?
    Yes, in fact we will launch two acquired shows Tumoya Island and Meteor and The Mighty Monster Trucks on the pre- school block Nick Jr. this month.

    Any plans to bring to Indian initiatives like ‘Kids Lets Just Play’ that encourage children to go outdoors and play or the ‘Kids Choice Awards’?
    It is just a matter of time, as the focus currently is to create a presence that will connect with kid’s, activities such as these will then be a follow up. These are our own International properties and there is no reason why we will not bring them here. But there is still time for that, first we need to establish a larger viewer base.

    What is the time line that has been set to achieve this?
    My clock is already ticking! (She laughs) There is really no time line, it’s about how much we can do and how fast we can do it. Like I said, the intent is there we just have make it happen.

    Could you elaborate on the NDTV Media’s role and some of their activities? Which new advertisers have been roped in and by how much has ad sales increased?
    The last quarter has been good for us even in terms of ad sales, we put the infrastructure in place by outsourcing this to specialists like NDTV Media. They have helped us rope in four main new sponsors for SpongeBob Pakdra Pakdri contest including LIC as the main sponsors, co-presenting sponsors Maggi rice noodles Mania and associate sponsors Perfitti’s Big Babool and Tata Sky. Britannia, Liberty Shoes and Zapak.com are a few more advertisers that joined in, so we look forward to a happy year on that front with a lot more brands joining us.

    As for the ad sales increase, it would be an abnormal percentage to mention, as you could almost say we started from scratch, however we look forward to many more initiatives and NDTV is surely going to have its hands full.
    Currently, what’s the management structure like in terms of a marketing, content and creative team?
    Under my stewardship I have a programming director – Anu Sikka, a marketing director – Shalu Wadhwa, on air promotions – Shuchita and a research director – Shatrupa Thakar and a team of about 18 youngsters.

    What do you perceive as the way forward for a kid’s broadcaster in the highly competitive scenario in India? What is the biggest challenge in catering to kids?
    There is long way to go, we need to get to the top of the chain and that’s the intent right now. The kid’s category has always been dynamic and competition will continue to be there but there is definitely space for more players, giving more choice to the viewer.

    The challenge lies in the fact that kids have a short attention span so if you don’t capture them in the wink of an eye you might as well not at all. At any point of time if the child is surfing channels, you should be able to grab his attention, therefore everything that you put on your grid of the channel makes a huge difference.

  • Disney Q1 net profit grows on DVD sales














    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Disney blew past Wall Street expectations as it reported strong first quarter earnings on gains from the sale of its shares in US Weekly magazine and the E! Entertainment channel.


    Even without the one-time gains, which boosted earnings by 29 cents per share, the media conglomerate beat analyst forecasts by 11 cents per share on strong performance from sales of DVDs, including Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man‘s Chest.



    In the quarter ended 30 December 2006, Disney earned $1.7 billion, or 79 cents a share, which includes a gain of 39 cents a share from the sale of Disney‘s stake in E! Networks and Us Weekly. Excluding the gains, the earnings did top analyst estimates of 39 cents a share.


    Quarterly revenues were $9.73 billion, driven by DVD sales of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man‘s Chest, Cars and High School Musical along with strong results from ABC and ESPN.


    Net income rose from $734 million in the first quarter last year to $1.7 billion. Revenue grew 10 per cent to $9.7 billion. Disney CEO Bob Iger said, “These results are particularly gratifying given the great year we had in 2006 and are another clear sign our strategy is driving growth and creating shareholder value.”

  • Mattel unveils Barbie signature fragrance “B”; extends Hot Wheels & Barbie apparel range






















    Mattel MD Sanjay Luthra launches the Barbie signature fragrance “B”

    MUMBAI: As a first time initiative, Mattel Toys India has extended it‘s flagship girl centric brand Barbie with the launch of a signature fragrance called “B.” This was unveiled at a fashion event in Mumbai showcasing the new Spring Summer Hot Wheels and Barbie 2007 collection for boys and girls.


    As the market for kid‘s branded apparel in India is expanding, this new category caters to the 2 to 14 years age group. The Hot Wheels range features casual wear, that consists of the Racer wear that emphasizes on graphics, the Madfast collection in flamboyant colours, Jackets and Attitude collection that strikes a balance between design and practicality and the Streetwear collection that exudes urban vibes. To complete the look, Hot Wheels sunglasses, ride-ons, schools bags and accessories.







    The Barbie Spring Summer collection emphasis the Spring-Meadow look with pretty pinks, the Sporty look complete with the racquets, scooters and shrugs, the Summery look with twist shrugs, vests and the Rock Star look with faded jeans, blazers and coats. Creative accessories like Barbie school bags, sunglasses, guitars, boom boxes, skateboards, surfboards and helmets have been added to the collection, states an official release.


    The signature fragrance “B” is packaged along with a sparkling Barbie “B” charm and is priced at Rs.650 and Rs. 500 for 75 ml and 40 ml respectively.


    Mattel Toys managing director Sanjay Luthra said, “Kids define their popularity and success by the brands they wear, play and live with. On an emotional level, Barbie is the ultimate aspirational figure for a little girl symbolizing intelligence, success and beauty.


    “Similarly, Hot Wheels as a brand embraces the natural competitive spirit that boys possess. Kids can easily identify with the inheritant qualities that these brands posses and I am ecstatic on the launch of this new collection…another new from Mattel.”

  • Cartoon Network head Jim Samples resigns after Boston terror scare















    MUMBAI: Following a marketing stunt that went all wrong, resulting in the bomb scare in the city of Boston, Cartoon Network head Jim Samples has announced his resignation via an internal memo sent to the network‘s staff.


    “It‘s my hope that my decision allows us to put this chapter behind us and get back to our mission of delivering unrivaled original animated entertainment for consumers of all ages,” Samples said.


    “Compelled to step down, effective immediately, in recognition of the gravity of the situation that occurred under my watch,” he added.


    Samples has been with the network for 13 years.



    On 5 February, Turner Broadcasting, of which Cartoon Network is a division, and the advertising agency involved agreed to pay $2 million in compensation for the emergency response the devices had spurred in Boston.


    The agreement between Turner, Interference Inc. and several state and local agencies resolves any potential civil or criminal claims against the two companies, states an official release.


    The guerilla marketing campaign by Cartoon Network was intended to promote the upcoming movie release of its late-night cult Aqua Teen Hunger Force which triggered a police alert for a possible terrorist threat on 31 January.