EXCLUSIVE: Dubai-based family entertainment group Spacetoon is making moves in Turkey.
The company has hired Kemal Coşkuner, former General Manager of Disney Channel Türkiye, to lead Spacetoon Türkiye, a new free-to-air kids TV channel. Coşkuner has worked in media, broadcasting and entertainment for over 25 years for the likes of Disney, Fox, CNN and Kanal D, and will oversee a business also comprising streamer Spacetoon Go and a licensing and merchandizing unit.
Spacetoon Türkiye will feature a line-up including The Smurfs, Bluey, The Adventures of Paddington, Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City and 44 Cats, alongside anime titles such as Naruto, Doraemon, Bey Blade X, Cocotama and Inazuma Eleven.
The network divides itself into nine ‘planets,’ each of which represent distinct genres and feature curated program selections, aimed at different age groups from preschoolers to young adults.
It will be available on satcaster Türksat 4A and through several other distributors, namely as through Digiturk, Dsmart, Tivibu, TV+, S Sport+ and KabloTV.
Fayez Al-Sabbagh, CEO of Spacetoon Group, called the Turkey launch a “significant milestone” for his company, adding: “The launch of Spacetoon Türkiye marks a significant step in our expansion strategy within the Turkish market. Our primary focus remains on our audience – children and families. We aim to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience through captivating programming, creative songs, and engaging TV fillers. Our mission is to grow together, inspiring, educating, and entertaining our audience.”
Another veteran former Disney exec, Gül Disma, has been hired as Head of Licensing and Toys. The L&M division has secured licenses for Naruto, Beyblade X, Cocotama and Inazuma.
Kamel Weiss, International Business Development Director of Spacetoon Group, said: “Expanding into Türkiye is a key step in Spacetoon’s global journey. With Spacetoon Türkiye, we’re bringing a trusted brand and a model that blends content, L&M, events and toys. I’m especially happy to be working alongside Kemal and Gul – two experienced leaders who share our vision – as we grow our presence and explore new markets.
Spacetoon now has five offices across multiple regions, with an Istanbul base joining the head office in Dubai and others in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt. The company launched back in the 1980s and has since focused on becoming a dominant player in entertainment, family and kids content across the Middle East and North Africa region.
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