Turner Africa is making a strong showing at Discop Johannesburg 2016, as it continues to establish and expand its portfolio of brands across the continent, including CNN International, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Boing, Toonami and TCM.
In addition to its commercial presence at the event (Stand 53), Turner is partnering with Animation South Africa (ASA) at Discop as the official sponsor of the first-ever Animation Lounge (Stand 04). It is also hosting the Turner Kids’ Animation Pitching competition on 03 November, where its kids’ content expert, Ariane Suveg, will lead the jury.
Pierre Branco, Vice-President and General Manager of Southern Europe & Africa for Turner, says the organisation’s increased presence at this year’s market celebrates its robust growth on the continent and its commitment to providing the content and brands that viewers want to watch. “This is evident in the current standings of our channels, with CNN International as the leader in international news, which is something of which we are extremely proud.
“Our kids’ channels, Cartoon Network and Boomerang are also performing at the top of their category, and continue to hold the number one and two spots within the kids segment.”
In addition to these leading brands, Turner is also showcasing a range of channels with a slate of original new programming, for distribution across the continent. On offer are: Boing, a kids’ channel featuring international content with proven success in markets globally; Toonami, the home of superheroes, loved by DC Comics and action hero fans, and currently available in various French-speaking territories; TNT, defined by its distinct dramas, original series and immersive stories; tbs, with its unbiased and daring original comedy content; and Adult Swim, the channel of choice for millennials and the number 1 cable network in the US among the 18-34 target for 11 years in a row.
“Boing is already available in key markets such as Nigeria, Zambia, the Seychelles and in French-speaking Africa, and we are currently in negotiations to expand its distribution. Toonami was launched earlier this year across France and French-speaking Africa. We are confident that its superhero content will resonate in our key markets, as action-driven shows perform well among our young audiences across the continent,” continues Branco.
At this year’s Discop market, Turner’s objective is to showcase its general entertainment channels, including its young adult channel Adult Swim, the premium movie and drama channel TNT, and comedy channel tbs. The company has also expressed a strong commitment to invest in exclusive content with high production values.
“We have an impressive line-up of content on show,” added Branco. “This includes the thriller, ‘Good Behavior’, ‘Will’ – the story of a young William Shakespeare in the punk-rock theatre scene of 16th century London, two scripted comedies in the form of ‘Those Who Can’t’ and ‘I’m Sorry’, and the top-performing animated comedic series, ‘Rick and Morty’ and ‘Samurai Jack’.”
The Turner team is excited and ready to welcome this year’s Discop delegates to its stand (S53)
Issued by Ogilvy Public Relations on behalf of Turner Africa
