Unitymedia brings KidsCo to Germany

German pay-TV operator Unitymedia has today launched a children’s digital package including international channels KidsCo, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and BabyTV.

The Digital TV Kinder package will see KidsCo, a co-venture between NBC Universal and Canadian companies Cookie Jar and Corus Entertainment, debut in the German market.

KidsCo launched just over a year ago and its schedule includes Inspector Gadget, Heathcliff, Cyberchase and Corduroy, which will be dubbed into German.

“Germany is a key territory for us and we look forward to further penetrating the market in Western Europe,” said Paul Robinson, KidsCo’s MD. “In selecting KidsCo as part of its package, Unitymedia has recognised that KidsCo is a safe and responsible environment for kids, and that the KidsCo brand is a perfect fit for its strong line-up of channels already airing in the region.”

BabyTV, meanwhile, is already available in Germany on platforms KBW and Arcor. The Fox International-owned channel will distribute both its English- and German-language versions on Unitymedia. BabyTV will also launch a companion website in Germany sometime in 2009.

Other channels in the Digital TV Kinder package include Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Nick Premium, BabyFirst and YourFamilyEntertainment.

“With our new programme package we want to offer parents a child-friendly programme offering with content for children of all ages,” said Maik Emmermann, head of product management and marketing at Unitymedia. “It includes the most popular children’s channels as well as excitement, fun and entertainment, and also focuses on content with educational value.”