Virgin Media With Turner Cartoonito Deal

Virgin Media announced a new agreement with Turner Broadcasting to make available the popular preschool kids' channel Cartoonito to its 3.7 million digital TV customers for the first time, as well as a range of Cartoonito shows on demand. As part of the expanded line-up of content, Virgin Media has also secured the rights to bring a range of Turner Broadcasting content available to its customers, both online and through mobiles.

Cartoonito is home to popular preschool shows such as Fireman Sam, the Care Bears and Hi-5 and will be included in the line-up of channels available to customers on Virgin Media 'L' or 'XL' TV pack from April. It joins the raft of Turner Broadcasting channels already available on Virgin Media including kids' channels Cartoon Network, Boomerang and CN Too, international news channel CNN, and classic film channel TCM (Turner Classic Movies).

The online elements include a range of TV on demand including shows such as Cartoon Network's Ben 10 and Boomerang's Scooby Doo, as well as new content from Cartoonito. The deal also means Virgin Media will be able to bring customers mobile versions of popular shows from Cartoon Network and Boomerang, as well as simulcast news from CNN.

Cindy Rose, executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Media, said cross-platform distribution deals were becoming increasingly vital. “Our new deal with Turner Broadcasting will provide a huge boost to our three screen strategy as we develop an innovative new way for our customers to enjoy content,” said Rose.

The company now broadcasts 21 entertainment channels in 17 languages across approximately 100 countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. With a rich history of innovation, Turner Broadcasting is continuing to push the boundaries of media being at the forefront of development with its brands via the web, VOD, DVD, gaming, mobile, merchandising, publishing and emerging platforms.