Jetix against Fox Kids

net1

Fox Kids channels around the world will be renamed Jetix later this year as part of a global rebranding package by ABC Cable Networks Group, Fox Kids Europe and Fox Kids Latin America.

The Fox Kids channels are currently operated as a programming alliance between the Disney-owned ABC Cable Networks Group and the regional Fox Kids operations. From April, Fox Kids seen in Europe will start airing Jetix programme blocks, followed by a full conversion to Jetix-branded channels in the autumn. In the US, Jetix-branded programming blocks will air on ABC Family and Toon Disney.

Bruce Steinberg, Chairman and CEO of Fox Kids Europe, said:

"Jetix propels Fox Kids' offering of high-energy entertainment to a worldwide kids audience. This will strengthen Fox Kids Europe's partnership with Disney and enable us to develop exciting original programming to bring to this expanded audience and continue our success as the leading pan-European kids action-adventure entertainment company. We will build on this new alliance to continue to successfully leverage our programming library through our channels, consumer products, programme distribution and online and interactive businesses."

In a press release, it was explained that the name Jetix was "developed with the goal of finding a word that implied action and adventure and yet could be used in a number of international markets without being a proper name for something else."

Anne Sweeney, president of the ABC Cable Networks Group and Disney Channel Worldwide, said:

"Jetix will be among the most widely distributed television brands for kids around the world and a showcase for new and existing action-adventure programs, including the new season of the best-known series in the genre, Power Rangers. Jetix is a strategic, ad-supported complement to Disney-branded television around the world, including our 22 Disney Channels."