Turner To Focus On Programming Strengths

The news that entertainment channel TNT is to cease broadcasting from 30 June, to be replaced by Turner Classic Movies (TCM), is part of a long-term strategy by Turner Broadcasting, which runs both channels. The company has decided to concentrate on its strengths, which are described as classic films and cartoons.

Mick Buckley, managing director of TBS UK explained: “Turner’s strategy in digital is to develop cross platform brands in our key genres of animation, classic movies and news.” To this end, TCM will be joined at Turner by a new cartoon channel, called Boomerang, which will launch at the end of May (see Classic Cartoons To Have New Home On Boomerang).

Meanwhile TNT will cease broadcasting in the UK, to be replaced by TCM, which launched last October. At the time the Pan European TNT service was encrypted, but the analogue service in the UK was continued. Analogue viewers in the UK currently recieve a combination of TNT and Cartoon Network Broadcasting, but TCM has secured carriage on all three major cable analogue and digital platforms.

TNT also began by offering classic films, but Turner Broadcasting says that TCM will be a superior service. Last year TNT’s schedule was diversified with the addition of drama series, music and wrestling programmes. These are likely to be made available for use elsewhere through Warner International’s sales department.

Turner Broadcasting: 020 7307 6000