DIC extends distribution deal with Fox

DIC Entertainment has struck a five-year distribution deal with Fox Home Entertainment to expand distribution of Strawberry Shortcake and other content from the AIM-listed kids firm’s library.

The multimillion-dollar deal extends Fox’s relationship with DIC, which has been distributing 45-minute Shortcake videos since 2003. Under the new deal, it will include additional exclusive animated DVD titles, a new CGI-animated movie and a live-action series.

In addition, Fox will also distribute brands from DIC’s catalogue, including Care Bears, Madeline, Inspector Gadget and Dennis the Menace.

The news comes after DIC posted its annual forecast earlier this week, which highlighted the underlying challenges facing kids TV, with slower than expected growth for its recently launched CBS block and a drop in viewers for its syndicated strand.