The Walt Disney Company has launched its Disney Junior, an all-new multiplatform preschool channel for children aged 2–7 and their families, in Africa available on DStv from June 1. Disney Junior will air daily and become the home of beloved Disney favourites such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Jungle Junction, Handy Manny and Special Agent Oso, as well as fresh, new shows like Jake and the Never Land Pirates which premieres on Disney Junior on 1st June.

The launch of Disney Junior is the next step in The Walt Disney Company’s global preschool strategy and builds on the success of the Playhouse Disney programming block which launched in Africa on Disney Channel in 2006. The newly created Disney Junior will extend the already loyal audience by providing them with a dedicated Disney Junior Channel.

Disney Junior is a strategic addition to the family of Disney Channels available in Africa including the recently launched Disney XD, a boy-focused yet girl-inclusive channel and Disney Channel, the flagship channel for kids and families.

Maciej Bral, Vice President and General Manager Disney Channels Emerging Markets commented, “Disney Junior will combine The Walt Disney Company’s unparalleled heritage of classic storytelling, together with loveable characters, engaging music and learning through play to deliver the perfect co-viewing experience for children and families, particularly mothers of young children.

We will keep the best of Playhouse Disney, while at the same time introducing new shows that appeal to our existing and loyal audience as well as developing programmes that engage the slightly older six and seven-year-olds who aren’t quite old enough for other Disney channels.”

Christine Service, The Walt Disney Company Africa added, “With Disney Junior we are committed to inspiring a deep emotional connection with children and creating a trusted destination for parents by showcasing classic Disney characters in a heartfelt way, whilst introducing them to new and original characters that we hope will become the classics of the future.”

Aletta Alberts, General Manager Content, MultiChoice said, “The addition of Disney Junior to the DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus and DStv Compact bouquets completes the Disney portfolio on the DStv platform. We want to provide all our subscribers with world-class entertainment options – great shows for mom and dad, and also great shows for the kids. And with three Disney channel’s now on DStv, the whole family can enjoy wholesome entertainment. Boys and girls of all ages can now experience the magic of Disney.”

Disney Junior launched in the UK on 7 May with record breaking results across TV and online. The channel reached 2,550,000 million viewers during its first week, ranking as #1 Pay TV Kids channel with kids 4- 9 and #1 Pay TV preschool channel with all individuals 4+, representing a 55% and 70% year on year increase respectively over its predecessor Playhouse Disney. Driven by new flagship show, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, on launch day Disney Junior beat Playhouse Disney’s best ever day, averaging 65,000 Individuals 4+.

This success was mirrored online with web traffic to www.disneyjunior.co.uk up 54% year on year during launch week. Disney Junior’s Facebook page also proved a hit, with daily visitors more than doubling post launch and the news feed being viewed more than a million times since it went live. Video views on Disney Junior’s Youtube channel leapt up 45% during launch week.