Turner's Upfront Reveals Brand New Look, Slate And Local Partnerships, More Edge And Excitement On Turner's 2018/19 Entertainment Offering

Turner, the consumer centric global media company has revealed an exciting new line up of programming, content and partnerships for its African markets.

Turner operates six channels across Africa’s 54 English, French and Portuguese speaking countries. These include CNN International, Africa’s favourite kids’ channels, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Boing and Toonami, as well as recently relaunched blockbusters destination, TNT. Not only has this year seen Turner actively evolve its portfolio, but the broadcast giant is trailblazing with the creation of relevant and authentic local content in Africa to expand its footprint, while resonating even further with its local audience.

With the recent launch of TNT, Boomerang’s channel refresh, greater local initiatives through brand partnerships, local productions, local dubbing of content, the launch of Turner content on Showmax and advertising and sponsorship business growth, exciting times lie ahead.

“As Turner, our audience needs are becoming more pertinent and we’re constantly challenging ourselves to be more innovative and creative in our offering to keep attracting and entertaining our loyal fan base, on-air, on-line and for-real. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing the best service and high-standard content to our fans,” says Jaime Ondarza, Senior Vice President for Turner Southern Europe & Africa and Chief Executive Officer of Boing SpA.

“We are benefiting from high awareness and a great level of brand recognition with our brands in Africa. CNN International is widely known to be the most trusted source for news and information on the continent while our kids’ channels, Cartoon Network and Boomerang, have been leading and gaining market share within the pay TV kids industry for almost four years in a row,” adds Ondarza.

New General Entertainment Destination: TNT
As part of its ongoing commitment to its fans, Turner Africa launched the modern TNT Africa channel in September with a brand positioning of being the reference for ‘the best American blockbusters’ and in only one month, the channel has seen a 45% boost in ratings*.TNT has an exciting line-up with great blockbusters such as The Illusionist, Crank, Robin Hood, Gladiator, The Island, Jurassic Park and King Kong.

Local Initiatives & Partnerships
Turner has strengthened its footprint in Africa over the past few years, not only with the distribution of global content, but through meaningful and sustainable partnerships with local content creators, talent and distributors as part of its commitment to a localisation strategy based on the cultural differences of the African market.

These initiatives include CN Creative Lab, an African creative competition where the winner and runners up will be given the opportunity to get their project produced as a pilot with Cartoon Network Africa which will premiere in 2019; Pop Up Party season 2, where we see local kids expressing themselves through some incredible dance challenges; the launch of Mike and Rob, a series show-casing two witty microbes making jokes with local reference voiced by local comedian, Trevor Gumbi; and African magic will take center stage in Boomerang’s new exciting local production set to hit screens in 2019.

Local Brand Initiatives
Beyond searching for local talent and producing original African content, Turner has focused on tone of voice, and image, to resonate with its fans, increasing its local collaborations with artists and brand ambassadors such as Toya Delazy, Africa’s very own Powerpuff Girl, and Bafana Bafana’s midfielder, Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane, connecting Ben 10 fans to the FIFA World Cup. The campaigns engage with the realities of African children, while also contributing to a greater cause. For example, the PPG Awards, launched in August, celebrate and empower young girls in Africa, offering them a platform to showcase their super-powers. These girls are ordinary little girls, with superhero skills, who have great ideas to change their world. The winners in the fields of Technological Innovation, Social Responsibility and Bravery; and Art and Creativity will each receive $1 500 to help bring their award-winning entry to life with the help of a dedicated mentor.

Forging Connections with Our Audiences
Turner has invested heavily in qualitative market surveys and research to better understand its audiences and provide actionable insights to ensure its brands deliver locally relevant content, as well as packaged tailored experiences. “Plans are underway to produce original digital productions to further localise our online platforms and engage with our fan base. We are currently in discussion to produce an exclusive local version of our YouTuber, Toony, for our African digital platforms. We are also increasingly strengthening our presence on the ground. For the upcoming season we will be activating the Johannesburg Zoo on the 8th and 9th of December and will tour the Kwazulu-Natal coast for ten days with Cartoon Network and Boomerang’s Beach Tour,” says Julien Borde, Head of Channels for Africa.

Content Partnerships & Distribution
Turner has distribution agreements with main African TV platforms in all key regions including pan-African players such as MultiChoice, StarTimes, Orange, SFR/Altice and Canal Overseas, as well as region specific distribution players including mobile streaming services such Black-Cell C and Maroc Telecom. With some entertainment and news channels already available on Cell-C’s OTT service Black, and DStv Catch Up/DStv Now services, digital roll out continues to be a major priority for Turner.  Its new distribution deal with African OTT Subscription Video on Demand platform, Showmax, owned by the MultiChoice group, makes Adult Swim accessible to its millennial audience from mid-November.

Rated the #1 cable network in the US for almost a decade, Adult Swim offers an epic mix of animation, stop motion and live action comedy. The service will also have a dedicated kids’ corner with Cartoon Network and Boomerang content.

Furthermore, Turner and the South African Broadcasting  Corporation (SABC) struck a deal to broadcast Ben 10 in South Africa, enabling Turner to bring one of its most beloved series to a wider audience across South Africa by tapping into the extensive reach of the public broadcaster.  Following the first season premiere in July, Turner is excited to engage new fans by re-airing the first season on SABC2 in Afrikaans and SABC 1 in SiSwati later in 2018.

Commenting on this, Guillaume Coffin, VP Head of Commercial and Business Development says, “Partnering with the SABC reflects our strategy to expand our brands’ presence in South Africa. We are thrilled to bring Ben 10 to new fans and audiences across more screens and in new languages. Turner is dedicated to a localisation strategy that adapts to the cultural differences of its African markets. Implemented in recent years, this effort has helped Turner address the gap in locally-relevant content, drive programming that resonates with African audiences, and boost brand value across the continent. This collaboration allows new local audiences to engage in the Cartoon Network brand.”

To further diversify its revenue stream and business offering, Turner has expanded its advertising business in key African markets through the appointment of advertising representatives, Mediamark, in South Africa beginning of 2018, and Greenworld Communications in Nigeria last September.  These two partnerships are a strategic move for Turner which will bring its channels’ value to advertisers in Africa. “Our wide portfolio allows us to target a large array of segments from families, to kids, through to young adults; we can offer our client fully integrated advertising offerings from non-linear to linear and on-the ground events. We are aware that clients are looking for fully integrated advertising package which Turner Africa is able to now do in South Africa and Nigeria” says Coffin.
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About the Turner Africa Channel Portfolio
Cartoon Network – Expect the Unexpected
More than 20 million Cartoon Network fans in South Africa alone, and many across the continent, can look forward to 325 hours of fresh content, throughout 2019, with 6 exclusive new series and 1 325 new episodes. The 2018 Sunday Times Generation Next Youth Survey gave further credence to Cartoon Network’s popularity in this market, with South African youth giving the channel the thumbs up for ‘Coolest Kids TV Channel’ in South Africa, while retaining its #2 spot in the overall ‘Coolest TV Channel’ category for the third year in a row! Through the channel’s new positioning, “To expect the Unexpected”, fans will be treated to new Cartoon Network originals, Apple and Onion, Craig of the Creek, Summer Camp Island and Victor and Valentino.

Boomerang – Watch. Laugh. Play
Boomerang brings its new positioning, “Watch. Laugh. Play” to life this November with a refreshed on-air look filled with hilarious idents, a vibrant colour palette and a tone of voice! The channel, well-loved by African kids aged four to eight-years-old*, will continue to offer a great line-up of shows from The Tom and Jerry Show, (voted ‘Coolest Animated Brand or Entertainment Characters’ in the Sunday Times Generation Next 2018 Youth Survey) to Grizzy and the Lemmings to The Happos Family and the latest Cyber Group Studios animation production with Taffy launching at the end of the year (World Premiere in Africa).

Boing – Better together
As the fun-filled playground where kids can share great stories with their friends, Boing offers a range of comedy and action shows to local African households across 21 countries. In 2019, the channel will premiere international animation references such as My knight and Me, DC Super Hero Girls and new seasons of The Jungle Bunch and Total Drama Action.

Toonami - The super-heroes destination
Toonami, the home of superheroes, targeting six to 12-year-old children and super-hero fans of all ages, is jam-packed with top-rated adventure and action series. In 2019, the channel will bring all super-heroes fans captivating, high-octane series with Lego DC comics shows series, and legendary slate of super-hero movies like Justice League Universe. Exclusive content, never seen in Africa, will also launch next year with new episodes of Dragon Ball Super and the release of another true anime phenomenon, Inazuma Eleven!

TNT – The American Blockbuster Destination
TCM – Powered by Movies revealed its slick new look in September, immersing audiences in creative and relevant programming specially tailored for African fans.  TNT is the culmination of TCM’s move to refresh its brand image and adapt its brand positioning; the channel moved away from its former global positioning in favour of a more bold and appealing positioning of the ‘American blockbuster destination’.

Adult Swim Makes Its Way To Africa, Turner And Showmax Deal Brings Top U.S. Millennial Channel To Local Shores

The #1 US cable destination for millennials, Adult Swim is set to make waves with its African premiere this month, in a new distribution deal between Turner and African OTT Subscription Video on Demand platform Showmax, owned by the MultiChoice group.

With its epic mix of animation, stop-motion and live action comedy, audiences in South Africa will have access to an extensive catalogue of Adult Swim’s weirdly wonderful, eclectic, surprising, quirky and surreal content for the first time. This includes multi-award-winning animated series Samurai Jack, Robot Chicken, and Rick and Morty, along with fan favourites Aqua Teen Hunger Force, The Jellies; and live action comedies Black Jesus and Eagleheart.

Having proved its zeal for innovation and authentic engagement in the US, Adult Swim now claims 5 of the 10 best comedies launched this year amongst US males 18-34 and 3 of the 10 best comedies amongst all adults*. The brand is set to spread this energy throughout South Africa, where the comedy genre already sees great success.

“Adult Swim does television like no one else and we are excited to bring this cutting-edge programming to young African adults who are on the go. Now available exclusively on Showmax, we are creating a disruptive entertainment experience in a new segment for us in Africa: Millennials. This is a great opportunity to capitalize on the huge success of the brand in the US and engage a new group of fans in South Africa with Adult Swim’s distinctive and visually powerful content” says Guillaume Coffin, VP Head of Commercial and Business Development, Turner France & Africa.

TNT Africa Is Here! Iconic TCM - Powered By Movies Makes Bold Statement With A Fresh Rebrand This September!

Lights, camera, action! TV screens all over Africa will never be the same again as Turner ushers in a new era. African audiences can prepare themselves to re-imagine TV through TNT, a young, fresh and entertainment-filled offering for the entire family.

On 21 September, TNT Africa will reveal its slick new look which promises to be an immersive experience, providing creative and relevant programming specially tailored for African fans.  TNT Africa is the culmination of TCM’s move to refresh its brand image and adapt its brand positioning; the channel moved away from its former global positioning in favour of a more bold and appealing positioning of the ‘American blockbuster channel’.

“The TCM brand has had a strong classic association which doesn’t reflect the actual brand proposition, or deliver the right message, to our African audiences. Even though we have listened to our viewers and worked hard towards modernizing the image of the channel, there was still a strong association of the TCM brand to ‘classic Hollywood silver screen productions’,” says Guillermo Farré, Head of General Entertainment for Turner in Southern Europe & Africa. “We therefore decided to switch TCM to TNT to fully reflect the new brand identity and perspective in line with our American blockbuster programming strategy.”
TNT is one of the best performing, and well-known, general entertainment brands in the world, being one of the top TV brands in the US, Latin America, Asia and Europe. In South Africa, TNT Africa will inherit TCM’s audience of 6 753 545* viewers every month, consisting of a slightly male skew and a growing number of viewers in the 25-49 age range, particularly amongst black Africans.

As the 21st of September, TNT will unleash an action driven, pulse raising slate, mixed with romantic gems and hilarious comedy aimed to keep its African audiences glued to their screens! To kick off the rebrand, TNT has an exciting line-up of never before seen titles to be screened from 21 – 23 September including: The Illusionist, The Green Mile, Crank, Robin Hood, Hellboy 2, Doom, Tango and Clash and Gladiator.

Cartoon Network Ushers In A New Wave Of Creators For Today’s Kids

Cartoon Network announced today its largest slate of content ever from a new wave of creators telling stories that are relevant and reflective of today’s kids. The network, which is seeing success in total consumption across its platforms, is also adding more than 30 new games and apps to its mobile and web portfolio that has over 200 million worldwide downloads and now includes a series of podcasts, VR and AR experiences.

Known for its immersive storytelling, Cartoon Network is introducing the next generation of creators with series including: Owen Dennis’ mysterious and magical adventure Infinity Train and Diego Molano’s Latin American supernatural comedy Victor and Valentino.

These new series will be joining Apple & Onion from George Gendi; the upcoming debut of Craig of The Creek by Matt Burnett and Ben Levin; Julia Pott’s Summer Camp Island bowing this summer; and Unikitty!, the newest series produced by Warner Bros. Animation, and based on the beloved character from The LEGO® Movie.

“It has always been in our DNA to embrace kids for who they are and build relatable worlds, stories and characters for them,” said Christina Miller, president of Cartoon Network-Adult Swim-Boomerang. “This moment is especially exciting because this new wave of talent naturally brings depth and interactivity to their storytelling. It is a perfect match for our audience!”

“Cartoon Network continues to see growth in time spent on video and gaming platforms as kids are enjoying our content across a vast array of environments,” said Donna Speciale, president of Turner Ad Sales. “The best way for brands to reach and engage our fans is through a total audience approach that captures all of these relevant spaces.”

The 2018-2019 programming, mobile and gaming line-up includes:

NEW SERIES

Apple & Onion – Apple and Onion, the eponymous characters of Cartoon Network’s newest buddy comedy created by George Gendi. The show stems from Cartoon Network’s global Artists Program and introduces best friends Apple and Onion who have decided to leave their hometowns to experience big city living.

Craig of the Creek – Co-created by three-time Emmy-nominated Steven Universe writers Matt Burnett and Ben Levin, Craig of the Creek follows the precocious Craig as he leads his best friends J.P. and Kelsey on comical journeys at their neighborhood creek, transforming everyday afternoons into thrilling expeditions through imaginative play.

Infinity Train – With a groundswell of fan support of the original short created through the Artist Program, this mystery adventure created by Owen Dennis follows a precocious young girl named Tulip who finds herself on a train full of infinite worlds and tries to find her way home. Infinity Train will debut in 2019.

Summer Camp Island – In this wildly imaginative series based on an original Cartoon Network short created by Julia Pott, Summer Camp Island will unfold the mysteries that Oscar and his best friend Hedgehog encounter at a magical summer camp. Having completed a momentous festival run that included Sundance Film Festival, the highly anticipated series will premiere this summer.

Victor and Valentino – Created by Diego Molano, this supernatural adventure comedy follows two half-brothers who spend a summer with their grandma in Monte Macabre, a small and mysterious town, where the myths and legends of Latin American folklore come to life. Victor and Valentino can be seen later this year.

RETURNING SERIES

Adventure Time – Cartoon Network and Mojang expand their partnership with an original Minecraft episode expected to premiere this summer. In the special episode titled, “Diamonds and Lemons,”while Finn and his friends unite to dig for treasure and fight off enemies, they experience setbacks and creative triumphs in a fantastic new vision of Ooo. The series is created by Pendleton Ward and executive produced by Adam Muto.

Ben 10 – Greenlit for a third season, Ben, cousin Gwen and Grandpa Max are ready for action that will be loaded with epic transformations, never-before-seen aliens and foes, and with high-energy vehicles to kick hero-time into maximum overdrive. New episodes from the current season, including a half-hour special will introduce the newest alien trying to invade Ben’s world – Shock Rock, who is looking to conquer the world and drain the planet of energy and resources. Ben 10 is produced by Cartoon Network Studios and created and executive produced by Man of Action Entertainment.

OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes – With a console video game and a season two greenlight in hand, K.O. is leveling up with new adventures, threats and villains on the horizon. Surprise heroes will also make their debut alongside some familiar faces in special crossover episodes that will power up the action, laughter and comedy to the next level. The series is created by Ian Jones-Quartey.

Steven Universe – Created by Rebecca Sugar, the three-time Emmy-nominated and two-time GLAAD-nominated series returns this year with three all-new, action-packed story arcs. The stakes are higher than ever before for Steven and the Crystal Gems as they must face internal and external battles unlike any they have ever encountered.

The Amazing World of Gumball – Season six of this BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning series from Cartoon Network Studios EMEA conjures up a new Halloween special, as well as an episode filled with music and dance. The season will continue the warm-hearted adventures with the energetic and fearless blue cat—Gumball—and his idiosyncratic family, the Wattersons.

The Powerpuff Girls – As the original harbingers of girl power, the iconic brand has been an inspiration to generations of girls and young women since its initial launch in November 1998. Twenty years later, the anniversary celebration begins with a global rollout of new episodes, events and products that will continue into 2019. Fourth sister Bliss will also return later this year in a new episode.

Teen Titans Go! – Robin, Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy and Cyborg may be heading to the movies for their big theatrical debut on July 27, but they will also be back for all new episodes on Cartoon Network. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, season five of the Emmy-nominated superhero comedy is expected to premiere later this year.

Unikitty! – Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and based on the beloved character from The LEGO® Movie, this sparkle-filled series will debut in May with a sneak peek in April on Cartoon Network.

We Bare Bears – Greenlit for a fourth season, the BAFTA and Annie Award-winning series created by Daniel Chong returns for ambitious adventures and more adorable baby bears. Set to debut later this year, the three bear brothers will have their funniest escapes yet in all-new episodes that will include holiday specials, a half-hour Halloween episode full of scary stories and a wedding where the bears come to the rescue as the best man.

New episodes of additional Cartoon Network favorites Mighty Magiswords and Clarence will also roll out through the year.

DIGITAL EXPERIENCES

Cartoon Network will offer fans digital experiences across mobile, web and streaming platforms to engage with the worlds of Adventure Time, Ben 10, OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes, Steven Universe, and We Bare Bears, among other properties to be announced.

Bloons Adventure Time TD – Developed by Ninja Kiwi and based on their megahit Bloons Tower Defense franchise, Bloons Adventure Time TD features the Bloon hordes invading the Land of Ooo! Finn and Jake will need all the help they can get to stop them. Players can recruit their favorite Adventure Time characters including Princess Bubblegum, Marceline, Ice King and more, as well as the monkeys from the Bloons TD franchise as they travel from kingdom to kingdom to send the Bloons packing. The free-to-play game will be available this summer.

Ben 10 Alien Experience – Featuring the Omni-Enhanced Aliens of Ben 10 season two and synergizing with the new Playmates Toys Action Figures, this updated and enhanced augmented reality game will feature new gameplay, levels and enemies allowing fans to become Ben 10 in their own environment. Players can also use the camera feature to transform themselves into even more Aliens than before and save their own Omni-Enhanced photos and videos. Ben 10 Alien Experience is a free, ad-supported game and expected to be updated on all mobile platforms in August.

The Steven Universe Podcast – With 10 new episodes launching as part of the third volume available this July, The Steven Universe Podcast will continue with an in-depth exploration of the people and places that make up the Steven Universe world. Each episode will include a close-up behind-the-scenes look at characters and surroundings featured in the beloved animated series.

Will Multichoice's DStv Launch The Long Awaited Channel Toonami

Turner, a family entertainment channel provider, has launched a new animation channel to boost its current children’s entertainment offering. The introduction of Toonami reinforces the organisation’s portfolio of successful kids’ channels which includes Cartoon Network and Boomerang which are carried on Multichoice's DStv and Boing across various African markets.

Toonami has been described as the ‘ultimate home of the superhero’ and is targeted at kids between the ages of eight and 12.

The 24-hour programming line-up, jam-packed with top-rated adventure series, is the go to destination for action and animation enthusiasts of all ages,” comments Branco.

Programmes include such popular franchises as DC Comics
Batman

Superman

Green Lantern

Justice League

Teen Titans - Theory

Other animated superheroes loved by viewers

Ben 10 - Upcoming

Thundercats - Upcoming

The branded Toonami Movies block will screen a host of animated feature films that showcase even more of the popular superheroes’ heroic acts and deeds.

Toonami was launched successfully in France in February, and is currently being rolled-out to other select European markets and French-speaking African countries.

During March, the channel launched on the following pay-TV platforms:

Maroc Telecom in Morocco

Blueline in Madagascar

Parabole on the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius, Comores and Madagascar

The channel is also expected on Gabon Telecom once this new operator launches in the country.

Turner is currently in discussions with various pay-TV operators across the continent to bring the new channel to all English-speaking territories in Africa too.

Pierre Branco, vice president and general manager of Turner Southern Europe and Africa, says: “We are pleased with the addition of Toonami to the bouquet of channels aimed at our younger audiences, as it further diversifies our robust entertainment experience and programme offering across age groups. The channel promises to meet the growing demand for premium quality action-adventure and superhero content.“The channel’s launch reflects the value of pay-TV and its evolution. With its clear positioning and strong franchising connections, it is our job to select the best shows, to editorialise them and to share them with audiences of all ages across our markets.

Turner has achieved success with Cartoon Network and Boomerang, which ranked first and second respectively among kids’ TV brands across Africa. In addition the company was the recipient of the ‘coolest brand among kids’ accolade from the Generation Next 2015 survey.

The list of channels from Turners Broadcasting (it various with regions):

TCM (Turners Classic Movies) known for its classic films favourites which inspired viewers between the ages of 16-46. It been replaced with TNT (Its not on DStv) across various African regions. Rebranded last year and offered stellar line-up from The Mummy, Back To The Future, Carrie, The Shining and many more.

Boing launched in May 2015 across Africa and expanded to Nigeria later in the same year. Boing has a similar resemblance to Cartoon Network TOO, and Hoole (DStv 197 and unexpectedly 312 with no reason from DStv exactly) for the holidays which lasted until 31 January this year. The 24 hour programming line-up include DreamWorks Dragons, The Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy, Angelo Rules, Codename: Kids Next Door, Johnny Bravo, My Gym Partners A Monkey and many more.

Adult Swim is the perfect destination for viewers 18+ (not a kids channel) with jam packed premium programming from American Dad, Futurama (Available on FOX), Aqua Teen Hunger Force, American Dad, Mission Hill, Home Movies, Robot Chicken (popular long running series), Family Guy (Available on FOX) and many more. This channel is currently not available in Africa yet.

Cartoonito, starting out as a preschool programming block on Boomerang (DStv 302) and Cartoon Network outside of Africa became a tv channel and discontinued as a programming block on various countries. With much anticipated and loved programming such as Jelly Jam, Ha Ha Hairies, Lazytown, Banana In Pyjamas, Baby Looney Tunes, Gerald McBoing Boing, Krypto The Superdog and much more.

BONUS
ToonCast the ultimate home for most loved cartoon superstars like Dexter Laboratory, The Flintstones, Ed Edd'n Eddy, Garfield, Top Cat, The Jetsons and many more. Not available in Africa.

"As the uptake for the channel grows in the targeted markets, a slate of exciting new programmes will be added to the line-up as acquisition deals are confirmed and signed,” concludes Branco.

Turners Broadcasting's Toonami France Expanding To Africa In French And English Languages For The Whole Audience

Turner, a family entertainment channel provider, has launched a new animation channel to boost its current children’s entertainment offering. The introduction of Toonami reinforces the organisation’s portfolio of successful kids’ channels which includes Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Boing across various African markets.
Toonami was launched successfully in France last week, and is currently being rolled-out to other select European markets and French-speaking African countries. During March, the channel is scheduled to launch on the following pay-TV platforms: Maroc Telecom in Morocco, Blueline in Madagascar and on Parabole on the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius, Comores and Madagascar. It is also lined up as a channel on Gabon Telecom once this new operator launches in the country.
Turner is currently in discussions with various pay-TV operators across the continent to bring the new channel to all English-speaking territories in Africa too.
Pierre Branco, vice president and general manager of Turner Southern Europe and Africa, says: “We are pleased with the addition of Toonami to the bouquet of channels aimed at our younger audiences, as it further diversifies our robust entertainment experience and programme offering across age groups. The new channel promises to meet the growing demand for premium quality action- adventure and superhero content.
“The channel’s launch reflects the value of pay-TV and its evolution. With its clear positioning and strong franchising connections, it is our job to select the best shows, to editorialise them and to share them with audiences of all ages across our markets.”
Turner has achieved success with Cartoon Network and Boomerang, which ranked first and second respectively among kids’ TV brands across Africa. In addition the company was the recipient of the ‘coolest brand among kids’ accolade from the Generation Next 2015 survey. It is anticipated that the addition of Toonami will further strengthen this position, as the broadcaster seeks to negotiate further deals across the African continent.
“Toonami has been described as the ‘ultimate home of the superhero’ and is targeted at kids between the ages of eight and 12. The 24-hour programming line- up, jam-packed with top-rated adventure series, is the go-to destination for action and animation enthusiasts of all ages,” comments Branco.
Programmes include such popular franchises as DC Comics’ Batman and Superman, as well as, The Green Lantern and The Justice League among others. Other animated superheroes loved by the younger audiences, such as Ben 10 and
Thundercats have also been added to the schedule. The branded Toonami Movies block will screen a host of animated feature films that showcase even more of the popular superheroes’ heroic acts and deeds.
“As the uptake for the channel grows in the targeted markets, a slate of exciting new programmes will be added to the line-up as acquisition deals are confirmed and signed,” concludes Branco.

A Wacky Races Reboot From Turner Broadcasting And Warner Bros.

In recent years, there has been some doubt regarding a pilot that was created 10 years ago which gave new light to Hanna-Barbera's Wacky Races franchise, titled "Wacky Races Forever". But, combined with Warner Bros. Animation's "milking" of the company's "Big 3" franchises, Scooby-Doo , Tom & Jerry, and Looney Tunes, there's been minimal hope of an older HB franchise to step into the children's media market, hence why the aforementioned Wacky Races reboot pilot was not picked up. However, as of this post, there was a new video that surfaced promoting the Australian Cartoon Network and Boomerang feeds. It showcases the 2016 lineup of new programming. You'd miss it in the blink of an eye, but at 1:11 a certain, unfamiliar title
card appears. With some new clips for yet-to-air CN
Originals (Powerpuff Girls reboot) and acquired series (Grizzy and the Lemmings ) the authenticity of this video is likely confirmed. Boomerang rebranded earlier this year, and about a year ago this month, some new, original programming has been promised for the international feeds that represent the brand. But is rebooting Wacky Races a smart choice for Turner and WBA? What are your thoughts?