DHX Media signs new broadcast deals for Teletubbies, bringing total to 23
Global brand rollout gaining momentum with more than 85 consumer product licensees signed to date
HALIFAX, Sept. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - DHX Media (or the "Company") (NASDAQ: DHXM; TSX: DHX.A, DHX.B), the world's leading independent, pure-play children's content company, has signed seven more broadcast deals with networks across the globe for its new Teletubbies series, bringing the total number of broadcasters to 23 for the hit preschool series.
New broadcast licensees include: SRC (Canada), POP TV (Slovenia), TV3 (Ireland), HRT (Croatia), Medialaan (Belgium), MTG (Lithuania), and NRK (Norway, for Sami language).
"As the flagship series in DHX Media's strategy to build global brands, Teletubbies continues to perform extremely well and is gaining global momentum," said Dana Landry, CEO of DHX Media. "Children love the new show and the consumer products built off the brand. Licensees are reporting strong sell through on the first wave of products, some ahead of expectations, which bodes well as more categories are set to roll out. Both the series and toys are scoring high ratings in the UK, while the show is off to a positive start in the US and international broadcasters continue to come on board. We expect to continue making tremendous strides with the brand in fiscal 2017 and beyond."
DHX Media has signed more than 85 merchandising and licensing deals for the new Teletubbies brand to date. This is an increase of 20 deals since May 2016. Among these deals is a new agreement for Paragon Creative to design, manufacture and build attractions for Teletubbies, as well as DHX Media's Twirlywoos and In the Night Garden, within the UK, continental Europe and the Middle East. The designs will be offered to attraction operators and would range from themed ride-based attractions and play zones to Family Entertainment Centres incorporating some of the best-loved elements from the popular shows.
Teletubbies remains the number-one new preschool toy property by sales in the UK (according to NPD), where the series is one of the most popular shows aired on CBeebies – the BBC's preschool channel. Season two of the new Teletubbies was commissioned by CBeebies in April 2016.
Previously announced Teletubbies broadcast deals include: CBeebies (UK); Nick Jr (US); Family Jr. (Canada); Gulli (France); Rai YoYo (Italy) and ABC Kids (Australia); TVE in Spain, for its Clan channel; BBC Worldwide for its international CBeebies channels in Africa, Asia and Poland; Hop! Media Group in Israel; Nickelodeon in Greece; NPO Zappelin in the Netherlands; MTVA in Hungary, for M2; JimJam in Benelux; SIC in Portugal; e-Junior in the Middle East; and Ultra in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Macedonia.
About DHX Media
DHX Media Ltd. (www.dhxmedia.com) is the world's leading independent, pure-play kids' content company. Owner of the world's largest independent library of kids' and family content, at more than 11,500 half-hours, DHX Media is recognized globally for such brands as Teletubbies, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Caillou, In the Night Garden, Inspector Gadget, Make It Pop, Slugterra and the multiple award-winning Degrassi franchise. DHX Media is comprised of four main business units: DHX Studios creates high-quality original entertainment at its Vancouver and Halifax animation studios, its Toronto live-action studio, and in working with top international producers; DHX Distribution is a major provider of content to the global market; DHX Television, home to the Family suite of channels, is dedicated to delivering best-in-class programming to Canadian families; and DHX Brands specializes in creating, building and managing high-profile global entertainment brands within the children's and young-adult markets. DHX Media also owns the full-service international licensing agency, Copyright Promotions Licensing Group Ltd. (CPLG), which represents numerous entertainment, sport and design brands. DHX Media has offices in 15 cities worldwide, including Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Munich, Amsterdam and Beijing. The Company is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol DHXM, and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols DHX.A and DHX.B.
Disclaimer
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities laws with respect to DHX Media including, without limitation, statements regarding the broadcast, distribution, licensing, growth, demand, viewership and business strategies in respect of Teletubbies, estimates of the Company's library and operations, the business strategies and operational activities of DHX Media, and the growth and financial and operating performance of DHX Media. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on information currently available to the Company. Actual results or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, among other things, include risk factors discussed in materials filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time including matters discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form and annual Management Discussion and Analysis, which also form part of the Company's annual report on Form 40-F filed with the SEC. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
SOURCE DHX Media Ltd.
Investor Relations: Nancy Chan-Palmateer - Director, Investor Relations, DHX Media Ltd., [email protected], +1 416-977-7358; Financial Media: Shaun Smith - Director, Corporate Communications, DHX Media Ltd., [email protected], +1 416-977-7230; Trade Media: Aimee Norman at DDA Blueprint PR, [email protected], +44 (0) 20 8985 4708
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