Disney Channel UK Changes (Cheaper+Cinemagic-Toon!)

[ogryn]

Disney plans move to basic pack on Sky
Thursday, November 17 2005, 09:57 GMT -- by Neil Wilkes

The Disney Channel is close to signing a deal to switch to the basic pack on Sky, according to Broadcast today.

The kids station is currently available as a bonus to subscribers of Sky's premium movie channels or on a standalone, £5-a-month basis.

Moving to the basic pack would almost double Disney's reach and would put it in direct competition with the likes of Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Jetix.

Under the plans, The Disney Channel, its timeshift spinoff and Playhouse Disney would switch to the basic pack. Toon Disney would be replaced by a new channel, 'Disney Cinemagic, available to subscribers of Sky's premium movie packages.

Cinemagic would offer films such as Shrek, Lion King and Toy Story which were previously available on the Disney Channel.

It is thought that the Disney Channel will remain advertisement-free in spite of the changes.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds26321.html

I think this is a good move generally, as long as they stay advert free. The only troublesome thing I can think of is that it does blur the line between Disney Channel and Jetix now though. Previously one was Disney's premium brand, the other Disney's Free-To-Air brand (although lots of people don't know it).