WASHINGTON (Aug. 16, 2012)—On Sunday, Aug. 19, the National Geographic Kids programming block will debut on MundoFox, the newly launched U.S. Spanish-language broadcast network that aims to bring to life the Latino experience nationwide and reach 75 percent of Hispanic households in the United States. The National Geographic Kids programming consists of quality educational programs the whole family can enjoy together. It is geared to kids ages 4 to 11 and will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sundays.
“National Geographic Kids programming is just what you’d expect from the brand parents trust, critics admire and kids love,” said Melina Bellows, chief creative officer for Books, Kids and Family at National Geographic. “We’re all about inspiring the next generation of explorers to get excited about the planet, and these programs do just that. Our shows provide real, smart and fun entertainment for the entire family.”
MundoFox offers Latino audiences exciting entertainment, best-in-class programming content and differentiation from the existing Spanish-language options. The growing prominence and sophistication of U.S. Hispanic communities has demonstrated a need for distinct quality programming in Spanish for U.S. Latino families.
“We think a National Geographic Kids block will appeal to this audience because it is high quality, visually appealing and fun for kids of all ages,” said Emiliano Saccone, president of MundoFox. “Our mission is to provide the Hispanic families a better option for family entertainment than what is currently available in the marketplace.”
The National Geographic Kids programming block will launch with the following programs:
- 9 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Mama Mirabelle — “Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies” is a breakthrough preschool series that introduces little kids to the animal kingdom through gentle storytelling, memorable characters and stunning wildlife footage from the outstanding archives of National Geographic and the BBC.
- 9:30 a.m.–10 a.m. Toot & Puddle — Based on Holly Hobbie’s best-selling book series, “Toot & Puddle” is a delightful preschool series that begins to put the world into context for young viewers by following the adventures of two fun-loving, inquisitive but very different best friends. The show encourages exploration and adventure and piques kids’ natural curiosity about the world around them.
- 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Are We There Yet? World Adventure — A global adventure series for kids by kids, hosted by real brother and sister duos. Through journal entries, crayon-drawn travel logs, on-location kid chatter and voice narration, the hosts explore a world of playground-inspired adventures as they celebrate familiar childhood themes and experiences in some truly unfamiliar locations.
- 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Iggy Arbuckle — “Iggy Arbuckle” is a fast-paced animated, buddy-comedy series for kids 6-11, filled with off-kilter critters, eccentric wildlife and natural phenomena that are anything but natural. When Iggy sets out to explore the great outdoors, it doesn’t take long for a simple nature walk to explode into a full-scale avalanche of chaotic comedy.
The whole block will be wrapped in National Geographic Kids’ fun, reality-brand sensibility, including short-form “Weird But True” spots, moments of “Awww,” moments of “Ewwww,” funny animal shorts and more.
About National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids inspires young adventurers to explore the world through award-winning magazines, books, apps, games, toys, videos, events and a website, and is the only kids brand with a world-class scientific organization at its core. National Geographic Kids magazine (10 issues per year) and Little Kids magazine (six issues per year) are photo-driven publications available on newsstands or by subscription in print and on tablets. The award-winning website kids.nationalgeographic.com excites kids about the planet through games, videos, contests, photos, quizzes and blogs about cultures, animals and destinations. National Geographic Kids Books is the leading nonfiction publisher with 50 titles each year, including the New York Times bestseller “Kids Almanac.” National Geographic Kids Games engages kids to learn through play with games like the online virtual animal world of Animal Jam and the interactive TV experience of Nat Geo Kinect TV. National Geographic Kids Apps bring the best of National Geographic Kids to smart phones and tablets.
About MundoFox
MundoFox is a joint venture between Fox International Channels (FIC), News Corporation’s international multi-media business, and RCN, the leading Latin American television network and production company belonging to Organización Ardila Lülle (OAL). Together, FIC and RCN currently reach over 1.2 billion households worldwide with primetime comedies, dramas and daytime series, as well as factual, sports and lifestyle programming. Additionally, both operate and program cable networks and 24-hour global news channels. The new network, headquartered in Los Angeles, launched on Aug. 13, 2012. For more information, visit MundoFox at www.us.mundofox.com.
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