MNC to air Disney branded blocks in Indonesia

    Disney-ABC International Television (DAIT) Asia Pacific has signed a multi-year agreement with Indonesian integrated media company Media Nusantara Citra (MNC) to distribute Disney animation, pre-school programmes, 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 programmes over its two leading free-to-air national networks - RCTI and TPI - which reach over 50 per cent of all homes in Indonesia. The programmes will be telecast in four specially branded time slot blocks targeted at kids and family audiences.

    MNC president and CEO Hary Tanoesoedibjo says, "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".

    Disney-ABC International Television (Asia Pacific) senior VP, MD Rob Gilby adds, "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".

    RCTI, Indonesia's first private free-to-air channel, will start broadcasting a 90-minute, weekly pre-school animation block - titled 'Disney Clubhouse' - from 6 March. 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 14 February - and was the highest ranked Western kids programme amongst all people nationwide for the week. Further, in the first week on air, Disney Club's afternoon timeslots on TPI have led to a significantly increased viewership among kids 5-14 years of age.

    Disney Club features classic animation series such as Good Morning Mickey and Disney's Little Mermaid.