MNC To Air Disney Branded Blocks

Jakarta - Disney-ABC International Television (DAIT) Asia Pacific has signed a multi-year agreement with PT Media Nusantara Citra Tbk (MNC), Indonesia’s largest integrated media company, to distribute the best of Disney animation, pre-school programs, live action series and original movies over MNC’s leading national television broadcast networks across Indonesia.

As a part of the agreement, MNC will broadcast Disney programs over its two leading free-to-air national networks - RCTI and TPI – which reach over 50% of all homes in Indonesia. The programs will be telecast in four specially branded time slot blocks targeted at kids and family audiences.

“MNC is committed to broadcast the best, highest quality content to our viewers across Indonesia. This new agreement extends our current partnership to bring even more of Disney’s award winning kids and family content to our country. MNC will continue to build on our strong position in the market by making such strategic investments that deliver exceptional value to our advertisers and viewers,” said Hary Tanoesoedibjo, Group President & CEO of MNC.

“Our partnership with MNC brings the best of Disney animation, live action and movies to over 50% of homes in Indonesia. As the world’s fourth most populous nation, Indonesia provides significant audiences who demand high-quality, branded television content. Disney stories and characters are already very well-loved among kids and families in this market and will now be available to viewers with access to leading free-to-air television broadcast networks - RCTI and TPI,” said Rob Gilby, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at Disney-ABC International Television (Asia Pacific).

RCTI, Indonesia’s first and leading private free-to-air channel, will start broadcasting a 90-minute, weekly pre-school animation block – titled ‘Disney Clubhouse’ – from March 6, 2010. Disney Clubhouse will be a learning-based programming block featuring original series such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einstein's and My Friends Tigger & Pooh. RCTI will also air Disney live action series such as Hannah Montana (Season 1) as well as Disney Channel original movies such as High School Musical 1 over the coming months.

TPI premiered in a 2 hour marathon of ‘Disney Club’ on February 14, 2010 – and was the highest ranked Western kids program amongst all people nationwide for the week. Further, in the first week on air Disney Club’s afternoon timeslots on TPI have lead to a significantly increased viewership among kids 5-14. Disney Club features classic animation series such as Good Morning Mickey and Disney’s Little Mermaid.