"Nickelodeon Launch in Nordic Region Article"
Market Research Finds that Parents Welcome the Non-Violent, High Quality Nickelodeon Programming Philosophy and that Kids Want More Variety on Television
Stockholm, Sweden, February 3, 1997 -- Nickelodeon, the worldwide entertainment brand for kids, has launched a commercial-free kids channel in the Nordic region, it was announced today by Bruce Tuchman, Vice President and General Business Manager, Nickelodeon International. Nickelodeon is transmitted daily from 7:00 am -- 1:00 pm(EST) in Swedish, and can be received in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland via the ViaSat + DTH package, on many SMATV systems and on cable.
There are plans for adding further local language customization, and an English language track will be available throughout the region. Market research completed found that parents welcome the non-violent, high-quality Nickelodeon programming philosophy and that kids want more of a variety of shows. Nickelodeon and MTV Networks Europe are marketing Nickelodeon to cable operators. ViaSat, the channel distribution arm of MTG, is currently handling SMATV sales on Nickelodeon's behalf.
"We've created this new commercial-free Nickelodeon channel just for kids, based on a high-quality, non-violent programming philosophy from a kid's point of view," said Tuchman. "After listening to kids and parents, we've learned that there is a tremendous demand for what Nickelodeon has to offer," he added.
Research
In creating this channel, Nickelodeon has completed the first wave of market research in Sweden with Borrell Market Research AB, covering issues surrounding kids lifestyles, values and concerns, reactions to Nickelodeon programming and to the Nickelodeon concept, and overall program preferences.
Research insights found that kids and parents like the high-quality, non-violent and pro-social Nickelodeon programming philosophy. Additionally, kids want more of a variety of shows, including animation, live action, comedy, pre-school and game shows. Research also found that kids and parents like the concept of a channel dedicated to kids.
Programming
Nickelodeon is more than 65% first-run programming for the region (65% Sweden, 80% Norway, 75% Denmark) with a variety of original and acquired series and shorts for kids. The program schedule includes live action, comedy, drama, animation, music, pre-school, sport and game shows from Nickelodeon's award-winning international program library and international and regional acquisitions. As a first step, Nickelodeon is working with local production company, FILMIA, to produce a series of segments ("Nick Kids") featuring kids throughout Sweden.
Highlights from Nickelodeon's library include Rugrats, the Emmy Award-winning animated series from a baby's point of view; Clarissa Explains it All, the US Parent's Choice Award-winning comedy series about a typical teenage girl who shares her trials and triumphs of growing up; Allegra's Window, a music-filled program for pre-schoolers combining puppets and live-action characters; Gullah Gullah Island, a series for pre-schoolers featuring songs and stories. First-run Nickelodeon series for Sweden, Norway and Denmark include Allegra's Window, Gullah Gullah Island, Eureeka's Castle, Global Guts and My Brother and Me.
Nickelodeon has also acquired a variety of international and European series, co-productions and shorts from producers and distributors around the world, including Nelvana Enterprises, CINAR, PSL, Southern Star, Chromosoma and Link Entertainment, many with first-run rights. First-run titles for Sweden, Norway and Denmark include 26 half hours and 26 shorts of Stickin' Around, 39 half hours of Magic School Bus, 40 half hours of Wishbone, 13 half hours of Mother Goose & Grimmy and 26 shorts of Oscar and Friends.
Philosophy
As a leader in the kids' entertainment business worldwide and one of the largest producers of children's television programming in the world, Nickelodeon has built its style on a decidedly kids point of view. Its mission is to connect with kids and connect kids to their world through entertainment. Everything Nickelodeon does puts kids at the center of the universe. The company strives to provide pro-social, challenging, respectful, off-beat and empowering entertainment for kids. Nickelodeon accomplishes its kid-first approach by being kid-like, never talking down to kids, being honest, involving kids in the creative process, recognizing that kids deserve variety in programming, being interactive, empowering kids to make a difference, and making kids feel respected and listened to. The Nickelodeon programming philosophy promotes high-quality and non-violent productions that are from a kid's point of view, with equal gender appeal, humorous, diverse, involve real kid experiences and feature strong characters and good stories.
Distribution
Nickelodeon can be received via the ViaSat + DTH package, on many SMATV systems and on cable. Nickelodeon and MTV Networks Europe are marketing Nickelodeon to cable operators. ViaSat, the channel distribution arm of MTG, is currently handling SMATV sales on Nickelodeon's behalf.
Nickelodeon, a programming service of Viacom International Inc. is currently seen in more than 90 million households worldwide on dedicated channels in Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, Latin America and the United States, and is seen in over 70 countries via individual program sales. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters, and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.
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eric@ezz.u-net.comEric Last, 25/5/97