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Disney XD (British and Irish TV channel)

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Disney XD
HeadquartersHammersmith, London
Programming
Language(s)English
Ownership
OwnerDisney–ABC Television Group

Disney XD (formerly Fox Kids and Jetix) is a children's television channel, with programming aimed at children aged 6–15 years old which broadcast on cable and Sky UK. Fox Kids orientated from United States, and was owned by Fox Television Entertainment, before renaming itself to Jetix in 2005.[1][2][3] The British version of Fox Kids was the first European variant before being expanded to other European countries during the late 1990s.

History

Fox Kids

Fox Kids launched the British and Irish version of its channel on 19 October 1996, broadcasting between the hours of 06:00 and 19:00. Fox Kids time-shared originally with Sky 2 and later National Geographic Channel, before extending its hours to 10 pm. The channel consisted of live-action and animated comedy, drama and action-adventure programmes for children of all ages, Fox Kids also programmed up to seven hours of commercial-free educational series each week[4]

"Our tremendous success in the U.S. is a testament to the fact that Fox Kids' unique and innovative programming and branding formula appeals to children. The strong performance of Fox Kids and Saban International's series currently broadcast in the UK indicates both a tremendous interest in - and an exceptional opportunity for - our unique brand of children's entertainment. We have an opportunity to expose an entirely new audience to the excitement of Fox Kids Networks around the world." " The channel will be the exclusive, first-run home for many episodes of the most popular children's series from its U.S. channel, including "Goosebumps", the top-rated U.S. children's programme, "Casper", the No. 1 new animated series for kids in the U.S. and the long-running U.S. hit, "The X-Men". Fox Kids Network also will feature programmes from Saban's extensive library of international children's titles."

Margaret Loesch, President, Fox Kids Networks Worldwide[4]

In early 2001, the channel claimed one million children watched the channel every week. The channel also restructured its operations into two divisions, content and commercial.[5] In July 2001, Disney acquired Fox Family Worldwide from News Corp and Haim Saban, which give Disney 76% ownership of Fox Kids Europe, which included the British operations.[6] On 3 November 2003, the channel began broadcasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week[7]

Jetix

In January 2004, Fox Kids international announced plans to rename its operations to Jetix, a unique name which implied action and adventure.[8] On 3 April, the transition started with a Jetix-branded block operating every day from 3pm to 7pm,[9] In September 2004, the block become part of the morning line-up, between the hours of 7 am and 9 am.

On 9 September,[10] A monthly Jetix Magazine was launched as part of the rebrand, produced under licence by Future Publishing. The magazine, aimed at boys ages six to eleven, contained covered a wide aspect of content including news, interviews, music and sports. Ronnie Cook, managing director at JCP, added: "We're excited to be able to offer this new UK title for kids. The Jetix Magazine will also provide us with a crucial marketing tool for upcoming channel activity."[11][12]

On 1 January 2005, the channel was fully relaunched as Jetix. Cinema advertising campaign produced in house was instigated to help promote the rebrand, Jetix UK marketing director Allan Stenhouse says: "Cinema is a fast-paced, action-packed environment where both the quality of visual and audio communication enables us to excite children about Jetix."[13] Shortly after the rebranding, a new early-evening block was introduced named "Jetix Max". The Jetix Max slot included such shows as W.I.T.C.H., Totally Spies, Martin Mystery, Funky Cops, Power Rangers, PXG and Black Hole High. The Jetix Max slot was dropped in June 2006, although it remained on other Jetix channels around Europe.[citation needed]

In September 2007, the channel signed a deal with Sky and Virgin to allow its content to be used on their video on demand services. Jetix UK and Nordic managing director Boel Ferguson said, "We are excited about securing these deals and continue to pursue distribution opportunities to make Jetix programming even more accessible to consumers". Further enhancement occurred in November 2007, when its online website started to include video clips of its programmes.[14]

Disney XD

Logo used from 2009-2016.

In December 2008, Disney bought out the remaining 26% share in Jetix to acquire full ownership of the company.[15][16] Within six months Disney relaunched the channel as Disney XD, in the U.S., followed by relaunch in the UK on 31 August 2009, replacing Jetix. On 12 August 2009, the Jetix on-screen logo was removed and replaced with the Disney XD logo counting down the days to the launch.[16][17][18] Disney XD is aimed towards boys aged 6 to 14[19][20] with Disney Channel focusing more toward girls.

The channel has expanded to include live-action films and sports coverage developed in collaboration with ESPN[21] The channel launched the original series Aaron Stone, animated series Phineas and Ferb and the live-action series The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. The channel continued to air shows that previously aired on Jetix, such as Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl: Battle Dimension, Jimmy Two-Shoes, Kid vs. Kat, American Dragon: Jake Long and Phil of the Future.

On 1 February 2016, Disney XD rebranded for the first time since its launch in 2009 to the current look used in the US, with a slight logo change, different look promos, and new idents.

On 24 August 2018, Disney XD +1 ceased broadcasting on Virgin Media.

Disney XD +1 temporary rebrands

Since 2017, the timeshift channel of Disney XD has been changed into pop-up temporary channels which last a month.

On 3 July 2017, to promote the film Spider-Man: Homecoming, the channel was known as "Spider-Man Channel", airing non-stop Ultimate Spider-Man throughout the month. It reverted on 30 July 2017.

On 4 September 2017, the channel was temporarily rebranded as "Mickey and Pals", which aired various programming from Disney Junior.[22] It reverted on 30 September 2017.

On 1 April 2018, the channel was temporarily rebranded as "Marvel’s Avengers Channel", airing non-stop Avengers Assemble throughout the month as well as exclusive content to promote the Easter holidays and the release of Avengers: Infinity War. It reverted on 30 April 2018, one day prior to Sky's major EPG reshuffle in which the Disney XD channels moved from 607, 608 and 622 to 611, 612 and 645 respectively (the first two swapping with Disney Junior and its timeshift).

Programming

Main article: List of programmes broadcast by Disney XD (UK and Ireland)

Disney XD HD

Disney XD HD, a high-definition simulcast of Disney XD, launched on Sky channel 633 on 18 October 2010 in the UK.[23] The channel broadcasts HD versions of Disney XD's popular live action shows and animated programmes, such as Phineas and Ferb, I'm in the Band, Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil and Zeke and Luther. This marks Sky's fiftieth HD channel, meeting Sky's HD channel target of 50 HD channels by Christmas 2010.[24]

Launch events

Disney XD launched with a large launch campaign. Four launch initiatives were designed to introduce Disney XD to children in the UK:

Beach Soccer

In 2009, Beach Soccer was a joint initiative between England Beach Soccer and Disney XD, holding Beach Soccer Roadshows across central and Southern England. An artificial beach was built in each of the five locations: Portsmouth, Nottingham, Minehead, Hyde, (Greater Manchester) culminating in a Beach Soccer final on Oxford Street, London on Saturday 29 August 2009.[25][26] In 2012, the event came to Sunderland.[27]

Dance with Diversity

Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity helped to launch Disney XD by accepting a challenge to teach 100 young street dancers a one-off routine and then perform it in front of the crowds in Covent Garden. Diversity were given just a few days to teach the 100 young dancers the routine and how to perform it all together. Disney XD set the challenge to Diversity to help inspire kids to learn new activities. The challenge was documented in the programme Disney XD Challenge: Diversity, which aired on Disney XD in September 2009.

Skate Britain

British skateboarding legend, Pete King, skated his way across the UK to help get kids out and skateboarding as part of the launch of Disney XD.

From Land's End to John O'Groats, Pete King kick-flipped and tail-slid through the UK executing daredevil tricks while conducting master classes for kids looking to become the next British skateboarding stars. Pete's challenge was part of a series of challenges which Disney XD set for UK personalities to help inspire kids to try new activities. Viewers were able to watch the highlights of Pete's journey on Disney XD in October 2009.[28]

World record attempt

Friday 28 August saw history being made as 250 children came together to form a giant 'human joystick' to set the new world record for the biggest ever game of virtual keepy-uppy, with former England and Liverpool F.C. football star and gaming fan, Jamie Redknapp, led the bid to enter the Guinness Book of World Records.[28][29]

References

  1. ^ Schneider, Michael; Grego, Melissa (9 September 2001). "Fox Kids net adopted by Fox TV Ent". Variety. Retrieved 13 August 2009.
  2. ^ Tomlinson, Heather (28 July 2001). "Murdoch parts with the Power Rangers and the preacher man". The Independent. London. Retrieved 20 August 2010.
  3. ^ Cerone, Daniel (20 February 1993). "Animated Series Has Helped Fox Challenge the Other Networks on Saturday Mornings". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 15 October 2010.
  4. ^ a b "FOX KIDS NETWORK LAUNCHES ITS FIRST-EVER EUROPEAN CHILDREN'S CHANNEL - September 05,1996 /PR Newswire UK/". Prnewswire.co.uk. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  5. ^ Week, Marketing (16 November 2000). "Fox Kids UK gives ad role to Stenhouse". Marketing Week. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  6. ^ "Disney buys Fox Family". CNN. 23 July 2001.
  7. ^ 06.11.2003. "MEDIA BRIEF: Fox Kids UK extends schedule". Marketing Magazine. Retrieved 22 February 2015. {{cite web}}: |author= has numeric name (help)
  8. ^ "Jetix Launch ::: Jetix". Jetixeurope.com. 8 January 2004. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  9. ^ Week, Marketing. "Fox Kids UK to change its name to Jetix". Marketing Week. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  10. ^ Edgerton, Vicky (9 September 2004). "Future launches kids magazines | FeaturesExec Media Bulletin". Featuresexec.com. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  11. ^ "Jetix and Future unveil new monthly children's magazine - Brand Republic News". Brandrepublic.com. 6 September 2004. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  12. ^ "Mediatel: Newsline: Future Enters Kids Market With Jetix Magazine". Mediatel: Newsline. 2 September 2004. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  13. ^ Week, Marketing (25 November 2004). "Disney plans rebrand for Fox Kids in the UK". Marketing Week. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  14. ^ 16 November 2007 12.56 Europe/London (16 November 2007). "Broadband VOD driving Jetix". Broadbandtvnews.com. Retrieved 22 February 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ Shepherd, Robert (8 December 2008). "Disney to acquire Jetix Europe | News | Broadcast". Broadcastnow.co.uk. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  16. ^ a b Tristan O'Carroll, 08.12.2008. "Disney moves for Jetix Europe takeover - Media news". Media Week. Retrieved 22 February 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ "AWN Headline News | Animation World Network". News.awn.com. 18 February 2015. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  18. ^ Welsh, James (5 March 2009). "Jetix to become Disney XD - Media News". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  19. ^ "Disney to launch ad-supported boy-focused channel". Media Week. 15 June 2009.
  20. ^ "Disney XD Launch Date Announced for U.K." AWN Headline News. 27 July 2009.
  21. ^ Laughlin, Andrew (15 June 2009). "Disney XD to launch in the UK - Media News". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  22. ^ http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2017/08/disney-uk-plots-mickey-pals-channel-takeover/
  23. ^ "Disney XD to launch in HD on Sky". Digital Spy. 15 October 2010.
  24. ^ "Disney XD Launches In HD On Sky". Sky. 15 October 2010.
  25. ^ "Disney Xd Beach Soccer Tour". Sport.co.uk. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  26. ^ "Beach Soccer News from". Football.co.uk. 6 May 2009. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  27. ^ "Disney XD Archives - Beach-Events & Solutions: Urban Beach Builds Beach-Events & Solutions: Urban Beach Builds". Beach-events.co.uk. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  28. ^ a b "The Frank PR News Blog: NEWS FROM DISNEY XD". Thefranknewsblog.blogspot.co.uk. 28 August 2009. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  29. ^ "Disney XD: Guinness World Record Attempt - Photocall - Pictures". Zimbio. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
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