Cartoon Network Too unveils preschool block

Turner Broadcasting has revealed that it is set to launch a preschool block on Cartoon Network Too, for which it has acquired a major raft of programming.
The brand new block will be called Cartoonito and is scheduled to first tx on 4 September 2006.
Unique to Cartoonito will be gradual introduction of a second language with animated characters dually introducing programmes in English and French. Backed by input from Kids Industries, the leading child development experts, Cartoonito will be a place where inquisitive preschoolers can both laugh and learn. The move firmly places Turner as a broadcaster leading the charge in innovative preschool communication.
Following a volley of acquisitions brokered by Cecilia Persson, Vice President of Programming, Acquisitions and Presentation at Cartoon Network EMEA, the roll call of top preschool programmes arriving on Cartoonito’s slate will be: Animal Stories (Collingwood O’Hare, distributed by Foothill Entertainment), Blanche (VGI Entertainment), Hi-5 (Southern Star for Kids Like Us and the Nine Network Australia), Barney (Lyric Studios, distributed by HIT Entertainment), Big Foot Presents: Meteor and the Mighty Monster Trucks (Brandissimo!/ Endgame Entertainment, distributed by CCI Entertainment), Ellen’s Acres (Cartoon Network US/ Animation Collective), Fluffy Gardens (Monster Animation), Caillou (Cookie Jar Entertainment) and Pororo the Little Penguin (Iconix Entertainment).
This exciting phalanx of animation will be complimented by the screening of existing revered classics, Baby Looney Tunes (Warner Bros. Animation) and Roobarb and Custard Too (A&B TV, distributed by Celador).
Cartoonito is due to air daily from 6am until 3pm and will be a fun and creative destination, with engaging entertainment at its core. Amongst the inked deals are 52 x 5 min episodes of Animal Stories, a series made by BAFTA award-winning producers Collingwood O’Hare which takes an irreverent look at the animal kingdom, whilst answering simple questions a preschooler might have such as why penguins can’t fly.
Dee Forbes, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Turner Broadcasting Systems: “Our research shows French as the second language most parents would choose for their children, and the addition of French to Cartoonito’s offering is a logical step forward in the provision of premier preschool entertainment. We have high hopes of Cartoonito striking a chord with the nation’s parents as a place where preschool children can be entertained in a fun, safe and developmental environment. Established hits like Barney and Hi-5 will be key drivers, and will sit well in this exciting range of high quality content.”
Cartoon Network Too launched on 24 April 2006 and the introduction of Cartoonito will reinforce a clear channel identity of both preschool programming, and favourite animation from the canon of Cartoon Network Originals such as Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Johnny Bravo, and Cow and Chicken.
(GB)