Disney Upfront: Overview

At their annual Upfront conference, Disney ABC Kids Networks announced their plans and expectations of the up and coming 2006 and 2007 years of television programming. Across ABC Kids, Toon Disney, Jetix and the Disney Channel, there is a wide range of original television series' and movies that will debut; including a total of 849 new episodes, eleven new series' and 25 new movies including seven from the blockbuster Disney Channel Original Movie franchise, will debut during the season. Gary Marsh, President of Entertainment for Disney Channel Worldwide, and Tricia Wilber, svp of Advertising Sales and Promotions for Disney ABC Cable Networks Group made details of the announcements, during a presentation to advertisers.

"As the momentum of our ratings success builds, we are committed to offering high-quality stories and characters that connect with kids and families," Marsh commented. "Our winning mix of programming across our cable channels and broadcast network allows us to reach diverse targeted audiences and deliver some of the biggest hits – and stars -- for kids."

Wilber commented: "We've had a remarkable year of growth and through a unique multiplex approach, continue to provide our clients a broad reach, a diverse mix of kid viewers, the greatest variety of traditional and non-traditional environments in the marketplace, and quality and creativity for customized opportunities." Details from the official press release are as follows:

ABC KIDS:

ABC Kids, the Saturday morning programming block on the ABC Television Network, is up 7% with Kids 6-11 and 21% with Boys 6-11, season-to-date. ABC Kids will add the original animated comedy The Replacements (also premiering in September on Disney Channel) and Hannah Montana, a live-action comedy starring Miley Cyrus and her father Billy Ray Cyrus (debuting Friday, March 24th on Disney Channel). An hour block of the Jetix action/adventure hit Power Rangers: Mystic Force, the 14th edition of the popular franchise, will be showcased on ABC Kids.

TOON DISNEY / JETIX:

Toon Disney, the #1 co-viewing destination for Kids 6-11 and Adults 18-49, reaches over 51 million homes and continues to post impressive ratings growth. Season-to-date, its total day programming is up 8% and its weekday block (2:00-7:00 p.m.) is up 23% with the Kids 6-11 demographic.

As of Fall 2006, Toon Disney will be the exclusive destination for Jetix programming. The popular block will feature more than 100 hours of comedic action/adventure programming each week.

Coming to the Jetix block is the new animated comedy/action/adventure Yin Yang Yo, from Walt Disney Television Animation, and the 15th iteration of Power Rangers, the international hit franchise. Several animated series also join the line-up including Jackie Chan Adventures, Oban Star-Racers, Mon Colle Knights and NASCAR Racers.

This season, Toon Disney will also premiere three animated series also seen on Disney Channel: the comedy/adventure American Dragon: Jake Long, the comedy/adventure Lilo & Stitch: The Series and the comedy The Buzz on Maggie, each produced by Walt Disney Television Animation.