Nickelodeon USA Continues Ratings Momentum as "SpongeBob SquarePants", "Sanjay and Craig" and "Breadwinners" Sweep with Kids 2-11; "Sam & Cat" is Number-One Live-Action Series with Kids 2-11

Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids and families, has announced in the following press release, from TVByTheNumbers.com, the exciting Nickelodeon News that Nick USA closed the week (Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd March 2014) as the number-one basic cable network in total day with K2-11 (2.8/899K) and total viewers (1.7M)! This week marks the networks 11th straight weekly win, with ratings being bolstered by programming hits across animation, live-action and preschool!

Nickelodeon USA landed the top three animated programs for the week with "SpongeBob SquarePants", "Sanjay and Craig" and "Breadwinners", respectively. "SpongeBob SquarePants" also was the top show with Kids 2-11 (4.8/1.5M) and was the number-one kids' program with total viewers (3M total viewers). "Sanjay and Craig" came in second averaging a 4.5/1.5M K2-11, while "Breadwinners" secured the third spot averaging a 4.2/1.3M K2-11.

"Sam & Cat" is the week's number-one live-action series with Kids 2-11. It averaged a 4.2/1.3M K2-11 and scored 2.6M total viewers.

Nickelodeon also scored a weekly win with its hit preschool slate, which took the top three spots with Kids 2-5. "PAW Patrol" led the group averaging a 7.6/946K (up +33% versus a year ago), "Wallykazam!" placed second with a 7.2/893K (+24%) rating and "Bubble Guppies" rounded out the trio averaging a 6.6/822K (+29%).

Original Nickelodeon Press Release:

Nickelodeon Continues Ratings Momentum as SpongeBob SquarePants, Sanjay and Craig and Breadwinners Sweep with Kids 2-11; Sam & Cat is Number-One Live-Action Series with Kids 2-11

PAW Patrol, Wallykazam! and Bubble Guppies Top with Kids 2-5

NEW YORK – March 25, 2014 – Nickelodeon closed the week (3/17/14-3/23/14) as the number-one basic cable network in total day with K2-11 (2.8/899K) and total viewers (1.7M). This week marks the net’s 11th straight weekly win, with ratings being bolstered by programming hits across animation, live-action and preschool.

Nick landed the top three animated programs for the week with SpongeBob SquarePants, Sanjay and Craig and Breadwinners, respectively. SpongeBob SquarePants also was the top show with Kids 2-11 (4.8/1.5M) and was the number-one kids’ program with total viewers (3M total viewers). Sanjay and Craig came in second averaging a 4.5/1.5M K2-11, while Breadwinners secured the third spot averaging a 4.2/1.3M K2-11.

Sam & Cat is the week’s number-one live-action series with Kids 2-11. It averaged a 4.2/1.3M K2-11 and scored 2.6M total viewers.

Nickelodeon also scored a weekly win with its hit preschool slate, which took the top three spots with Kids 2-5. PAW Patrol led the group averaging a 7.6/946K (up +33% versus a year ago), Wallykazam! placed second with a 7.2/893K (+24%) rating and Bubble Guppies rounded out the trio averaging a 6.6/822K (+29%).

Nickelodeon, now in its 34th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 19 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

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Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products Outlines Five Steps To A Successful 2014

The licensing industry news website Licensing.biz is reporting the exciting Nickelodeon News in the following article that Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products recently revealed the five steps that will help them achieve success during 2014 at their annual upfront presentation and cocktail event!

The event, held on Tuesday 18th March 2014 at Cargo Hall in Melbourne, Australia, welcomed over 200 guests from the Australian and New Zealand toy and licensing industry and showcased NVCP's property portfolio.

"First, we'll grow our preschool market share by not only continuing to invest and invigorate "Dora the Explorer", but also by launching "Paw Patrol" and other IP in our pipeline," said Mark Kingston, General Manager (GM) and Senior Vice President (SVP), Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products Europe, Russia, Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

"Second, we'll carefully grow and expand our boys' business by leveraging the success of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles".

"Third, we'll continue to build on the ongoing global success of the "SpongeBob SquarePants" franchise with innovative ideas, creative, marketing, and a second theatrical movie.

"Fourth, because we're for kids of all ages, we will continue to leverage our adult portfolio, anchored by the MTV brand to target millennial consumers with lifestyle offerings.

"And finally, we will deepen and strengthen our relationship with retailers."

NVCP, together with Haven, also acknowledged key retailers and licensees at a special Nickelodeon Consumer Products Choice Awards ceremony.

MJM Australia won 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award, Funtastic picked up the 2014 Product Innovation Award, Caprice Australia won 2014 Partner of the Year Award, HeadStart International collected the 2014 Marketing Excellence Award and Target Australia triumphed with the 2014 Retail Marketing Excellence Award:

Nickelodeon outlines five steps to a successful 2014

Revealed plan at the Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products annual upfront presentation and cocktail event.

Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products revealed the five steps that will help them achieve success this year at its annual upfront presentation and cocktail event.

The event, held on March 18th at Cargo Hall in Melbourne, welcomed over 200 guests from the Australian and New Zealand toy and licensing industry and showcased NVCP’s property portfolio.

“First, we'll grow our preschool market share by not only continuing to invest and invigorate Dora the Explorer, but also by launching Paw Patrol and other IP in our pipeline," said Mark Kingston, general manager and senior vice president, Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products Europe, Russia, Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

"Second, we'll carefully grow and expand our boys’ business by leveraging the success of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

"Third, we'll continue to build on the ongoing global success of the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise with innovative ideas, creative, marketing, and a second theatrical movie.

"Fourth, because we're for kids of all ages, we will continue to leverage our adult portfolio, anchored by the MTV brand to target millennial consumers with lifestyle offerings.

"And finally, we will deepen and strengthen our relationship with retailers.”

NVCP, together with Haven, also acknowledged key retailers and licensees at a Nickelodeon Consumer Products Choice Awards ceremony.

MJM Australia won 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award, Funtastic picked up the 2014 Product Innovation Award, Caprice Australia won 2014 Partner of the Year Award, HeadStart International collected the 2014 Marketing Excellence Award and Target Australia triumphed with the 2014 Retail Marketing Excellence Award.

“Our partnerships are integral to the success of our business," said Ben Richardson, senior vice president and general manager of MTV and Nickelodeon ANZ

"Here in Australia and New Zealand, we have over 4.1 million touch points via TV, online and live events and our job is to leverage and build on these touch points in order to maximise our portfolio and grow our business.

"We have worked hard on evolving our businesses from pure TV platforms into unique and diverse entertainment brands delivering unforgettable experiences for our audiences."

Kingston added: “Nickelodeon has momentum, a dynamic plan, and – most of all – really exciting, and merchandisable content.

"Now more than ever, our networks and consumer products operations are in an enviable place around the globe and we have a great team, exciting properties and are aligned across our global brands and businesses.”

TAGS: nickelodeon

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The Jim Henson Company Welcomes New European Partners For "Dinosaur Train"

The licensing industry news website Licensing.biz is reporting the exciting preschool television news in the following article that The Jim Henson Company has welcomed a raft of new partners across Europe for their Emmy Award-nominated children's series "Dinosaur Train"!

In the UK, Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) has brokered a deal with Character World for the development of "Dinosaur Train" home décor.

A new television agreement, including a home entertainment deal, has been signed with Italy's Dall'Angelo for season three of "Dinosaur Train" and with France's Studio Canal, who picked up the digital and home video rights for season two, while in Germany, LizenzWerft has negotiated agreements with Panini for publishing and WVG Medien GmbH for "Dinosaur Train" Apps.

A new television agreement, including a home entertainment deal, has been signed with Italy's Dall'Angelo for season three of "Dinosaur Train" and with France's Studio Canal, who picked up the digital and home video rights for season two.

In Spain, Selecta Vision signed deals with Montichelvo for stationery, Hot Shots Europe for candy toys and cookies and Accion Cultural S.L. for live shows and mall events.

The new partners join existing licensees in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Channel Islands including Aykroyd & Sons (children's nightwear and underwear), Smith & Brook (children's outerwear and swimwear) and Rainbow Productions (character meet and greets).

"Dinosaur Train" helps children discover new types of dinosaur species, compare dinosaurs to today's creatures and promotes critical thinking skills for pre-schoolers.

Created by Craig Bartlett, who also created the popular Classic Nickelodeon original animated series (Nicktoon) "Hey Arnold!", the series features a young Tyrannosaurus Rex named Buddy who, together with his adoptive Pteranodon family, takes the Dinosaur Train on a variety of adventures through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans to discover basic concepts in natural science, natural history and palaeontology. The show currently airs every day at 3pm on Nick Jr. UK & Eire. The Jim Henson Company appointed Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products to represent the merchandising business for the property within the UK and Ireland in September 2012:

Raft of new European partners catch the Dinosaur Train

Character World signs for home decor in the UK while in Germany, deals have been signed with Panini for publishing and WVG Medien GmbH for apps.

The Jim Henson Company’s Emmy Award-nominated children’s series Dinosaur Train has welcomed a raft of new partners across Europe.

A new television agreement, include a home entertainment deal, has been signed with Italy’s Dall’Angelo for season three of Dinosaur Train and with France’s Studio Canal, who picked up the digital and home video rights for season two.

Elsewhere, in the UK, Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products brokered a deal with Character World for the development of Dinosaur Train home décor while in Germany, LizenzWerft negotiated agreements with Panini for publishing and WVG Medien GmbH for Dinosaur Train Apps apps.

In Spain, Selecta Vision signed deals with Montichelvo for stationery, Hot Shots Europe for candy toys and cookies and Accion Cultural S.L. for live shows and mall events.

The new partners join existing licensees in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Channel Islands including Aykroyd & Sons (children’s nightwear and underwear), Smith & Brook (children’s outerwear and swimwear) and Rainbow Productions (character meet and greets).

“Europe continues to be a brisk and enthusiastic market for the Dinosaur Train brand, as more broadcasters, content distributors and consumer licensing partners get on board the Dinosaur Train," said Richard Goldsmith, EVP of global distribution for The Jim Henson Company.

“By leveraging our young audience’s innate attraction to all things dinosaur and any vehicle that travels down a track, Buddy and his friends make exploring the natural world fun and exciting. And when you can engage the kids, you earn the attention, interest and support of parents, broadcasters and licensing partners.”

Dinosaur Train helps children discover new types of dinosaur species, compare dinosaurs to today's creatures and promotes critical thinking skills for pre-schoolers.

TAGS: dinosaur train,the jim henson company

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Character Options Unveils New "Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom" Merchandise Line

The monthly trade magazine for the toy business ToyNews is reporting the exciting "Ben & Holly" news in the following article that Character Options and Entertainment One recently unveiled a brand-new collection of "Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom" toys at the London Toy Fair 2014, coupled with a visit from the show's title characters!

Ben & Holly at the 2014 London Toy Fair. Photo from The Telegraph

The toy company was recently granted worldwide rights for the master toy collection that will be available at retail from July 2014, featuring plastic figures, accessories, playsets and plush toys based on Nick Jr. UK's popular animated preschool series by Astley Baker Davies Ltd.:

Gary Parker, the senior product development manager at Character Options and the man responsible for the new designs, was on hand to present the new "Ben & Holly" merchandise collection:

TOY FAIR 2014: Character Options reveals new Ben and Holly product line

New range will feature plastic figures, play sets accessories and plush toys

Character Options and Entertainment One unveiled a new collection of Ben and Holly toys at Toy Fair, coupled with a visit from the show's title characters.

The toy firm was recently granted worldwide rights for the master toy collection that will be available at retail from July this year, featuring plastic figures, accessories, playsets and plush toys.

Senior product develpoment manager and man responsible for the new designs, Gary Parker, was on hand to present the new collection.

Parker said: “Ben and Holly is a lovely licence to work with and has set new challenges for me as toy designer to come up with something that would bring its magic to life in a brand new way.

"We at Character are delighted with the launch collection which we believe will give Ben and Holly a place in the toy market that matches its position as a TV favourite.”

Hannah Mungo, eOne, added: “Over the past ten years Character Options has proved to be one of our most valuable partners and we are thrilled to be working with the team on another master toy collection.

"This new range perfectly represents the enchanting nature of the Magic Kingdom that children aged three to six already love through the TV series and books. We believe its launch will mark a major milestone for the property.”

TAGS: character options,toy fair 2014,ben and holly

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Nickelodeon India Acquires Rights To "The Jungle Bunch to The Rescue"

The entertainment news website C21Media is reporting the exciting Nickelodeon India News in the following article that Nickelodeon India has picked up the broadcast rights to the first season of the award-winning French animated series "The Jungle Bunch to The Rescue" (52x11') from PGS Entertainment!

The HD CGI-animated series follows the incredible story of how a penguin's egg fell-off the ice-flow and somehow made it's way to the jungle. Adopted and raised by an affectionate tigress, Maurice has grown up into a very diligent hunter. He is now totally convinced that he is a tiger and has full status as king, and coach, of the jungle. Maurice divides his time between hunting, re-painting his tiger stripes and teaching his own adopted son, Junior the tiger fish, top hunting tricks. Maurice, Junior and all their jungle buddies form a happy, go-lucky but rather dysfunctional family. Discover Miguel the punchy Gorilla, Fred the Warthog crooner, Gilbert the paranoid Tarsier, Al & Bob the inseparable tongue-twisting toads and Batricia the Bat who is afraid of the dark.

The cartoon is produced by Tat Productions and Master Films in partnership with Seaworld and was commissioned by French public broadcaster France Télévision and Super RTL following a successful series of shorts and feature-length special. A second season and a theatrical feature film/movie are currently in development, with a extensive consumer products program, featuring merchandise based on the series in the home entertainment, publishing, plush, apps and games categories, due to be rolled out in 2014:

Int'l nets catch Jungle fever

Broadcasters in Europe, the Middle East, North America and Asia have picked up French animated series The Jungle Bunch to The Rescue from PGS Entertainment.

Rai Cinema (Italy), RTS (French-speaking Switzerland), Clan (Spain), Canal Panda (Portugal), Cartoon Network (Germany and Poland), MTV3 (Finland), NRK (Norway) and Pixel Channel (Ukraine) have all acquired the 52×11′ series from distributor PGS.

Elsewhere, Irib in Iran, Télé-Québec in Canada, Nickelodeon in India, and ABC in Australia will also air the series, which features characters including a penguin who thinks he’s a tiger and a singing warthog.

The toon is produced by Tat Productions and Master Films in partnership with Seaworld and was commissioned by pubcaster France Télévision and Super RTL following a successful series of shorts and feature-length special.

Nico Franks
19-03-2014
©C21Media
GENRES: Animation, Children's
SHOWS: The Jungle Bunch
COMPANIES: PGS Entertainment
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: Canada, Finland, France, India, Iran, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine

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