Disney Junior now available in high definition

HD ENGLISH-LANGUAGE PRESCHOOL NETWORK LAUNCHES WITH ROGERS AND EASTLINK

TORONTO, May 1, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Disney Junior continues to deliver the best in preschool programming and services to its viewers by announcing the arrival of Disney Junior HD. Launching today on Rogers (channel 479) and EastLink (channel 748), the new English-language channel is available free of charge to eligible customers who already subscribe to the Disney Junior standard definition service. The launch of Disney Junior HD with other service providers will be announced in the coming weeks.

"Today's launch completes the Astral Kids' portfolio of HD offerings and enhances the quality programming families have come to expect from Disney Junior," said Joe Tedesco, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Astral Kids. "With this new channel, our viewers will see their favourite animated and live-action series in greater detail, with a sharper picture and ultimately experience this popular content the way it was intended to be seen."

Mirroring the schedule on Disney Junior, Disney Junior HD features hit Disney programming such as Sofia the First, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Doc McStuffins and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse along with newly launched Henry Hugglemonster. Disney Junior HD will also feature successful Canadian series in high definition such as the award-winning Stella and Sam and Justin Time.

Viewers tuning into Disney Junior HD this May will enjoy a range of excellent family programming all month long including:

• Saturday, May 4: A morning filled with the newly launched CGI-animated series Bananas in Pyjamas beginning at 8 a.m. ET.
• Monday, May 13 - Friday, May 17: A daily dose of fan-favourite Doc McStuffins each night at 6 p.m. ET followed by special "We Are Doc McStuffins" shorts featuring real African-American female doctors.
• Saturday, May 18: The network premiere of the Disney feature film, Tangled, with characters voiced by Zachary Levi (Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel) and Mandy Moore (A Walk to Remember).

Disney Junior is a commercial-free channel available in English and French to subscribers across Canada. Committed to offering the best in engaging and development-based programming for younger children, Disney Junior showcases series with a focus on magical, musical and heartfelt stories that feature beloved classic and contemporary characters. Presenting exclusive, first-run programs from Disney together with celebrated Canadian series, Disney Junior is also available through Disney Junior OnDemand and Disney Junior OnLine.

Disney Junior is a member of the Astral family. Astral Media Inc. (TSX : ACM.A/ACM.B) is one of Canada's largest media companies. It operates several of the country's most popular pay and specialty television, radio, out-of-home advertising and interactive media properties. Astral plays a central role in community life across the country by offering diverse, rich and vibrant programming that meets the tastes and needs of consumers and advertisers. To learn more about Astral, visit astral.com.

SOURCE: DISNEY JUNIOR

Joanna Landsberg at 416.956.8547 or [email protected]
Jaime Werby at 416.956.8584 or [email protected]