Disney XD and Disney Junior en Français Launch on Shaw Direct in High Definition

Family Channel and Disney Junior English also Launch HD Channels in Addition to Standard Definition Offering

TORONTO, May 29, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Families subscribing to Shaw Direct will have access to more outstanding kids programming today with the launch of two new services: Disney XD and Disney Junior en Français. Debuting in high definition, Disney XD is an advertising-supported network with series and movies showcasing sports and comedy while the French-language Disney Junior features the best in engaging, entertaining and educational programming for younger viewers and their families. Additionally, high definition versions of Family Channel and Disney Junior's English-language network are now available on Shaw Direct to complement the existing offering.

"We're thrilled to have all of our channels available to Shaw Direct customers and are confident that the additional high definition offerings will enhance the viewing experience for subscribers," said Joe Tedesco, Senior Vice-President and General Manager, Astral Kids. "We're pleased to be able to bring Disney XD to Shaw Direct subscribers and introduce more kids and families to the brand of action and comedy that make the channel so unique in the marketplace. The popularity of Disney Junior with both Anglophone and Francophone preschoolers and their families continues to grow and we're excited to be able to deliver the channel to a wider audience."

"The addition of these channels to our Shaw Direct HD lineup further enhances the quality of programming and value we are delivering to families across Canada," said Peter Bissonnette, President of Shaw Communications Inc. "These channels offer our customers' families some of the best children's entertainment available."

Disney XD offers series, movies and additional content that highlight accomplishment, adventure, sports and comedy. Focusing on boys, but inclusive of girls, Disney XD's roster of series includes Phineas and Ferb, Kickin' It, Lab Rats and Crash & Bernstein. The network is also home to Canadian original series including the live-action comedy Wingin' It.

Like its English-language counterpart, the French-language Disney Junior channel is a commercial-free network that celebrates magical, musical and heartfelt stories. The destination for popular Disney titles such as Princesse Sofia (Sofia the First), Jake et les Pirates du Pays Imaginaire (Jake and the Never Land Pirates) and Docteur La Peluche (Doc McStuffins), Disney Junior also showcases renowned Canadian preschool productions including Justin Rêve (Justin Time) and the highly-celebrated Stella et Sacha (Stella and Sam).

Family Channel HD features hit Disney programming such as Jessie, Austin & Ally, and Good Luck Charlie along with successful Canadian series such as the newly launched show The Next Step.

Shaw Direct viewers can find these new HD services at the following channel numbers:
Family Channel HD on channel 569 Advanced/69 Classic;
Disney XD HD on channel 570 Advanced/70 Classic;
Disney Junior (English) HD on channel 574 Advanced/74 Classic; and,
Disney Junior (French) HD on channel 396 Advanced/230 Classic.

Family Channel is a premium, commercial-free network offering the best in family television entertainment in approximately 6 million homes across Canada. Dedicated to celebrating family life and providing a fun experience for all, Family airs a unique mix of series, movies and specials, with a large portion of programming supplied by Disney. Family Channel also offers Family OnDemand, a television-based Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) service and Family OnLine, an internet-based, streaming service, these services, available at no additional cost, present hit Disney movies and series plus top-rated Canadian series to subscribers when they want it, where they want it. Visit us at Family.ca.

Disney Junior is a commercial-free channel available in English and French to subscribers across Canada. Committed to offering the best in engaging, entertaining 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. Visit us at DisneyJunior.ca.

Disney XD is an advertising-supported digital specialty network and multiplatform brand offering a compelling mix of high definition live-action and animated programming to homes across Canada. Disney XD features series, movies and short form content that focus on comedy, discovery, accomplishment and adventure. Disney XD programming is also available through dedicated on demand and broadband services. Visit us at DisneyXD.ca.

Family Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD are members 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: Family Channel

Jaime Werby at 416-956-8584 or [email protected]