A SAFE AND FUN HAVEN FOR FAMILIES

Head of Marketing The Walt Disney Company Africa, Deirdre King, talking to journalists (not in picture) who were attending the second edition of MultiChoice Africa Content Showcase Extravaganza #OnlyTheBest which held in Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort, Bel Ombre recently.(Photo by Zainul Mzige of Modewjiblog)

Disney Junior, which airs on DStv channel 309 and GOtv Plus channel 60, is learning-focused and reflects the emotional connection that generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and characters, both classic and contemporary. It invites mum and dad to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning and developmental themes.

Reaching over 1.3 million kids and their families across Africa every day, Disney Junior now airs in 111 countries, with 9 visual feeds in 16 languages, representing a total of 47 million households across EMEA.

Launched in June 2011 in Africa, Disney Junior is the multiplatform entry point to all things Disney, starting from preschoolers ranging up to 7 year olds, and their carers and parents. With creative storytelling and engaging characters we help make learning a playful experience, whilst ensuring that parent and caregivers can immerse their kids in a safe and fun environment.

Highlights across the Disney Junior channel includes:

Disney Junior's animated television series, Sofia the First, is set in the storybook world of Enchancia. It tells the story of Princess Sofia - an adventurous little girl who is learning how to adjust to royal life after her mother marries the king and she becomes a princess overnight. Sofia is learning how to adjust to life with her new family which includes her step-father, King Roland II, and step-siblings Amber and James. Along the way, this ordinary girl learns to navigate the extraordinary life of royalty, and in the process makes everyone around her feel special.

Showcasing the hallmarks of great Disney storytelling, fantasy and wish fulfilment, Disney Junior's animated series, Doc McStuffins, tells the story of a nurturing six-year-old girl who can talk to the stuffed animals and toys that she cares for in her playhouse clinic. When Doc puts on her stethoscope, something magical happens; toys, dolls and stuffed animals come to life and she can communicate with all of them, including the toys belonging to her friends and other neighbourhood children.

Not only a ratings hit, the show has sparked a cultural nerve in the U.S., generating applause on parent blogs, Facebook and even in academia for its positive vocational message for African-American girls. Viewer Dr. Myiesha Taylor, who watches the show with her four year-old, was moved to create an online collage featuring an image of Doc, encircled by photos of 131 black women who are Doc’s real life counterparts. “We are trailblazers,” Taylor proclaimed on her website. “We are women of colour. We are physicians. We ARE role-models. We are Doc McStuffins all grown up!”

Disney Junior's Annie Award-winning series, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, is a music-filled interactive treasure hunt that introduces a crew of kid pirates - leader Jake and pals Izzy and Cubby - and follows their Never Land adventures as they work to outwit two infamous characters, the one and only Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, from Disney's classic, Peter Pan.

Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Pluto and Daisy all join Mickey in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Disney Junior’s vibrant interactive series that invites young viewers to help solve challenges and overcome obstacles. Each engaging story features a different theme and offers cognitive, social and creative-learning opportunities through a dynamic, play-along experience. Interactivity is key from start to finish as Mickey speaks directly to preschoolers, asking questions and encouraging them to play games, participate in special phrases or cheers, and solve puzzles to reach a goal.

Together with heritage animated series such as Gummi Bears, Chip ‘n Dale, Ducktales and classic Disney movies Aladdin, Cinderella and more, Disney Junior continues to create shared Disney memories between young and old viewers alike.

As of 1 October 2015, Disney Africa will launch the Disney Junior Africa Facebook page, giving parents and caregivers their very own Disney Junior experience on social media.

For more information, please visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com.