Al-Jazeera's kiddie web ready to play
Arabic-language JCC launched in September
The Mideast's first Arabic-language "edutainment" channel aimed at kids 3-15 launched at the end of September and is ready to introduce itself to a wider audience.
JCC will begin its tour in November in Morocco. It then moves on to Egypt and Syria and will reach France in December. It rolls out across the Gulf in January as JCC seeks to consolidate its position as the leading dedicated provider of kids' fare.
"This is our first interaction with children and families in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. Through this road show we aim to create a two-way communication channel to better understand our young viewers' environment and lifestyle," says Mahmoud Bouneb, JCC's executive general manager.
JCC, which intends to produce 40% of its own shows, inked an output deal in November with Hit Entertainment to bolster its programming arsenal. "Fireman Sam," "Magic Key," "Oswald" and "Shakespeare's Tales" will unspool on the tyke web.
"It's exciting to be involved in a new children's channel," says Alison Homewood, Hit's Exec VP of worldwide television distribution. "We are pleased to have expanded Hit's portfolio in the Middle East."
JCC is a joint venture between the Al-Jazeera Group, which includes the controversial Arab news channel as well as two sports channels, and the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.
JCC is based in Doha, Qatar with a staff of roughly 235.
Al-Jazeera is set to launch an English-language news service in spring as well as an Arab-language documentary channel.
"Al-Jazeera is no longer just a news channel. It is now a brand name and it is a brand name that is diversifying its activities," Bouneb says.
