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[via press release – original release date uncertain]

Cartoon Network’s New Pre-School Programming Block, Tickle U, Set for Aug. 22 Launch

New Series, Creative Packaging and Mommy Bar Highlight New Weekday 9-11 a.m. (ET, PT) Block

Tickle U, Cartoon Network’s new programming block for pre-school children, launches Aug. 22 with a line-up of original animated series, innovative packaging and the Mommy Bar, a one-of-a-kind feature that gives parents and caregivers helpful information about programming and child care.  Tickle U will air Monday-Friday from 9-11 a.m. (ET, PT).

Tickle U will feature a media-based curriculum designed specifically to help pre-schoolers learn to have a sense of humor about life.  Research has shown that children with well-developed sense of humor and optimism are better able to cope with life challenges.  And, in a recent Harris Interactive® survey, more than 98 percent of parents believe that developing a child’s sense of humor is important.

Tickle U will reinforce the value of humor, cooperation, imagination and optimism.  Tickle U’s three 3-D CGI hosts will provide humorous connections between shows.  Commercial interruptions will be brief and limited to the top and bottom of each hour.

In addition, Tickle U will introduce the Mommy Bar, a constant graphic feature that will encourage productive co-viewing and give information on the humor curriculum directly to parents and caregivers.  In addition to the most current research on the value of humor to childhood development, cues for show length and content will be provided.  For instance, the Mommy Bar will let parents know exactly why a child may be laughing at a particular programming element or tell them how long the current cartoon will run.

Tickle U’s programming is centered around a collection of funny, animated series designed to encourage kids to laugh and have an optimistic view of themselves and the world around them.  Among the shows that will be featured in the Tickle U line-up on the Aug. 22 launch:

• Firehouse Tales: A group of young fire engines learn that it takes more than a shiny coast of red paint to make a hero.
• Gerald McBoing Boing: Based on the Dr. Seuss character, this series is about Gerald, a boy who can speak only in sound effects but still attracts lots of attention from those around him.
• Gordon the Garden Gnome: Gordon is a cheerful, optimistic guardian of a small plot of land who excitedly learns to work alongside and interact with friends and other gnomes.
• Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs:  Five-year-old Harry uses his imagination to transport himself to a world of dinosaur adventure.
• Little Robots: Tiny and his fellow robot friends live in a junkyard full of adventure and potential.
• Peppa Pig: This irrepressible pig loves her parents, her little brother and the snort-filled, happy adventures that every day brings.
• Yoko! Jakamoko! Toto!: A bird of paradise, a monkey and an armadillo have very different personalities but end up being the best of friends.

To complement the on-air programming, Tickle U’s Web site (www.TickleU.com) will provide age-appropriate games and activities for young fans, such as memory games and print-and-play items, that capture the sprit of their favorite shows and characters.   In addition, parents and caregivers will have access to tips and expert advice on the benefits of humor and how to foster laughter for their families.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in 88.5 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families.  Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.