Toon Zone Talkback - Hasbro, Discovery to Launch New Kids Channel

**SuperDudeX** · 04-30-2009, 12:14 PM

http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewConte...5016223&EDATE=

Expect it in 2010.

**macattack** · 04-30-2009, 12:26 PM

Hmm . . . now I wonder whether it was Hasbro rather than CN that ordered the killing of Transformers Animated.

I do suppose we've seen the last of Hasbro programming on channels like CN, though.

This shakes things up nicely in an odd way, though. Nick, Disney, and CN need a swift kick in the pants (albeit for different reasons depending on the channel) and this new channel might be it.

**mumbo** · 04-30-2009, 12:44 PM

So, half E/I half toy commercial.

Hopefully it works out better than Disney XD.

**AdamYJ** · 04-30-2009, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by mumbo

So, half E/I half toy commercial.

Almost sounds like a contradiction in purpose, doesn't it?

**Blackstar** · 04-30-2009, 02:20 PM

I wonder if this means that we'll be getting that big Jem revival that people have been anticipating?

**Jeff Harris** · 04-30-2009, 02:41 PM

After reading more about it at TV Week, it sounds like a decent plan. Educational programming, cartoons, game-shows, and kid-friendly titles from Discovery will make up the network's lineup. It almost sounds like, bare with me now, Nickelodeon before they got all mainstreamy with theme park attractions and the need to make movies and be more like Disney.

And hey, Romper Room's coming back for a new generation of "do bees," so it can't be a bad thing.

That said, I really, really don't want them to get rid of Dea Connick-Perez, who currently manages the network. She's a Cartoon Network vet, and I think she's done a great job at the network.

First, Animal Planet became co-owned by the BBC (it's funny how the Discovery Channel/BBC connection got overshadowed in their first theatrical film that was recently released by Disney), then Oprah bought Discovery Health transforming that into OWN in 2010, now this. Discovery's into the whole sharing process these days.

**Racattack!Force** · 04-30-2009, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by macattack

Hmm . . . now I wonder whether it was Hasbro rather than CN that ordered the killing of Transformers Animated.

Who know? This just makes me even more confused over the future of the series. It's pretty much to CN now, whether they want to renew the show or not.

**Tobias** · 04-30-2009, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by Blackstar

I wonder if this means that we'll be getting that big Jem revival that people have been anticipating?

I'm hoping we at the very least get reruns of the original show on this new channel.

I don't understand why Hasbro treats Jem like a worthless property. You never see her mentioned in ANY press release. It's always Transformers, G.I. Joe and My Little Pony, but you never see Jem referenced when people talk about Hasbro properties.

**Gonzales** · 04-30-2009, 03:50 PM

It's not technically going to be a "new" channel. It's going to replace Discovery Kids.

**J!!!** · 04-30-2009, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by Racattack!Force

Who know? This just makes me even more confused over the future of the series. It's pretty much to CN now, whether they want to renew the show or not.

....Except that if TF:A is renewed there will be countinity issues with Hasbro's new show.

**chdr** · 04-30-2009, 03:56 PM

I doubt anyone will notice this channel any more than they noticed Discovery Kids.

**Jeff Harris** · 04-30-2009, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by King Hippo

It's not technically going to be a "new" channel. It's going to replace Discovery Kids.

Well, it's not really replacing Discovery Kids. Okay, it is, but many of the shows currently on DKC will still be on this new channel. It's not just the Hasbro channel as Discovery's a partner in this endeavor as well.

Loved the fact that they mentioned third-party acquisitions for the channel as well. If they could get Class of the Titans when the big three wouldn't, then this Hasbro/Discovery Kids combination is a win.

Originally Posted by chdr

I doubt anyone will notice this channel any more than they noticed Discovery Kids.

Perhaps . . . but unlike Disney XD, Nicktoons, TeeNick, and Nick Jr., the Hasbro/Discovery Kids doesn't have to counterprogram with a competing children's network owned by them. Not to mention the nostalgic factor already placed in the series coming and properties involved. Plus, a legitimate fourth voice in children's programming is not only needed but, in this one fell swoop, a reality in the US.

**Gonzales** · 04-30-2009, 04:17 PM

I meant from a strictly practical sense. The title makes it seem like Hasbro is started a new channel all by itself.

Anyway, this is certainly welcome news. Here's hoping DiC launches that KidsCo channel in the states sometime soon also.

**J!!!** · 04-30-2009, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by King Hippo

I meant from a strictly practical sense. The title makes it seem like Hasbro is started a new channel all by itself.

Anyway, this is certainly welcome news. Here's hoping DiC launches that KidsCo channel in the states sometime soon also.

Uh,
1. Cookie Jar toons bought DIC :P
2. They already have a channel coming to the U.S. through DTV called Dic kid's network (though they may change the name to reflect it being bought)

**Jeff Harris** · 04-30-2009, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by J!!!

Uh,
1. Cookie Jar toons bought DIC :P
2. They already have a channel coming to the U.S. through DTV called Dic kid's network (though they may change the name to reflect it being bought)

3. It's not really a network but rather a daily block for affiliates with subchannels to satisfy the three-hour E/I mandate per week.

KidsCo still isn't heading to the United States anytime soon.

**macattack** · 04-30-2009, 05:42 PM

I could see Hasbro/Discovery becoming a real force in pursuing Canadian, Japanese, and European animation. I like that third parties are going to get represented here, with Nick/Disney treating them like garbage and CN rapidly going down that path.

**CottonSwab** · 04-30-2009, 05:59 PM

Well this is interesting news, I wonder if they will try to find a way to put it on normal cable instead of placing it on the highly expensive "digital cable", but I doubt they will. I hope to see a lot of animation and some great "toyetic" cartoons on this network, I really enjoy those kinds of shows and since Hasbro is involved I am sure they will want to sell merchendise. Either way, I am excited because there is a good chance that we could get another good satAM cartoon block out of it and maybe even some great action cartoons to to along with some fun extra's. Bring it on!

**Tay the Cat** · 04-30-2009, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by CottonSwab

Well this is interesting news, I wonder if they will try to find a way to put it on normal cable instead of placing it on the highly expensive "digital cable", but I doubt they will.

Come June, digital cable will be the only cable.