Rapid TV News

Disney Channel Spain likes free-to-air

Iñaki Ferreras ©RapidTVNews | 18-09-2008

Disney Channel Spain announced its new fall line up for kids and families, on the heels of record success since its July 1 launch on DTT as a free-to-air channel.

The advertising-supported Disney Channel now ranks at number one across all thematic channels and dedicated kids' channels in Spain, acccording to Disney Channel Spain's Vice President and General Manager José Vila.

The new season kicks off with Disney Channel original movie Camp Rock. Other highlights include The Cheetah Girls One World, Disney Channel Games 2008 and new episodes of popular series such as Hannah Montana, The Wizards of Waverly Place and Phineas and Ferb.

José Vila said: "Disney Channel's unprecedented success demonstrates the demand for programming that kids and families can enjoy together. Our new autumn line up offers a mix of global hit programming including the Disney Channel Original Movie Camp Rock and locally produced shows including Disney Channel Live: El Concierto, which showcases talent from the US and Spain in a celebration of music inspired by Disney Channel series and movies.”

Disney Channel is also aiming at conquering Latin America through DTT distribution. So explained Chris Ross, Entertainment President for Disney Channel Worldwide.

"In the next five years Latin America will be an economic power for us," he said. Moreover, the executive also pointed at Poland and Austria as future goals for the company. However the executive admitted the difficulty of reaching profit in Europe due to factors such as the bad situation of the advertising market, the downturn of distribution platforms for distributing the channel and in some place, restrictions on food ads addressed to children.

Finally Ross said the channel Disney XD would be launched in Europe to replace Toon Disney.

© Rapid TV News 2008