ION Media Networks Celebrates Launch of Qubo
[via press release]
ION Media Networks Celebrates the Launch of ‘QUBO’
New Children’s Programming Venture from ION Media Networks, NBC Universal, Scholastic, Classic Media/Big Idea and Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana Begins Multi-Platform Rollout
ION is 51% Owner of New Network Which Debuts with Analog Programming Blocks in September and Will Include a 24/7 Digital Broadcast Kids Channel Later This Year
(West Palm Beach, FL – August 23, 2006) – ION Media Networks, Inc. (AMEX: ION) today welcomed the launch of qubo, the groundbreaking new multi-platform television network devoted to children. Qubo is the result of an unprecedented alliance formed by ION Media Networks, 51% owner of the new network, together with several leading content and distribution players in children’s television, including Scholastic, Corus Entertainment, Classic Media/Big Idea and NBC Universal.
Championing literacy and values through entertainment, qubo’s multi-platform offerings will include qubo programming blocks premiering across ION’s flagship i network, NBC and Telemundo in September, a dedicated 24/7 digital broadcast kids network launching later this year across ION’s nationwide television station group, a branded website (www.qubotv.com) and VOD services.
“We are pleased to have successfully formed this unique partnership that combines the reach and accessibility of our nationwide broadcast footprint with the content portfolios of some of the leading players in the children’s category,” said Brandon Burgess, CEO of ION Media Networks. “Children are a concern for all Americans, and the new network is an important step in ION’s multicast business strategy of identifying and launching valuable programming services that meet the needs and interests of all communities.”
ION will debut qubo as a three-hour programming block, which will be broadcast in both English and Spanish, on its flagship i network on Friday, September 15th. Developed for children ages four to eight, the E/I-compliant programs will encourage problem-solving on issues such as getting along with friends and family, overcoming fears and mastering new ideas and challenges. The qubo blocks will also run on NBC and Telemundo beginning Saturday, September 9th.
The qubo block schedule on the i network is as follows:
Friday Afternoons Starting September 15th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET/PT
3:00 p.m. VeggieTales (Classic/Big Idea)
3:30 p.m. Dragon (Scholastic)
4:00 p.m. VeggieTales Presents: 3-2-1 Penguins! and LarryBoy Adventures (Classic/Big Idea)
4:30 p.m. Babar (Nelvana)
5:00 p.m. Jane and the Dragon (Nelvana)
5:30 p.m. Jacob Two-Two (Nelvana)