Hong Kong – Cartoon Network continues its reign as Asia Pacific’s number one international kids’ channel as it celebrates its 20th year in the region. According to 2013 full-year figures, Cartoon Network reaches more kids across the Asia-Pacific region than any other international channel, and is the highest rating international kids’ channel in seven markets: India, Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. With household distribution in Asia Pacific now breaking the 75 million mark for the first time, the network’s distribution stretches across 27 territories and broadcasts in 12 languages.
Cartoon Network
Mark Eyers, Chief Content Officer, Kids Networks, Turner International Asia Pacific, commented these regional milestones by saying: “Ratings for international kids’ channels are growing at almost 10 percent in this region, so we’re very pleased that Cartoon Network is leading the way. We already know that kids in Asia Pacific love our compelling brand of comedy and adventure. But to have the numbers to back this, really validates our content strategy in delivering the best animated comedy experience from talent around the world.”
The network’s success is built on top-rating series such as Adventure Time and The Amazing World of Gumball as well as perennial favourite Ben 10. Eyers continued: “These franchises are proven hits and in 2014 they’ll be complemented by some exciting new original comedies from Cartoon Network Studios including Uncle Grandpa, Steven Universe and Clarence. We’ll also be announcing some big-name acquisitions during the year, and adding more locally-produced animation to our line-up. Stay tuned for another amazing 12 months.”
Record numbers of viewers are also accessing video and game content through apps. Cartoon Network Watch and Play, which launched in October 2013, notched up almost three million video views across the region in January alone.
Turner’s kids’ brands in Southeast Asia – Boomerang, Toonami and Cartoonito – also complemented Cartoon Network’s success. In India, Turner claimed number one and two spots with Cartoon Network and POGO, which itself is celebrating its 10th year on-air. Overall in 2013, Turner secured at least a top-three position for one of its channels in nine out of 10 Asia Pacific markets.
