Walt Disney Co is to open a Disney Channel in Russia. Disney will operate a j-v with Media-One Holdings Ltd, who will distribute the service to 30 stations throughout the Russia.
It gives Russian viewers the chance to see popular Disney Channel
programming for kids and families such as "Hannah Montana" and "Wizards
of Waverly Place," each dubbed in Russian, although the venture also
plans to create original Russian programming. The launch is slated for
next year, subject to approval from Russian authorities.
"This has been an effort to move deeper in the market and deliver
Disney-branded programming, wrapped in a package that is very Disney,
and appeals to local kids and families," said Rich Ross, president of
Disney Channels Worldwide.
Andy Bird, chairman of Walt Disney International, said Disney Channel
had made great strides in introducing its classic characters, and new
elements onto global markets. "The Russians, as a people, have a great
history and fondness for storytelling. They have great stories of their
own, and they have a great appreciation and affinity for Disney, both
our classic stories and our modern franchises," Bird said. "So we feel
that the brand is very well placed in the Russian market already. We
feel with the addition of Disney Channel, this can only enhance and
build off the foundations we've laid today."
Disney has a 49% stake in the joint venture for an undisclosed sum.
Walt Disney Co is to open a Disney Channel in Russia. Disney will operate a j-v with Media-One Holdings Ltd, who will distribute the service to 30 stations throughout the Russia.