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.
