Press Release from Disney Channel
London, May 20, 2009 Disney Channels UK today announced its best ever start to a first quarter, with the multiplex of channels reaching 12.8 million viewers between January and March 2009. The multiplex increased its share by 13% and remained the fastest-growing amongst kids. All three channels celebrated record ratings performances with Disney Channel continuing to be the number one kids' channel, Playhouse Disney achieving its best ever UK quarterly reach and Disney Cinemagic building on its successful launch in HD at the end of 2008.
Disney Channel's portfolio of kid-driven, family inclusive programming continued to be a hit with UK audiences with 9.6 million viewers tuning in between January and March 2009, helping the channel achieve a share of 5.1%. Key quarterly highlights include the new season of the smash-hit series HANNAH MONTANA, which rocked the channel during its launch week (w.c March 2nd) with a record 3.2 million viewers tuning in, including 1.6 million kids. The results make it the most successful series premiere ever on Disney Channel UK.
Bollywood inspired movie, THE CHEETAH GIRLS ONE WORLD was a huge hit with UK audiences with 1.27 million viewers tuning in over its January premiere weekend, including 726,000 kids. The movie joins the top four most popular Disney Channel Original Movies ever alongside the smash-hit phenomenon HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and hugely successful CAMP ROCK.
The positive trend continued in April with the premiere of SONNY WITH A CHANCE, starring the multi-talented teen sensation Demi Lovato, which has become the best ever live-action launch amongst individuals, reaching 294,000 viewers on its premiere on Friday April 24th at 5.10pm.
Leading preschool channel, Playhouse Disney celebrated its best ever quarterly performance in the UK. The channel doubled its share year-on-year to 1.8% and attracted 5.8 million viewers including 2 million kids, up 14% on the previous year. Key highlights include HANDY MANNY, which achieved its best ever quarterly reach, with 3.7 million viewers, and MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE reaching a consistent 4.4 million viewers over the last two quarterly periods. In addition, SPECIAL AGENT OSO, which premiered on April 4th, was seen by 370,000 viewers, including 181,000 kids and became the channel's best ever launch.
Premium movie channel, Disney Cinemagic HD continued to build on its successful year end since the channel began broadcasting in high definition on December 1st 2008, reaching 3.9 million viewers, up 29% on the previous quarter and ranking the second most popular premium offering 4. Its premieres of THE LITTLE MERMAID: ARIEL'S BEGINNING and SLEEPING BEAUTY took first and second highest performing titles on total Disney Cinemagic respectively in 2009 to date, with THE LITTLE MERMAID: ARIEL'S BEGINNING attracting 107,000 individuals.
Jonathan Boseley, VP, Programming Disney Channels UK & Ireland comments: "It was a record-breaking year for the Disney Channel multiplex in 2008 and we're delighted to have built on this in the first quarter of 2009. We hope that the compelling range of programmes including brand new shows such as SONNY WITH A CHANCE, original movies like PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAMME and new episodes of HANDY MANNY will continue to resonate with viewers and grow the channel further."
