New company Kids Media India launches operations -Animation Character "Doraemon'

Company News

New Delhi, July 10

Kids Media India (KMI), a Company of the Dubai-based SpaceToon Media International Group engaged in the business of children’s television programming and licensing of cartoon characters today announced the launch of its licensing and merchandising business in India and SAARC countries with a slew of properties. Prominent amongst these is the beloved children’s animated character Doraemon. KMI has been appointed as the agent of the Hong Kong registered Animation International Ltd, which is the licensor for Doraemon and other well-known media properties.

The SpaceToon Group, founded in 1976 is amongst the leading integrated media groups involved in radio, licensing, merchandising, online and interactive products. Amongst the most recognized children’s media brands in Middle East and North Africa, it also has a footprint in Indonesia, Korea and in India. The Group’s flagship Channel, SpaceToon Kids TV transmits to over 130 million viewers in 22 countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa, 7 days a week, 16 hours a day and also has its plans to start its Kids channels in Korea, Russia and India. It is the most viewed channel in the children’s genre in that region.

In India, the business focus for KMI will be Licensing, Merchandising, Syndication, and Promotions & Events for its wonderful portfolio of animated properties. According to Rajiv Sangari, CEO of Kids Media India, “The Doraemon character will be immediately available throughout the country for licensing for use by book publishers, children’s apparel manufacturers, toys and games, accessories, footwear, watches, party goods, stationery, gifts & other such consumer products. We are pleased to represent Animation International in India and SAARC region since they have one of the best portfolios of animated properties in this part of the world. We are looking forward to this long term working relationship & are quite positive of its success in India.”

The launch saw Doraemon coming to life with a short skit representing the typical characteristics that it is known for. Spectators were taken on a journey through time with the loveable cat-like robot from the future that showcased its endless array of gadgets.

Said Hiroshi Kondo, President of Animation International, “We are very excited about the market here, since India with its growing entertainment industry represents a wonderful opportunity for us. Add to that, the fact that Doraemon is already a well recognized character here. We have been looking for the right way to enter the market and I feel that working with Kids Media represents the best approach for us, both immediately and in the long-term. Through our partners, we will be introducing Indian children to Doraemon, and hope to bring in many other characters over time.” Animation International has been a trendsetter in Japanese animation for children. Apart from Doraemon, the Company distributes the beloved characters Jungle Book, Chibi Maruko, Ochaken, Panda Z, Post Pet, Let's & Go and several others throughout Asia. The Animation International family consists of over 500 licensees, for more than 2000 products distributed in 10 countries.

“The new season of Doraemon will be seen this July on Hungama television at 4:30 P.M prime slot. It enjoys one of the top two show ratings in the kids’ space, with GRP’s soaring as high as 200+”, informed Pallavi Gaur, Licensing & Merchandising Head of Kids Media India. “We are looking at, at least a dozen licensees in the country drawn from various segments, in the first year itself. We are bullish on the prospects, and expect the number of Licensees to grow by 100% over the following two-three years. We will be focusing on promotional licensing and events to have nationwide visibility. We believe that Doraemon and other characters that we are offering will be extremely popular and we have extremely marketable properties to offer our licensees”, she added elaborating on her business plans for Kids Media India.

For more details, please contact :

SpaceToon Media Group

Pallavi Gaur

Phone 022 40406666

Fax 022 40406677

E- mail: pallavig@spacetoongroup.com