E4 in the UK to Start to Air 'School of Rock' from Monday 15th July 2019

The British free-to-air (FTA) television channel E4, the sister channel of Channel 4, will start to air School of Rock, Nickelodeon's hit live-action musical comedy series inspired by the hit movie of the same name, from Monday 15th July 2019 at 7:30pm! Following class introductions, new episodes of School of Rock will continue to air weekdays at 7:30pm. Each all-new episode will also encore in a special marathon Sundays from 8:30am beginning Sunday 21st July 2019.

The gifted students of William B. Travis Prep School are in for the lesson of a lifetime in Nick's School of Rock!

When their teacher suffers an unfortunate skateboarding spill, Mr. Finn, a down-on-his-luck musician, steps in. Little do the group of overachieving rule-abiding students know - their new substitute actually rocks!

With their musical talents combined, this class of classically-trained musicians forms a band complete with headbanging beats and face-melting solos. But if they want to live the rock star life, they'll have to band together, take risks and rock out to reach new heights all whilst keeping the whole thing a secret.

Throughout the school year, these middle-school classmates find themselves navigating relationships, discovering their unknown talents and learning lessons on loyalty and friendships. With Mr. Finn's help, they'll discover that working together isn't just cool, it rocks!

In the series premiere of School of Rock, "Come Together", the class are introduced to their substitute teacher Mr. Finn, who quickly gives his students nicknames!

School of Rock stars Breanna Yde (The Haunted Hathaways, The Loud House) as Tomika, Lance Lim (Speechless, Fresh Off the Boat) as Zack, Jade Pettyjohn (Henry Danger, Rufus 2) as Summer, Aidan Miner as Lawrence, Ricardo Hurtado (Malibu Rescue) as Freddy, Tony Cavalero (Splitting Adam) as Mr. Dewey Finn, and Jama Williamson (Parks and Recreation) as Principal Mullins.

The series features guest appearances from Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy, Ghostbusters (I'm Not Afraid)), Kendall Schmidt (Big Time Rush), Kira Kosarin (The Thundermans), Lilimar Hernandez (Knight Squad), Jack Griffo (The Thundermans), and JoJo Siwa. Episodes will include musical performances by the cast covering hits "What I Like About You" (The Romantics), "Lips Are Movin" (Meghan Trainor), "The Kids Are All Right" (The Who), "We're Not Gonna Take It" (Twisted Sister), "Shut Up and Dance" (WALK THE MOON), "Heart Attack" (Demi Lovato) and more.

School of Rock is developed by Jim and Steve Armogida (Crash & Bernstein, Grounded for Life), who also serve as Executive Producers with Jay Kogen (The Simpsons, Henry Danger). The 2003 movie of the same name was written by Mike White. Its director Richard Linklater and producer Scott Rudin serve as series Executive Producers, along with Eli Bush (The Newsroom, Ex Machina).

School of Rock originally ran for 45 episodes over three seasons between 2016-2018.

Fans can find out more about School of Rock at nick.co.uk/schoolofrock, on the Nick Play app, and at channel4.com.

The news follows Channel 4 acquiring the rights to Comedy Central's 10-part scripted comedy series The Other Two, which is currently airing on E4.

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H/T: Special thanks to @josephistedvgcp for the news!; Schedule source: Digiguide, Wikipedia, Google, IMDb (II).

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UK: CITV Picks Up Rights To "ToonMarty"

Barcelona-based distributor GoldBee has licensed ToonMarty, an animated comedy series made by Montreal's Sardine Productions, to CITV, the free-to-air (FTA) kids channel operated by ITV in the UK.

ToonMarty takes place in Toonville, where all cartoons live. The 40×11-minute show centers on Toonmart employee Marty, who is always sticking his nose in everyone else’s business. It was originally commissioned by Corus Entertainment for its French and English TELETOON networks and debuted on both channels in Canada last May.

The deal follows the recent pick up by Nickelodeon, which took it for its international channels and catch-up services around the world, excluding North America, China and Japan. Nickelodeon started to roll out the show on Nickelodeon's international channels last May.

Christophe Goldberger, GoldBee’s managing director, commented: “We are happy to see ToonMarty expand its presence with such a great partner as CITV. The tone of this outstanding comedy resonates with kids globally, combining hilarious slapstick elements with witty dialogues.”

Darren Nartey, ITV’s program acquisitions executive, noted: “We are delighted to be the home of ToonMarty in the U.K. It is a great comedy with fantastic animation, which will appeal to CITV’s core audience.”

Ghislain Cyr, president and producer at Sardine Productions, added: “We are delighted to count CITV amongst our partners. This is so rewarding for all of us at Sardine to know that kids from the U.K. and all around the world will be watching our series and hopefully have a good laugh!”

It is currently unclear whether Nicktoons UK & Ireland will still air the series.

The property has been supported by The Bell Fund, The Canadian Media Fund, the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC), The Shaw Rocket Fund and the Société de Développement des Entreprises Culturelles (SODEC).

Sources: TVKIDS, TBI Vision, C21 Media.

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Power Rangers Joins SuperAwesome's PopJam App

Saban Brands is launching an official Power Rangers channel on the popular SuperAwesome Kids’ App, PopJam.

The launch is part of the on-going celebrations for the brand that has recently been named the number one action figure property for June this year by the NPD Group.

The new channel will feature a variety of activities for fans of the brand, as well as games developed to deliver social engagement with the Power Rangers property.

Now the leading action figure property in the UK for the third month running, Power Rangers has seen vast success across the entertainment space with the launch of Saban Brands’ Power Rangers movie and the new TV series Power Rangers Dino Charge.

“In its 24-year history, Power Rangers has consistently ranked as a top action figure and year-after-year, with invaluable partners such as Bandai, there is proven consumer interest in our merchandise programmes around the world,” said Janet Hsu, CEO at Saban Brands.

“In celebrating Power Rangers as a top action figure in the UK for three consecutive months, we also celebrate a first for the brand as we announce the official Power Rangers channel on PopJam, an engaging digital experience for fans.”

Power Rangers Ninja Steel, the 24th season of the long-standing franchise, will premiere in the UK this autumn on Freeview channel Pop, and it will be complemented by the all-new Power Rangers Ninja Steel toy range currently available at retail.

Three past seasons of Power Rangers are broadcasting on London Live’s new kids’ block, Bounce. The three back catalogue series, including the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, are currently airing every morning Monday to Saturday.

London Live further promoted the new block and Power Rangers at Alexandra Palace Summer Festival where, in addition to promoting the strand and interacting with visitors, the Red and Pink Mighty Morphin Power Rangers entertained families and pose for pictures.

Monday 24th July 2017 saw the home entertainment release of the Power Rangers movie Saban’s Power Rangers from Lionsgate and Saban Brands. Families are able to digitally download the feature-length movie as well as purchase on Blu-ray and DVD.

In the US, new episodes of the latest season of Power Rangers, Power Rangers Ninja Steel, begin Saturday 12th August 2017 at 12:00pm on Nickelodeon USA.

Following Power Rangers Ninja Steel, Nick USA is slated to debut Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel, which will the Ninja Steel Power Rangers into the second half of their journey, during early 2018.

More Power Rangers: First Look At "Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel" Master Mode Armor!

Original sources: Licensing.biz, Toy World Magazine.

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Nickelodeon Star JoJo Siwa Opens Up About Cyber Bullying On ITV's "This Morning" | Nickelodeon UK

JoJo Siwa appeared on ITV's mid-morning magazine series This Morning as part of Nickelodeon star's first visit to the UK!

Eamonn Holmes questioned This Morning guest JoJo Siwa whether she had drunk a 'lot of fizzy drinks' during her energetic appearance on the show

JoJo Siwa, 14 who first found fame on US show Dance Moms alongside her mother Jessalyn, bounded into the This Morning studio to talk about her career and as well as being cyber bullied.

During the appearance, Eamonn Holmes asked the social media sensation whether they had consumed a lot of 'sugary drinks' following their energetic appearance on the show.

JoJo Siwa is a huge online sensation after first finding fame on US reality programme Dance Moms alongside her own mother Jessalyn

But the interview was so fast-paced it lead the presenter to ask: 'On telly you've got all this great energy and you sing and you dance, just energy, energy, energy and there's a lot of happiness and positivity there.

The youngster, who has two YouTube channels with over three million followers and 600million views, an Instagram account with six million followers and a regular stint on Nickelodeon, laughed in response.

'I don’t. People call me energy in a bottle. It is literally always like this. But when I’m done I sleep.'

The dancer and singer says that because she is home-schooled she doesn't witness 'in-person bullying', instead she has been the victim of cyberbullying

Viewers were left equally flabbergasted by the youngsters unfaltering energy levels taking to Twitter to share their thoughts.
User Charlotte wrote: 'omg jojo on this morning how does she have so much energy (sic)'

While Lauren C Wallace added: 'Jheeze that JoJo is so full of energy #thismorning'.

But despite her popularity, the home-schooled teen style icon revealed she has been the victim of online bullying.

JoJo explained: 'They can just comment "you're fat", "you're ugly", "you're weird", "I hate you", "you're a brat" and "you're annoying".'

The enthusiastic youngster continued: 'It's just terrible. It's so mean that someone can just comment. You don't even know who it is half the time.

'I think it is not okay, I just want to end it and make people feel good about themselves.'

UK: London Live To Air Three Seasons Of "Power Rangers" As Part Of New Children's Strand, "Bounce"

London Live, a local television channel in London, England, UK, is launching a new children’s programming strand called Bounce to coincide with the beginning of the school summer holidays on Monday 17th July 2017.

Bounce will broadcast Monday to Saturdays 6-9 am, and promises to deliver compelling and innovative programming, engaging with children aged 4 to 15 in and around the capital. In the future, the programming block could be developed further to include Sunday mornings and early evening when kids get home from school.

Partnering with established content distributors Saban Brands and Studio 100, titles include a raft of UK premieres including Heidi, Tashi, K3 and the UK TV premiere series of Saban’s Glitter Force. These are in addition to iconic brands Digimon and three seasons from the 24-year series library of Saban’s Power Rangers franchise, including the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue, and Power Rangers S.P.D.

“Bringing Bounce to life is something the team and I are very proud of, the immediate reaction from agencies and clients has been equally enthusiastic,” said Kavita Veeramah-Collins, London Live’s Sales Director. “Our alliance with key content partners, Saban Brands and Studio100, will ensure the strand grows from strength to strength. With a multitude of opportunities alongside traditional spot, advertisers have access to a truly unique and refreshing platform.”

Lucy Myers, London Live’s Programming Director, added: "With over three years’ audience growth under our belt, successfully delivering a multi-genre channel across news, entertainment, factual and film content, the summer school holidays are perfect timing to launch our children's programming strand Bounce.

“A dynamic, fun and energetic strand for boys and girls, the combination of exclusive content including UK Premiere series Glitter Force and Heidi, alongside well-loved titles such as Power Rangers and Digimon, perfectly complements our continuing programme strategy of curating the best quality content for London audiences. We're confident Bounce will delight children and parents alike."

A linear launch is London Live’s first step towards creating a experience for kids whilst giving parents confidence in the environment. But plans are also underway to launch the Bounce app in early 2018 supported by features that will give parents control of their kids viewing. Bounce launches with a consumer activation at Alexandra Palace’s Summer Festival on Saturday 22nd July 2017 as part of a defined marketing strategy that will include local engagement with schools.

Bounce will be found on London Live on Freeview 8, YouView 8, Sky 117 and Virgin 159.

More Nick: Nickelodeon UK Invites You To Hang With The Biggest Stars In "Nick Likes Summer"!

Original source: Toys 'n' Playthings; Additional source: Wikipedia.

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UK: CITV To Premiere "Make It Pop" On Monday 10th July 2017

CITV, the free-to-air kids (FTA) channel operated by ITV in the UK, will start to air the first season of Nickelodeon's hit musical comedy series Make It Pop from Monday 10th July 2017 at 5:00pm, as part of the channels "Big Up Your Summer" programming initiative!

What do an aspiring pop diva, a fashionista and a book worm have in common? Music!

Make It Pop is a comedic, music-infused daily strip about three unique girls who come together to start their own K-Pop-inspired band. Randomly selected to room together at boarding school, bookish Corki (Erika Tham), fashion-forward Jodi (Louriza Tronco) and social media maven Sun Hi (Megan Lee) meet and bond over music. With the help of fellow classmate and aspiring DJ, Caleb (Dale Whibley), the girls grow from roommates to bandmates as their group, XO-IQ, becomes a school-wide sensation.

In the series premiere of Make It Pop, "Rumours and Roommates" ("Rumors & Roommates", #101), Sun Hi and Jodi start life at MacKendrick Prep boarding school with big expectations and bigger dreams. All of which might unravel because of a secret Corki refuses to reveal!

The series (40 episodes over two seasons, plus one special), which features original songs and performances in every episode, is co-created by Thomas W. Lynch and Nick Cannon and produced by DHX Media.

Pictured: (L-R) Jodi (Louriza Tronco), Sun Hi (Meghan Lee) and Corki (Erika Tham) in the new live-action series, Make It Pop, coming to Nickelodeon in the 2015-16 season. Photo Credit: Nickelodeon. ©2015 Viacom International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Visit nick.co.uk/makeitpop to find out more about the show, watch exclusive video clips and play fantastic games!

More Nick: Nickelodeon UK To Premiere New Movie "Bruno & Boots: This Can’t be Happening at Macdonald Hall" On Friday 21st July 2017!

Sources: CITV's "Big Up Your Summer" trailer, Digiguide, ITV.com; Additional sources: RegularCapital.com, Wikipedia, Make It Pop Wiki.

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POP To Premiere "Power Rangers Dino Charge" In The UK And Ireland On Monday 31st August 2015

MCM Buzz is reporting the exciting news that the free-to-air children's television channel Pop UK and Ireland will start to premiere and show "Power Rangers Dino Charge", the brand-new 22nd season of Saban's popular "Power Rangers" franchise, from Monday 31st August 2015 at 7:30am! The announcement was made at the 2015 MCM London Comic Con.

A long time ago, ten dinosaurs were each entrusted with magical Energems rumored to hold invincible power over the entire universe. Now that the dinosaurs are extinct, the Energems are lost, and an evil alien named Sledge is determined to find all the missing Energems and take control of space and time so he can rule the universe, destroying our planet in the process. There's just one thing standing in his way... The Power Rangers Dino Charge!

Harnessing the power of pre-historic dinosaur spirits, the Dino Charge Rangers are ready to defend Earth at all costs. From a 100,000 year old caveman to a thrill seeking skateboarder, the Dino Charge Rangers may seem like an eclectic bunch, but their unmatched strength and incredible intelligence make for some epic teamwork.

With all new Dino Zords, morphers and weapons, Earth's newest defenders are ready to protect the Energems, save the world and defeat the evil Sledge and his monsters once and for all.. But will their combined power be enough to take down this intergalactic bounty hunter and his menacing team of monsters? Dino Charge Ready!

The latest season of "Power Rangers" promises to be larger-than-life and will deliver more dino-charged action and adventure than ever before, with an out-of-this-world storyline and an epic new team of Rangers.

The new team of Dino Charge Rangers includes: Tyler, the Red Ranger (Brennan Mejia), Koda, the Blue Ranger (Yoshi Sudarso), Shelby, the Pink Ranger (Camille Hyde), Chase, the Black Ranger (James Davies) and Riley, the Green Ranger (Michael Taber).

The dinosaur theme has always been the strongest for Saban's "Power Rangers" franchise from "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" to "Power Rangers Dino Thunder", priming this newest season to become a fan-favorite with the return to the popular theme for the first time in over 10 years. "Power Rangers Dino Thunder" is based on Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger, the 37th entry in the "Super Sentai" series.

Following the shows UK debut on POP, NickToons UK and Ireland is expected to start to premiere and show Saban's "Power Rangers Dino Charge" later this year as part of Nick UK's Autumn/Winter 2014 programming highlights.

Original source: RangerBoard DekaModerator Morgan Lamia; Additional images via The Super Sentai and Power Rangers Wiki.

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Scott Baio Rules The Roost In Comedy Central UK's New Family Sitcom "See Dad Run"

Comedy Central UK has announced in the online TV Guide on their official website, comedycentral.co.uk, that Comedy Central UK & Ireland/HD will start to show Nickelodeon's popular family comedy series "See Dad Run" weekdays at 11:00am (replayed at 12:00pm on Comedy Central+1) from Tuesday 26th May 2015! Following each episodes debut, Comedy Central Extra will encore each episode the same day at 7:00pm (repeated at 8:00pm on Comedy Central Extra +1).

"See Dad Run" is executive produced by and stars Scott Baio who plays David Hobbs, an actor who, after a decade on television, becomes a stay-at-home father while his soap star wife Amy Hobbs (Alanna Ubach, "Legally Blonde") makes her return to the limelight. Mark Curry ("Hangin' with Mr. Cooper") also stars. Rounding out the cast are Ryan Newman ("Zeke and Luther") and Bailey Michelle Brown as David’s daughters, Emily and Janie, and Jackson Brundage ("One Tree Hill", "You Gotta See This") as David's son, Joe. The series, shot on the former "Happy Days" stage in Los Angeles, is created/executive produced by Tina Albanese and Patrick Labyorteaux, with executive producers Nat Bernstein and Mitchel Katlin serving as showrunners. Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey also serve as executive producers through their production company Bischoff Hervey Entertainment (BHE).

In the series premiere, "See Dad Run Home", it's David's (Scott Baio, "Happy Days") first day as a stay-at-home-parent and his role as a TV dad hasn't quite prepared him for the demands of his family. From getting the kids ready for school to giving his teenage daughter Emily boy advice and making the family dinner, David's first attempt at looking after his children is a complete disaster. In order to redeem himself, David enlists his old TV crew to help him impress his wife, but will she see through his façade?

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Channel 5's "Milkshake!" To Debut "Lily's Driftwood Bay" On Monday 27th April 2015

Channel 5 has announced the exciting news in a Tweet on their official "Milkshake!" Twitter profile page, @Milkshake_TV, that Nick Jr. UK's critically acclaimed award-winning animated preschool series "Lily's Driftwood Bay" will join Channel 5's "Milkshake!" line up on Monday 27th April 2015 at 6:20am! Following the shows debut, "Milkshake!" will continue to debut more brand-new episodes of "Lily's Driftwood Bay" weekdays at 6:20am! Additionally, each episode will be available to watch on Channel 5's video on demand (VOD) service Demand 5 following each episodes debut.

Created and directed by Colin Williams ("Pajanimals", "Big and Small") and produced by Belfast-based independent children's television production company Sixteen South Television, "Lily's Driftwood Bay" premiered globally on Nick Jr. UK in May 2014 debuted shortly after in the US on Sprout and in Australia on ABC, and has been picked up by a host of other international broadcasters.

The mixed media animation series is created completely from items that have been found washed up on the beach and follows the imaginative adventures of six-year-old Lily. Based on an original idea from artist Joanne Carmichael, the series boasts an all-star line-up of voice talent including Stephen Fry ("QI" ("Quite Interesting"), "The Hobbit", "Blackadder", "Gadget Man"), Peter Mullan ("Harry Potter", "Top of the Lake"), Tameka Empson ("EastEnders", "3 Non-Blondes"), Jane Horrocks ("Sunshine on Leith", "Absolutely Fabulous"), Ardal O'Hanlon ("Father Ted", "London Irish", "My Hero"), Annette Crosbie ("One Foot in the Grave", "Hope Springs") and Richard Dormer ("Game of Thrones", "Good Vibrations", "Fortitude").

Following the successful launch of the first series in May 2014, Nick Jr. UK commissioned a second series of "Lily's Driftwood Bay", which will feature an additional 52 seven minute episodes of the hit preschool show, in July 2014.

The commission followed a licensing deal between Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer products (NVCP) and Sixteen South, which will see NVCP exclusively represent all licensing rights for the property within the UK and Ireland.

"Lily's Driftwood Bay" has also recently been honoured with multiple awards, including a Parents' Choice Recommended Award, a Broadcast Awards 2015 award for "Best Pre-School Programme", as well as being named as one of the Best Kids' TV Shows of 2014 by Common Sense Media, and the Best Music/Sound Design award at the first ever Irish Animation Awards!

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Nick Jr. UK's Hit Preschool Series "Paw Patrol" To Join Channel 5's Milkshake!; Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products Announces New Licensing Partners For Show

Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) UK and Ireland has today, Tuesday 7th October 2014, announced the PAW-tastic news in the following press release, from VIMN's official Nickelodeon UK & Ireland Press Centre, unveiled some of their future plans for the hit Nick Jr. property "Paw Patrol"!

Following the adventures of six heroic puppies and a ten-year-old boy named Ryder, the popular CG-animated preschool series, currently one of the top performing programmes on Nick Jr. UK and Ireland, will make its free to air (FTA) debut on Saturday 11th October 2014 when the show joins the channels "Milkshake!" line up on Channel 5, airing on weekends at 7:45am! New episodes of "Paw Patrol" will continue to air all this week on Nick Jr. UK and Ireland at 4.30pm (repeated at 5:30pm on Nick Jr. +1).

In addition to the free to air debut of the animated show, four new license partners for the popular Nick Jr. property have been announced. Aykroyd and TDP Licensing Ltd., Character World, NJ Screen Prints and Parragon have all signed on as key licensees for the preschool property with product lines from the newly inked deals set to be available in UK retailers from Spring/Summer 2015. Aykroyd and TDP Licensing Ltd. will produce kids' sleepwear and underwear, NJ Screen Prints will produce kids' outerwear, Character World will create bedding and bedroom accessories, while Parragon will be a publishing partner for the adventure-filled property. These licensees join Spin Master Entertainment, owner of the worldwide toy rights for the property.

Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products and Spin Master will launch their highly anticipated master "PAW Patrol" toy line in UK toy retailers in December 2014! Additional licence categories are set to be added in the coming weeks.

NICKELODEON HIT PRE-SCHOOL SERIES PAW PATROL TO JOIN MILKSHAKE! SCHEDULE OCT 11

Viacom Consumer Products also Announces New Licensing Partnerships for the Series with, Aykroyd and TDP Licensing Ltd, Character World, NJ Screen Prints and Parragon

London, Tuesday, 7th October, 2014 — Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products today unveiled future plans for the hit Nick Jr. property, Paw Patrol. Following the adventures of six heroic puppies and a ten-year-old boy named Ryder, the show -- currently one of the top performing programmes on Nick Jr. -- will make its free to air debut on October 11th when it joins the Milkshake! line up on Channel 5, airing on weekends at 7:45am. New episodes of the programme will continue to air this week on Nick Jr. at 4.30pm.

In addition to the free to air debut of the animated show, four new license partners for the popular Nick Jr. property have been announced. Aykroyd and TDP Licensing Ltd, Character World, NJ Screen Prints and Parragon have all signed on as key licensees for the preschool property with product lines from the newly inked deals set to be available in UK retailers from spring/summer 2015. Aykroyd and TDP Licensing Ltd will produce kids’ sleepwear and underwear. NJ Screen Prints will produce kids’ outerwear, Character World will create bedding and bedroom accessories, while Parragon will be a publishing partner for the adventure-filled property. These licensees join Spin Master Entertainment, owner of the worldwide toy rights for the property; the toy line is due to launch in UK toy retailers this December. Additional licence categories are set to be added in the coming weeks.

"Paw Patrol has proven to be a success on screens and on shelves with the show rating strongly and products selling out across many international territories," said Marianne James, VP Consumer Products, UK & Ireland. "It is fantastic to be adding to the roster of licensees for the property and, with the show set to be available free to air this month, we are confident that the popularity and reach of this incredible property will only grow."

Produced in association with Spin Master Entertainment, Paw Patrol launched on Nick Jr. UK on 4th November 2013. Currently airing daily on Nick Jr., Paw Patrol stars a pack of six heroic rescue pups – Chase, Marshall, Rocky, Rubble, Zuma and Skye - who are led by a tech-savvy ten-year-old boy named Ryder. Together they work hard to protect the Adventure Bay community. Each pup has a unique skill set and a house that turns into a vehicle specific to their personality.

Nick Jr.

Where every day's an adventure, Nick Jr. is a top-performing commercial pre-school entertainment brand in cable and satellite homes. Launched in 1999 as the world's first channel dedicated to pre-school children, Nick Jr.'s programming includes beloved shows Dora the Explorer, Peppa Pig, Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom and Paw Patrol. Online, clips, games, exclusive activities and downloads are all available at nickjr.co.uk Viewers also have the opportunity to catch up with the schedule through Nick Jr. +1. Nick Jr. is available on Sky 615, Virgin 715, through BT Vision and TalkTalk channel 318.

The Nickelodeon Network is a top-performing commercial kids TV network in the UK and Ireland with Nickelodeon channels available in over 14 million cable and satellite homes. Having launched in 1993 Nickelodeon UK comprises seven dedicated entertainment channels for kids aged 4-15 and their families, and is a joint venture between Viacom International Media Networks and BSkyB.

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Saban Outlines UK Launch Plans For "Power Rangers Super Megaforce"

The licensing business news website Licensing.biz is reporting the exciting news that Saban Brands has unveiled their launch plans for the UK debut of Saban's "Power Rangers Super Megaforce", the 21st and latest season in the long-running "Power Rangers" franchise!

"Power Rangers Super Megaforce" will make its UK premiere on the free-to-air children's television channel Pop on Saturday 6th September 2014 at 4:00pm. The show will kick off with three episodes and, following its debut, Pop will air PRSMF regularly weekends at 9:00am and 5:30pm, as well as on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30am and 5:30pm.

Following the shows debut on POP, NickToons UK and Ireland will start to premiere and show Saban's "Power Rangers Super Megaforce" on Monday 8th September 2014 at 8:00pm BST (GMT+1), as part of Nick UK's Autumn/Winter 2014 programming highlights. Following the shows debut on Nickelodeon UK's animation and action channel, NickToons will continue to air new episodes of "Power Rangers Super Megaforce" every night at 8:00pm.

Additionally, Saban will make episodes one to ten available on the on-demand Internet streaming media provider Netflix UK from Sunday 7th September 2014.

In the final moments of the last season, the Power Rangers defeated the Warstar villains. Now, in "Power Rangers Super Megaforce", Prince Vekar arrives with his massive alien Armada to conquer the earth. With the help of their supernatural guardian, Gosei, the Power Rangers are given special morphers and keys that allow them to morph into Super Megaforce Rangers! Using these keys, they also have the amazing new ability to morph into any team of Legendary Rangers from the past 20 years, gaining access to their incredible powers, weapons, Zords and Megazords. PRSMF will also introduce a new member of the team.

The Super Megaforce Rangers include: Troy, the Red Ranger (Andrew Gray); Noah, the Blue Ranger (John Mark Loudermilk); Gia, the Yellow Ranger (Ciara Hanna); Emma, the Pink Ranger (Christina Masterson); and Jake, the Green Ranger (Azim Rizk).

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UK's CITV Acquires Free-To-Air Broadcast Rights To "Deadtime Stories" From DHX Media

DHX Media, a leading independent creator, producer, distributor and licensor of children's entertainment content, has announced in the following press release, from Canada NewsWire (CNW), that the Canadian media company has licensed its TV series "Deadtime Stories" (10x30mins) to CITV, the children's television arm of the free-to-air British commercial public service TV network ITV! "Deadtime Stories" recently debuted on Nickelodeon USA on Thursday 3rd October 2013. It is currently unknown if Nickelodeon's international channels, including Nickelodeon UK and Ireland/HD, are also planning to show the horror/fantasy-themed anthology television series.

"Deadtime Stories" is a all-new single-camera show which stars Jennifer Stone ("Wizards of Waverly Place") as "The Babysitter", who shares stories from her collection of creepy tales with children every week. "Deadtime Stories" is based on the popular eponymous children's book series, and chronicles kids' eerie encounters, from hauntings to monsters to supernatural occurrences.

In each episode of "Deadtime Stories", kids embark on different thrilling adventures with ghostly tales, including a grave with something unusual buried inside, a wishing game gone awry and a magic kit with irreversible tricks. The series is created by the Hillenbrand brothers and the Cascone sisters and distributed by DHX Media. David and Scott Hillenbrand have a long track record across multiple genres including extensive work on hit kids shows such as "Spider-Man (Animated)", "Sweet Valley High" and "Power Rangers", while Annette and Gina Cascone have an equally long track record of writing spine tingling tales for middle grade and young adult readers.

The property is based on the popular "Deadtime Stories" book series written by the Cascones, originally included 17 titles and has sold over 2 million copies. It is has been republished and released in hardcover, paperback and digital by major publisher Tor Books/Starscape, a division of the Macmillan Group, in addition to being carried by Scholastic.

Josh Scherba, Senior Vice President (SVP) distribution at DHX Media, told Licensing.biz that "Deadtime Stories" is "performing supernaturally well on Nickelodeon in the US"!

The "Deadtime Stories" television series adaptation is developed by Hill & Brand Kids and Mantooth Films.

Original DHX Media Press Release:

DHX Media Licences 'Deadtime Stories' to UK Broadcaster

HALIFAX, Nov. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - DHX Media, a leading independent creator, producer, distributor and licensor of children's entertainment content, has licensed its TV series Deadtime Stories to CITV in the UK. Deadtime Stories debuted in the US earlier this month on Nickelodeon.

The property is based on the book series of the same name, written by Annette and Gina Cascone, which originally included 17 titles and has sold over 2 million copies. It has been republished and released in hardcover, paperback and digital by major publisher Tor Books/Starscape, a division of the Macmillan Group, in addition to being carried by Scholastic.

About DHX Media
DHX Media (www.dhxmedia.com) is a leader in the creation, production and licensing of family entertainment rights. DHX Media owns, markets and distributes 9,500 half hours of children's entertainment content, and exploits owned properties through its consumer products licensing business. DHX Media is recognized for brands such as Yo Gabba Gabba!, Caillou, Teletubbies, In the Night Garden, Inspector Gadget, Johnny Test and Super WHY!. DHX Media's full-service international licensing agency, Copyright Promotions Licensing Group, (CPLG), represents numerous entertainment, sport and design brands. DHX Media has offices in Toronto, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Halifax, London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Munich and Amsterdam and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

SOURCE DHX Media Ltd.

For further information:

Enquires:
David A. Regan - EVP, Corporate Development & IR
+1 902-423-0260

--Ends--

Also, from Licensing.biz:

DHX Media brings Deadtime Stories to UK screens on CITV

US show based on a book series that has sold more than two million copies

DHX Media has licensed the UK free-to-air TV rights to live action series Deadtime Stories (10x30’) to CITV.

Deadtime Stories is a live action kids and tweens programme starring Jennifer Stone of Wizards of Waverly Place.

She stars as a babysitter tells a new chilling chapter of her spooky story collection in each episode.

"We are very excited to have secured Deadtime Stories for broadcast on CITV," said Jamila Metran, head of programming for CITV.

"The spooky live action series has proved to be internationally popular and we believe CITV is the perfect UK home for the programme."

The show, based on a book series that has sold more than two million copies, debuted in the US earlier this month on Nickelodeon.

"Deadtime Stories is an eerily good live action series with a strong literary history and a creative team with an impressive track record," said Josh Scherba, SVP distribution at DHX Media.

"It is performing supernaturally well on Nickelodeon in the US and we anticipate it will similarly captivate UK fans...just don't watch it in the dark."

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UK's Channel 5 To Premiere "Power Rangers Megaforce" From Saturday 3rd August 2013

The British national daily newspaper The Guardian is reporting the Nickelodeon News in their official website's online television guide that the UK terrestrial television broadcaster Channel 5 and Channel 5 HD will start to premiere and show Saban's "Power Rangers Megaforce", the 20th and latest series in the long-running "Power Rangers" franchise, on Saturday 3rd August 2013 at 10:15am (repeated at 11:15am on Ch.5's plus-one (+1) timeshift channel, Channel 5 +1).

Bandai UK recently released the first wave of PRM merchandise from Bandai's brand new "Power Rangers Megaforce" toyline, which is available to buy in shops around the UK now.

It is currently unknown when or if Nickelodeon UK and Ireland is also planning to air "Power Rangers Megaforce".

10:15 Power Rangers: Megaforce [SUB [Subtitles] HD]

Series 1. Episode 1/22New series. The Warstar aliens plan a massive invasion of Earth, leaving the planet's supernatural guardian to call on five teenagers with the talent and attitude to form the ultimate fighting team. Troy Burrows arrives late for his first day of school to find Emma, Gia, Noah and Jake debating which species will outlive all others, before they are recruited as power rangers to combat the invaders General Children's/Youth

In the latest series of "Power Rangers", "Power Rangers Megaforce", when the evil Warstar aliens attack Earth, the supernatural guardian Gosei, assigned to protect the Earth by Zordon, and his faithful robot assistant Tensou recruit five teenagers with attitude to combat the invading forces. Equipped with powers that grant them mastery over martial arts and other forms of combat, the teenagers transform into the latest champions of good: The Power Rangers Megaforce. This season introduces new cast members Ciara Hanna as Gia, the Yellow Ranger; Christina Masterson as Emma, the Pink Ranger; Andrew Gray as Troy, the Red Ranger; John Mark Loudermilk as Noah, the Blue Ranger; and Azim Rizk as the new Black Ranger, with Chris Auer providing the voice of Robo Knight.

Thanks to Twitter user @wizardboy1011 for alerting me to the news!

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Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon UK and "Power Rangers" News!

UK's ITV And CITV To Start To Show Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" From Sunday 14th April 2013

CITV, the children's television arm of ITV, the free-to-air British commercial public service TV network, has announced in a Tweet (post) on their official Twitter profile page (@ChildrensITV) that ITV, formally ITV1, and CITV will start to show Nickelodeon's brand new CGI-Animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" television series from Sunday 14th April 2013 as part of the networks Spring 2013 highlights. ITV, ITV HD and CITV will simulcast each episode Sunday's at 7.30am, with each episode repeated at 8.30am on ITV's plus-one (+1) timeshift channel, ITV+1)! It is currently unknown whether ITV will be adding episodes of Nick's all-new TMNT series to the networks online video on demand (VoD) service:

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are coming. Make sure you're here Sunday at 7:30am on ITV & CITV (or at 8:30am on ITV+1 if you're lazy!)

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) announced in October 2012 that ITV had picked up the free-to-air broadcast rights to Nickelodeon's TMNT at MIPCOM 2012.

UK Music Channel The Vault To Air Special "Big Time Rush" Show "We Love Big Time Rush!" On Friday 29th March 2013 At 9pm!

The official Sky Guide TV listings website is reporting the "Big Time Rush" news that the British music television channel The Vault will be showing a special 20-minute programme dedicated to Nickelodeon boy band "Big Time Rush" called "We Love Big Time Rush!" on Friday 29th March 2013 at 9.00pm (TONIGHT!)!

UK and Irish Rushers can tune in to "We Love Big Time Rush!" on The Vault on Sky channel 366, Freesat channel 501, Eutelsat at 28A 11307 V 27500 2/3, and on the WightFibre cable channel 91.

Big Time Rush UK News via Twitter user @IrishRusher_xx.

UK's Channel 5 Acquires Broadcast Rights For Nickelodeon Preschool's "Bubble Guppies"; To Air On C5's Milkshake! From Spring 2013; Nickelodeon And Viacom Consumer Products UK To Start To Roll Out "Bubble Guppies" Merchandise From Autumn 2013

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen is reporting the Nickelodeon News that the UK terrestrial television broadcaster Channel 5 has picked up the terrestrial TV broadcast rights for Nickelodeon Preschools' (Nick Jr.'s) popular CGI-animated (animated using computer-generated imagery) original educational show "Bubble Guppies", and will start to show the series in the channels Milkshake! preschool programming block from Spring 2013. Kidscreen is also reporting that Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products UK (NVCP UK) has announced that they begin to roll out a complementary multi-category Bubble Guppies consumer product range in the UK starting Autumn / Fall 2013 across publishing, toys, softwares and home entertainment:

Bubble Guppies joins Milkshake! preschool lineup

UK terrestrial broadcaster Channel 5 has picked up the broadcast rights for the Nick Jr. preschool series Bubble Guppies.

The series, which currently airs on Nick Jr. within the UK and Ireland, will air on Channel 5′s Milkshake! programming block starting this spring.

Nickelodeon will roll out a complementary multi-category Bubble Guppies consumer product range in the UK starting this fall across publishing, toys, softwares and home entertainment.

From the creators of The Backyardigans, Bubble Guppies is a musical comedy set in a 3D underwater environment that incorporates math, literacy, the arts, science and socio-emotional development. It first launched in the US in 2011.

Tags: Bubble Guppies, Channel 5, Milkshake, Nick Jr. UK

Also, from Broadcast:

C5 acquires Nickelodeon's Bubble Guppies

Channel 5 has acquired terrestrial rights to Nickelodeon’s preschool animated series Bubble Guppies to air on its Milkshake! strand.

The series currently airs on Nick Jr within the UK and Ireland and will launch on C5’s kids block later this spring.

Bubble Guppies, which was created by the team behind hit Nickelodeon series The Backyardigans and Little Bill, is a musical comedy set in an underwater environment. It follows a group of pre-school fish as they learn maths, literacy and science. It was acquired by Jessica Symons, head of children’s at C5.

Caroline Beaton, senior vice president, international programme sales, Viacom International Media Networks said: “As an integral part of our ever-expanding animation offering which continues to be at the forefront of our client’s wishlists, Bubble Guppies has delighted audiences with its humour, music, strong storylines and animation.”

UK's CITV To Air The "Big Time Rush" Nickelodeon TV Movie, "Big Time Movie", On Wednesday 20th February 2013

CITV, the children's television arm and channel of ITV, the British commercial public service television network, have announced in a Tweet (post) on their official Twitter profile page (@ChildrensITV) that CITV will be showing the original Nickelodeon TV movie, "Big Time Movie", which is based on the hit Nickelodeon comedy series and Nickelodeon boy band "Big Time Rush" on Wednesday 20th February 2013 at 2.00pm, as part of the channels February school half-term holidays schedule line-up!:

Don't forget, we've got the Big Time Movie airing this Wednesday at 2pm. Up next this afternoon, it's Fleabag Monkeyface.

UK's ITV Picks Up Season 3 Of The Hit Nickelodeon Comedy Series "Victorious" And Season Three Of The Popular Nickelodeon Sitcom "Big Time Rush"

While Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) and the UK commercial broadcaster ITV announced that ITV has acquired the free-to-air (FTA) television broadcast rights for Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", which will debut on ITV1 and CITV in Spring 2013, at MIPCOM 2012, VIMN and ITV also confirmed the Nickelodeon News that ITV has also acquired the FTA broadcast rights for season three of the hit Nickelodeon comedy series "Big Time Rush" and for the third season of the popular Nickelodeon sitcom "Victorious". From The Hollywood Reporter:

ITV and VIMN also confirmed season three pick-ups of Nick's live action series, Big Time Rush and Victorious. As is usual with such deals, no financial details were released.

Also, from Variety's TV News column on the official Variety website, Variety.com:

Brit dramas nab sales as Mipcom ends

'Parade's End,' 'Restless' among hot titles

High-end British drama series attracted buyers at Cannes TV mart Mipcom, which wrapped Thursday.

Brit period miniseries "Parade's End," starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Rebecca Hall, has been sold by BBC Worldwide to Australia's Network Nine, HBO's Pan-Central and Eastern Europe webs, Slovenia's RTV, Latvia's LTV, Estonia's ETV and STV in Slovakia.

The show, produced by Mammoth Screen, is scripted by Tom Stoppard, based on Ford Madox Ford's novels. It is co-produced by HBO and France's Arte.

ProSiebenSat.1 has taken German rights to the adaptation of William Boyd's spy novel "Restless." The WWII drama centers on a young Russian recruited to infiltrate the corridors of power in Washington, D.C.

Starring Hayley Atwell, Rufus Sewell and Michelle Dockery, it was penned by Boyd, helmed by Edward Hall and produced by Hilary Bevan Jones of Endor Prods.

The BBC and the Sundance Channel greenlit the show, which is repped by Red Arrow Intl.

ITV Studios has secured a raft of deals for British drama skeins "Mr Selfridge," "Falcon" and "Endeavour."

"Mr Selfridge" has pre-sold to Ireland's TV3, Norwegian pubcaster NRK and Finnish pubcaster YLE.

The drama was previously acquired by PBS's Masterpiece in the U.S., the Seven Network in Australia, Swedish pubcaster SVT and Israel's YES DBS Satellite Services.

Crime drama "Falcon," based on Robert Wilson's novels, has been pre-sold to HBO Latin America, Sweden's SVT and HOT in Israel. These deals follow a pre-sale to BBC Worldwide Channels in Australia.

"Falcon" is a Mammoth Screen production for the U.K.'s BSkyB, Canal Plus in Spain and Germany's ZDF.

"Inspector Morse" prequel "Endeavour" was acquired by Pramer's Film & Arts channel in Latin America, Sweden's SVT, Norway's NRK, Danish pubcaster DR, Croatia's HRT and Lietuvos Ryto Televizija in Lithuania.

The detective drama was previously picked up by WGBH in the U.S., Seven Network in Australia, TVNZ in New Zealand, Belgian pubcaster VRT and the Netherlands' NPO. It is a Mammoth Screen production.

Among other deals at Mipcom, the U.K.'s Channel 4 commissioned cookery series "Simon Hopkinson Cooks," which is produced by Ricochet, and "16 Kids and Counting," looking at the lives of Britain's biggest families, produced by Lion Television. It also commissioned a docu about TV chef Fanny Cradock, "Fanny and Friends," produced by Boundless/Talkback.

U.K. broadcaster ITV has nabbed season one and two of Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." The skein will simulcast on ITV1 and CITV, starting in spring.

Other pre-sale deals for "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" include TVI/Televisao Independente in Portugal, RTL Klub in Hungary, Radio e Televisao Bandeirantes in Brazil, S&E Media Project/STB QTV in Ukraine, ABS-CBN Corp. in Philippines and Televisora Nicaraguaense in Nicaragua.

ITV also confirmed season three pick-ups of Nickelodeon's live-action series "Big Time Rush" and "Victorious."

Fox Intl. Channels has taken rights in India to the U.S. version of cooking competition show "The Taste," which features celebrity chefs Anthony Bourdain and Nigella Lawson.

The show will air next year on Fox Traveller.

Nine Network took Australian rights to the show, which is repped by Red Arrow Intl., earlier this week.

The skein is produced by Kinetic Content, Red Arrow's U.S. production company, and airs in the U.S. on ABC.

UK's 'CBeebies' BBC Channel Acquires The UK Broadcast Rights To Nickelodeon USA's Brand New Animated Television Adaptation Of Beatrix Potter's "Peter Rabbit"

According to this television news article on Televisual, the BBC's preschool channel 'CBeebies' has picked up the UK broadcasting rights to Nickelodeon USA's brand new television adaptation of the Beatrix Potter classic "Peter Rabbit". It is currently unclear whether Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's preschool channel, Nick Jr. UK and Ireland, will also air Nickelodeon USA's brand new animated television adaptation of Beatrix Potter's "Peter Rabbit":

CBeebies to air new adaptation of Peter Rabbit

CBeebies is to broadcast a new TV adaptation of Beatrix Potter classic Peter Rabbit.

The series will preview with a special one-off Christmas episode in December 2012 with 52x11-minute episodes following in Spring 2013.

The new CGI animated series is co-produced by Penguin, Silvergate Media and Nickelodeon US. CBeebies has acquired the show for the UK.

Silvergate and Penguin released the first image from the show today (pictured above) of Peter Rabbit and his friends Benjamin Bouncer and Lily Bobtail, a brand new character.

The animation’s broadcast later this year coincides with the 110th anniversary of the first publication in 1902 of Beatrix Potter’s classic The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Frederick Warne, now an imprint of Penguin Children’s Books. Since publication, 150 million Peter Rabbit books have been sold worldwide in more than 35 languages.

Set in the Lake District, the animation follows brave, mischievous Peter and his two friends - loyal and comical Benjamin and inquisitive, independent Lily - as they embark on adventures in the big wide world outdoors.

Kay Benbow, Controller, CBeebies said: “I grew up with these books and so I am delighted to welcome this heritage brand to CBeebies. This witty, exciting and action packed realisation is true to the original work of Beatrix Potter and we believe it will have a huge appeal for the older end of our audience.”

The producers say that they are committed to the “authenticity and heritage of Peter Rabbit.“

To build the 3D sets and backgrounds that make up Peter Rabbit’s world, the creative team behind the TV series took over three and a half thousand photographs of the Lake District’s forests, grassy hilltops, farmyards and woodland lanes. These images were then compiled into artistic worlds that reference Beatrix Potter’s watercolour painting style.

Waheed Alli, chairman of Silvergate Media, said: “We are thrilled with the incredible support the BBC has shown for this production, right from the very earliest stages of development. We are absolutely confident that the combination of heritage British storytelling and cutting-edge CGI animation will be completely at home with the BBC. We look forward to seeing the audience reaction over the months and years ahead.”

Penguin will be supporting the animation in 2013 with a full publishing programme with other licensed merchandise to follow.

Also, from C21Media:

CBeebies chooses ZDFE’s aliens

MIPCOM: ZDF Enterprises (ZDFE) is distributing a new preschool series from children’s author, illustrator and producer Nick Butterworth in Cannes.

Q Pootle 5 (52x11’) has already been presold to CBeebies in the UK, while other territories are now lining up, said ZDFE.

The series centres on a friendly alien and his friends who tackle the daily problems of living on planet Okidoki. It is produced and exec produced by Butterworth out of his prodco Snapper Productions together with animation company Blue Zoo in the UK.

“We’ve been missing aliens on the channel, and you can’t get lovelier ones than these,” said Kay Benbow, controller of CBeebies.

In separate CBeebies news, the preschool channel has been confirmed as the UK broadcast partner for the new CGI animated series of Peter Rabbit. A one-off special this Christmas will mark the 110th anniversary of the publication of Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, in 1902. A 52x11′ series follows in spring 2013.

Peter Rabbit is coproduced by Penguin, Silvergate Media and Nickelodeon US.

Gün Akyuz
09-10-2012
©C21Media

Also, from Broadcast:

Peter Rabbit hops onto CBeebies

Mipcom: CBeebies has acquired CGI series Peter Rabbit from Penguin, Silvergate Media and Nickelodeon US, 110 years after the first publication of the classic children’s book.

The 52 x 11 minute series, which will air from next Spring further to a Christmas one-off, features Peter Rabbit along with friends Benjamin Bouncer and Lily Bobtail.

The animation is a re-imagination of the classic tales and aims to bring author Beatrix Potter’s humorous and magical stories to a new generation of children. Set in the Lake District, the series will follow the adventure of the wild creatures as they venture into the world for the first time.

Since it was first published in 1902, over 150m Peter Rabbit books have been sold in 35 languages.

CBeebies controller Kay Benbow said: “This witty, exciting and action packed realisation is true to the original work of Beatrix Potter and we believe it will have a huge appeal for the older end of our audience.”

Publisher Penguin is to support the series with a raft of merchandise.

Also from C21 Media:

Random Penguin feathers new IP

Bertelsmann-owned publisher Random House will step up its digital efforts and could launch more TV projects through its merger with Pearson-owned publishing rival Penguin Group.

The pair, which announced the blockbuster combination of their two businesses today, pinpointed broad digital experimentation and growth as some of the main reason for the deal.

The tie-up will create a combined group called Penguin Random House that will have joint annual revenues of some £2.5bn (US$4bn).

Bertelsmann will take 53% of the combined firm and Pearson the remaining 47%. The deal is scheduled to close in the second half of next year, subject to regulatory approval.

Bertelsmann CEO and chairman Thomas Rabe said: “The combination of Random House and Penguin, first of all, significantly strengthens book publishing, one of our core businesses. Second, it advances the digital transformation on an even greater scale, and third, it increases our presence in the target growth markets Brazil, India and China.”

Pearson CEO Marjorie Scardino added: “Together, the two publishers will be able to share a large part of their costs, to invest more for their author and reader constituencies and to be more adventurous in trying new models in this exciting, fast-moving world of digital books and digital readers.”

While the move is largely a response to the rapid pace of change within book publishing, with the rise of Amazon and e-books radically reshaping the marketplace, it also opens up scope for ‘Random Penguin’ to pool its resources in areas of new business.

Earlier this year, Random House teamed with FremantleMedia – also part of Bertlesmann via RTL Group – to launch Random House Television, a division dedicated to developing scripted series based on fiction and non-fiction books.

In August, the company set up Random House Enterprises, an intellectual property arm designed to exploit its titles across media platforms – including television – bringing in a Discovery exec Jo Edwards to run it.

These moves mirror developments at Penguin, which promoted director of media and entertainment Eric Huang to director of new business and IP acquisitions in July as part of a content creation push.

The Peppa Pig publisher, whose IP includes kids books like Peter Rabbit and King Rollo, is currently coproducing Peter Rabbit with Silvergate Media and Nickelodeon US.

It recently acquired global intellectual property rights to preschool brand Ollie: The Boy Who Became What He Ate, including film and TV, and has ties with digital-first titles like Moshi Monsters, The Land of Me and Whale Trail.

A New York-based spokesman for Random House said the opportunities of the merger were “manifold” and added that the firm expected to make “additional investments through the new company in promising, and potentially innovative and far-reaching, digital initiatives.”

“Random House is not in the television business per se, but we certainly have alliances with FremantleMedia and others to increase the opportunities for our authors to have their works turned into television,” the spokesman added.

Random House CEO Mark Dohle will become CEO of the new firm, while Penguin CEO John Makinson will become chairman of the board of directors. Bertelsmann will appoint five representatives to the group’s board and Pearson will have four.

The combined group will include all the publishing divisions and imprints of Random House and Penguin in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa. It will also include Penguin’s publishing company in China, and Random House’s Spanish-language publishing operations in Spain and Latin America.

Andrew McDonald
29-10-2012
©C21Media

TAGS: Mergers & acquisitions, Publishing
SHOWS: King Rollo, Ollie The Boy Who Became What He Ate, Peppa Pig, Peter Rabbit
PEOPLE: John Makinson, Marjorie Scardino, Mark Dohle, Thomas Rabe
COMPANIES: Bertelsmann, Pearson, Penguin, Random House
SECTIONS: C21Drama, C21Kids, FutureMedia
COUNTRIES: Brazil, China, Germany, India, UK, US

UK's CITV To Show New Episodes Of "Big Time Rush", "Matt Hatter Chronicles" And "Monsuno" As Part Of "Autumn 2012 On CITV"

CITV, the children's television arm of ITV, the British commercial public service TV network, have announced in a Tweet (post) on their official Twitter profile page (@ChildrensITV) that CITV will be showing new episodes of Nickelodeon's hit music comedy series "Big Time Rush", plus new episodes of NickToons UK favourites "The Matt Hatter Chronicles" and "Monsuno", as part of CITV's Autumn 2012 programming line-up:

This Autumn, look out for New Fleabag, Canimals, Phone Genie, Monsuno, Redakai, Big Time Rush, Matt Hatter & more!

It is currently unknown whether CITV (short for Children's ITV or Children's Independent Television) will broadcast the new episodes of the hit Nickelodeon sitcom "Big Time Rush" and the popular animated shows "The Matt Hatter Chronicles" and "Monsuno" on ITV's CITV channel or as part of ITV Breakfast's CITV programming block which airs Saturday and Sunday mornings on the ITV network from 06:00 to 08:25 in the timeslot occupied by Daybreak on weekdays.