Turner To Tackle Rivals With New Kids Channels

Turner Broadcasting will next year launch two new kids channels to tackle increasing competition from terrestrial broadcasters the BBC and ITV.

The new channels, Cartoon Network Too and Boomerang+1, were described as a “work in progress” project by a spokesman for Turner, although they are confirmed for a 2006 launch, despite finer details, such as hours of operation and exact content, being unconfirmed at the present time.

The new channels will go head to head with increased competition from ITV, which has confirmed plans to launch a dedicated kids channel on all digital platforms from 11 February (see ITV Confirms February Launch For Kids Channel). Turner’s channels will also compete against the BBC’s dedicated youth channels, CBBC and CBeebies.

Both new Turner channels are believed to be centred around classic children’s programming, with vintage cartoons and kids programmes expected to feature heavily in their schedules. The broadcaster’s spokesman was unable to give detailed information, however, stating that plans for both stations were in their early stages.

Turner Broadcasting: www.turner.com