The Walt Disney Company in India has signed a multi-year agreement with Sun Distribution Services, a division of Kal Comm Pvt. Ltd from the Sun Network Group, for channel distribution of Disney Channel, Disney XD and Hungama TV, across multiple platforms including Cable TV, Direct-to-Home (DTH) and IP-TV. This deal comes into effect from April 1, 2010.
As part of the agreement, Sun Distribution Services will take Disney’s television channels to kids and families in over 70 million homes across the country. The Disney Network of Channels has several awards to its credit , commands high loyalty among kids aged 4 to 14 and their families in India.
“We are delighted to partner with Sun Distribution Services, to further strengthen the reach and relevance of Disney in India. Our agreement further consolidates the strong position of Disney Channel, Disney XD and Hungama TV across multiple platforms in the country and provides kids and families increased access to content anywhere and anytime,” said Mahesh Samat, managing director, The Walt Disney Company India.
“The Sun Network commands a strong consumer loyalty from TV viewers across India and this entry of the Disney channel network will help make us a more comprehensive and entertaining package of offerings with content that appeals to kids and families. This is a significant milestone for Sun Distribution Services towards creating an alliance of strong television stations catering to different audiences and geographies” said Tony D Silva, chief operating officer of Sun Distribution Services.
The Disney Network of Channels showcases three of the top 10 television shows for kids in the country and is a key affinity driver for the brand in India. Disney Channel, Disney XD and Hungama TV bring to kids and families the very best of local and international programming, including animation and live action, pre-school programs and original movies.
Disney Channel broadcasts popular live action series such as the iconic tween franchises Hannah Montana, High School Musical, locally produced award winning shows such as Kya Mast Hai Life, animation series including Phineas and Ferb and leading preschool shows Mickey Mouse Club House and Handy Manny. The channel is broadcast in English and Hindi across the country.
Disney XD showcases quintessential Tween boy passions such as Sports, Music, Technology and Gaming, and the spirit of accomplishment. The channel brings favorite shows such as Aaron Stone and Zeke & Luther to viewers in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
More From This Section
Hungama TV is one of the most popular kids’ channels in India, featuring shows like Doraemon, Kiteretsu and Shin Chan available to audiences in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
Through 2009, the Disney network enjoyed the highest level of viewer loyalty across India driven by localization initiatives such as brand new local original programs, locally relevant acquired properties and launch of Disney XD. (Average Weekly Time Spent/ Viewer | Source: TAM | TG: CS4-14 Sec ABC | Markets: All India | Period: WK1-WK52 2009 | Day-part: 0700-2300)
About The Walt Disney Company
Disney is a Dow 30 Company, had annual revenues of over US$36 billion in its most recent fiscal year, and a market capitalization of US$65.85 billion as of March 22nd, 2010. Worldwide, The Walt Disney Company has approximately 137,000 employees.
The Walt Disney Company (India) Private Limited set up in July 2004 with its head office located in Mumbai. In less than five years, Disney has established a strong foothold in this diverse and highly dynamic market. Disney in India employs nearly 200 employees, and anticipates accelerated growth across Media Networks, Interactive media group, Consumer Products, and Studio businesses. Outside of the U.S., India is one of the largest markets Disney has invested in for local production. The Disney Television Network comprising Disney Channel, Disney XD and Hungama TV has consistently been one of the leading networks for kids in Cable & Satellite (C&S) programming. The network currently reaches over 71 million homes, offering a blend of quality entertainment and distinct original programming that kids love and families trust and enjoy. Through a block called Disney Jadoo on the terrestrial network Doordarshan, Disney Channel reaches over 145 million homes.
About Sun Network Group
Sun Network, India's largest media conglomerate has power packed Twenty TV Channels with the reach of more than 95 million households in India. Sun Network's channels can be viewed in 27 countries including U.S.A, Canada, Europe, Singapore, Malaysia, Srilanka, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The Network also has Forty Five FM Radio Stations, Two Daily News Papers - Dinakaran the No.1 morning tamil daily news paper with sales of over 1.2 million copies a day, Tamil Murasu No.1 evening tamil daily, Four Magazines, Sun Direct one of the largest DTH (Direct To Home Satellite TV service) service provider in India having more than 5.3 million subscribers and Sun Pictures the film division of Sun Network which produces / releases Tamil movies every year.