MUMBAI: Indian kids fled Zee TV ever since it lost the Disney animation block to Sony Entertainment and replaced it with Nickelodeon programming. Somehow it seemed that Nickelodeon characters and fare had failed to click with them to the extent that Disney cartoons, The Power Puff Girls, Tom and Jerry, Superman and The Flintstones do. At least some of the kids that Zee TV lost are likely to return come 1 September courtesy an alliance between partners in India the Zee Network and Turner.
The two have further cemented their relationship by signing an agreement to launch an exclusive Hindi Cartoon Network programming block on Zee TV branded Cartoon Network on Zee. The block will air twice daily (8:30 am9:30 am and 6:00 pm7:00 pm) Monday through Saturday. It will also air at 8:00 a.m. 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. 7:00 pm. on Sundays. The block directly replaces the slot which is currently occupied by Nickelodeon.
Nickelodeon India, meanwhile said it was parting ways with Zee to "focus on its 24-hour channel, which has taken rapid, successful strides in the recent past." The channel claims it is now available in more than 12 million homes across India.
Says Turner International India managing director Anshuman Misra: As leaders in kids entertainment, it has been our mission to elevate animation to the level of general entertainment. The launch of Cartoon Network on Zee is a significant step in that direction.
He adds: It is also a vital strategy as we continue to aggressively localize the Cartoon Network brand and product offering in India."
Says Zee Network group broadcasting CEO Sandeep Goyal: "Kids 4-14 and young mothers are important demographics for a general entertainment channel. The association with the Cartoon Network brand and the introduction of some of the worlds best animated content on Zee TV will enable us to better serve these audiences during key day parts.
With the launch of Cartoon Network on Zee, Hindi language programmes drawn from the animation majors vast library of over 10,000 cartoons will be available to Zee TVs 30 million households in addition to Cartoon Networks existing loyal viewers on the 24-hour channel.
Among the cartoon characters and shows which will feature in the Cartoon Network on Zee include: Scooby-Doo, The Mask, The PowerPuff Girls, Dexter's Laboratory, Pinky and the Brain, Samurai Jack, The Real Adventures of Johnny Quest, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Tom and Jerry Kids, Superman, Captain Planet, Ed, Edd N Eddy, The Rod Runner Show, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Sheep in the Big City, Mike, Lu & Og, Sylvester and Tweety, Mysteries and Batman-The Animated Series.
