ASIA-PACIFIC – THAILAND, AUGUST 7, 2013 – Kid’s channel Boomerang is set to hit 11 million Thai households through free-sat broadcaster MGroup starting August 14, as announced by Turner International Asia Pacific.
Boomerang, the first truly international kids’ channel, will be available in the Thai language. Its programs containing best kids content appeal to fun-loving families and kids aged four to fourteen. Scooby-Doo and Tom and Jerry are two of Boomerang’s proven global hit classics.
The channel will be locally operated by a subsidiary of Major Kantana Broadcasting Co., Ltd (MKB) and supported by M Turner Co., Ltd., a new joint venture being established in Thailand by Turner Asia Pacific Ventures, Inc. and MKB, which is itself a joint venture between M Picture and Kantana Group.
Steve Marcopoto, Turner’s President and MD, said: “We are delighted we will be launching Turner’s first free cable and satellite play in Thailand with our partners from Major Kantana Broadcasting. The entry into this joint venture demonstrates our commitment to increasing our presence in local markets and is the first of a number of new local partnerships that we will be announcing in the region. Thailand is a key market for us and Boomerang’s launch will come just months before the exciting scheduled opening of Cartoon Network Amazone in Bang Saray, Turner’s first themed waterpark anywhere in the world.”
Khun Siamrus Lauhaskkasame, Major Kantana Broadcasting managing Director, added: “With the strong success of M channel, Major Group entered the Cable and Satellite TV industry three years ago. Now, as we partner with Turner, our footprint will expand beyond movies into the kids and family segment. This shows our determination to grow our TV business and future expansion.”
The joint venture being formed between Turner and MKB will forge a new relationship between a world leader in branded content and two of the most experienced media companies in Thailand. The new enterprise will also envision further channel development in general entertainment and other genres.
In line with Turner’s commitment to Thailand, preschool brand Cartoonito debuted on MeTV and superhero channel Toonami launched on CTH and pay cable platforms in March and December this year, respectively. The country is also one of the most important markets in the region for sales of Cartoon Network licensed merchandise.
