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{{Infobox TV channel {{Infobox TV channel
| name = Disney Channel & Disney XD | name = Disney Channel
| logofile = DisneyChannel2010.png | logofile = DisneyChannel2010.png
| logosize = 200px | logosize = 200px
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| online chan 2 = (UK only) | online chan 2 = (UK only)
|}} |}}
'''Disney Channel''' is a children's entertainment channel available in the ] and ] since 1 October 1995. A one hour ] service called '''Disney Channel +1''' is available on ] and ]. Disney Channel currently has three sister channels; ], ] and ]. '''Disney Channel''' is a children's entertainment channel available in the ] and ] since 1 October 1995. A one hour ] service called '''Disney Channel +1''' is available on ] and ].


==Overview== ==Overview==
Disney Channel had an ] service on ]. Viewers who press the red button on their Sky ] are able to access information about shows, character profiles, detailed TV listings, quizzes, and hundreds of messages submitted by viewers.The interactive service also includes links to a small selection of games. Some can be played as 'overlay' games, with the channel video continuing in the background; others are accessible via a link to a Disney-branded section of BSkyB's '']'' interactive service. The overlay games are developed by ] and French game developers ]. The interactive service was designed and built by ], and went live in September 2007<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pushbutton.tv/html/news/article_0001.php?UID=43 |title=Pushbutton creates interactivity for Disney Channel UK}}</ref> replacing the old service created by Tamblin. Previously, Disney Channel also had a ] service, consisting of about 200 pages, known as Disney Text. Disney Channel has an ] "]" service on ]. Viewers are able to access information about shows, character profiles, detailed TV listings, quizzes, and hundreds of messages submitted by viewers.The interactive service also includes links to a small selection of games. Some can be played as 'overlay' games, with the channel video continuing in the background; others are accessible via a link to a Disney-branded section of BSkyB's '']'' interactive service. The overlay games are developed by ] and French game developers ]. The interactive service was designed and built by ], and went live in September 2007<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pushbutton.tv/html/news/article_0001.php?UID=43 |title=Pushbutton creates interactivity for Disney Channel UK}}</ref> replacing the old service created by Tamblin. Previously, Disney Channel also had a ] service, consisting of about 200 pages, known as Disney Text.


Disney Channel used to carry the British version of ] on its late evening programming. All of Disney Channel's shows are now ] on ]. Disney Channel formerly carried ] for the hearing impaired on late evening programming before the rise of the use of teletext subtitling. Currently on ] most of the channel's schedule has ].


==History and availability== ==History and availability==
===1989-1999: Early years=== ===1989-1999: Early years===
Disney Channel was originally planned to launch in 1989 on the newly launched ] satellite service. It was featured in much of the promotional material surrounding the launch of Sky Television and the Astra satellite. Due to an apparent dispute, the launch was cancelled. Sky Television filed a lawsuit against the Walt Disney Company for not launching the channel.The lawsuit was closed later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ftp.funet.fi/pub/dx/text/NEWS/SCDX/scdx2043.txt|title=Number 2043|publisher=SWEDEN CALLING DXERS|date=16 May 1989}}</ref> Disney Channel was originally planned to launch in 1989 as a network exclusively on Sky at that service's launch. It was featured in much of the promotional material surrounding the launch of Sky Television and the Astra satellite. Due to an apparent dispute, the launch was cancelled. Sky Television filed a lawsuit against the Walt Disney Company for not launching the channel. The lawsuit was closed later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ftp.funet.fi/pub/dx/text/NEWS/SCDX/scdx2043.txt|title=Number 2043|publisher=SWEDEN CALLING DXERS|date=16 May 1989}}</ref>


] launched in April 1995, as a joint venture between ] predecessor company Compagnie Luxembourgeoise de Télédiffusion and ]. Seven months later, the channel appeared on 1 October 1995. At first the channel's broadcasting hours were 06:00 to 22:00 with ] airing during the station's downtime. ] launched in April 1995, as a joint venture between ] predecessor company Compagnie Luxembourgeoise de Télédiffusion and ]. Seven months later, the channel appeared on 1 October 1995. At first the channel's broadcasting hours were 06:00 to 22:00, with ] airing during the station's downtime.


===1999-2003=== ===1999-2003===
On 29 September 2000, Disney Channel launched two sister channels, a pre-school oriented ] and the now-defunct 24-hour cartoon channel ]. A one hour ] of ''Disney Channel'' also launched on the same day. All 3 were only available to ] subscribers. ] and ] customers could only receive the main Disney Channel. On all platforms, the Disney Channel package was a premium offering, requiring an additional subscription fee in order to view, though Sky subscribers could receive the channels for free if they also subscribed to the full ] package (aka Sky Movies World, with contained 4 Sky Premier channels, 5 Sky MovieMax channels and 2 Sky Cinema channels). Despite the launch of ], Disney Channel continue to air a block of Playhouse Disney-branded preschool programmes during school mornings, although has in recent years been greatly reduced. . On 29 September 2000, Disney Channel launched two sister channels, a pre-school oriented ] and the ]. A +1 ] of ''Disney Channel'' also launched on the same day. All 3 were only available to ] subscribers. ] and ] customers could only receive the main Disney Channel. On all platforms, the Disney Channel package was a premium offering, requiring an additional subscription fee in order to view, though Sky subscribers could receive the channels for free if they also subscribed to the full ] package (aka Sky Movies World, with contained 4 Sky Premier channels, 5 Sky MovieMax channels and 2 Sky Cinema channels). Despite the launch of ], Disney Channel continues to air a block of Playhouse Disney-branded preschool programmes during school mornings, though in latter years the hours have been drawn down on the main Disney Channel schedule.


===2003-2007=== ===2003-2007===
On 15 March 2003, Disney Channel UK adopted ]'s new logo (designed by CA Square), along with new graphics. On 15 March 2003, Disney Channel UK adopted ]'s new logo (designed by CA Square), along with new graphics.


In early 2006, Sky and Disney were locked in ongoing negotiations over a new contract for carriage on the former's digital satellite television service. The previous, ten-year deal, which was inked while Sky floated on the ] in 1994, was temporarily extended whilst both sides attempted to reach an agreement. Sky was understood to have been seeking a substantially reduced payment towards the kids broadcaster{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}. A new agreement, reported to be worth £130 million a year{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}, was reached on 27 February 2007. As a result, on 16 March, changes were made to the Disney services in the UK. Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney ceased to be premium add-on channels and instead operated as part of basic-level subscription packages (such as Sky's "Kids Mix".) A new premium service, subscription channel ], was launched to take the Disney slot in the Sky Movies premium bundle; ] was taken off the air to free up a broadcast slot for the Cinemagic channel, and has never returned; Disney Channel's main one-hour timeshift, Disney Channel +1 was initially taken off the air to free up a slot for the premium Disney Cinemagic +1. However, Disney Channel +1 subsequently returned on 26 June 2006. In early 2006, Sky and Disney were locked in ongoing negotiations over a new contract for carriage on Sky. The previous, ten-year deal, which was inked while Sky floated on the ] in 1994, was temporarily extended whilst both sides attempted to reach an agreement. A new agreement, reported to be worth £130 million a year{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}, was reached on 27 February 2007, and several changes were made on 16 March. Like in the United States in 1996, Disney ended their insistence on the network being a ] and became a part of Sky's basic packages. A new premium service, subscription channel ], was launched to take the Disney slot in the Sky Movies premium bundle. ] was taken off the air to free up a broadcast slot for the Cinemagic channel and never returned. Disney Channel +1 was initially taken off the air to free up a slot for the premium Disney Cinemagic +1. However, Disney Channel +1 subsequently returned on 26 June 2006.


On 27 October 2006, Disney Channel was added to ], a new service that downloads programming from 19 channels to a special ]. In 2007 Disney have added more ] content to ]'s Service. On 22 November 2007 it was announced Disney Channel joined the lineup for ], ]'s proposed new pay-TV service for ]. On 27 October 2006, Disney Channel was added to ]. In 2007 Disney added their ] content to ]. On 22 November 2007 it was announced Disney Channel content would be part of the since-abandoned ] project, ]'s proposed new pay-TV service for ].


===2007-2011=== ===2007-2011===
2007 saw the debut of two new original series, the ] spinoff ] which ended after two seasons (a possible casualty of the 2007 ] strike, which caused freshman or sophomore series whose production was interrupted midway through the season to eventually be cancelled), and the popular ], starring ], ] and ]. 2007 saw the debut of two new original series, the '']'' and '']''.


2008 is recognized for its new series such as ], ], and ], the spin-off to ], plus new Disney Channel Original Movies such as ], ] and ]. ] was the number one series in the respective categories in kids ages 6–12 and tweens ages 9–14 in 2008. 2008 is recognized for its new series such as '']'', '']'', and '']'', the second series version of '']'', plus new Disney Channel Original Movies such as '']'' and '']''. '']'' was the number one series in the respective categories in kids ages 6–12 and tweens ages 9–14 in 2008.


In 2009, Disney Channel launched two new series: ] (the first original series shot in high definition) starring ] in February, and ] starring the ] in May. New movies in 2009 included: ], ], ], and ]. The four original movies for 2009 had the widest range of Disney Channel Stars in the networks history. In 2009, Disney Channel launched '']'' and '']'' in May. New movies in 2009 included: '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''.


In May 2010 new films began to premiere in standard definition in ]ed widescreen, though series remained in 4:3 despite the American network beginning to prefer to film in 16:9.
First time ever since Starstruck the Disney Channel original movie premiered in May 2010 had been displayed in a widescreen aspect ratio (16:9). A new set of programme mini-idents were launched on Saturday 11 September 2010. The theme for each ident is made for the programme. The idents previously had a polkadot background.


⚫ The series finale of '']'', '']'' premiered with 621,000 views <ref name="barb">], via </ref> the most-watched programme in the network's history.
This time Disney Channel chose to broadcast most of their shows in a 4:3 aspect ratio, despite much of their newer programming being produced in a ] widescreen aspect ratio.

⚫ During Spring 2011, Disney Channel Premiered the final episode of the 5 year long running of ], and the final episode ] premiered with 621,000 views <ref name="barb">], via </ref> becoming the most watch episode watch in Disney Channel in the ].


===2011-present=== ===2011-present===
On 1 September 2011, Disney Channel adopted the current US logo, and began to air all newer programming in 16:9.
⚫ On 1 September 2011, Disney Channel adopted the current US logo which launched in early 2010 as well as using the widescreen (16:9) format in all programming that has been produced in this format. (Another version of the reface will be later be carried out in the U.S around Fall 2012.) Disney Channel HD, a ] of the Disney Channel in ], launched on 15 September 2011 on ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/news/a328603/selena-gomez-marks-disney-channel-hd-launch.html|title=Selena Gomez marks Disney Channel HD launch|publisher=Digital Spy|date=6 July 2011}}</ref> The launch was accompanied by a handful of new series including ], ], ] and ], the UK TV premiere of ] and brand new episodes of shows such as ], ] and ] as part of the "New Season".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.c21media.net/news/detail.asp?area=4&article=61594|title=Disney grows network line-up|publisher=C21 Media|date=6 July 2011}}</ref>

⚫ In 2012, Disney channel launched two new series: ] starring ] in February and Disney Channel's newest show ] starring ] and ] in April. Three ] premiered during the Q1 of 2012 including ], ] and ] staring ] and ].
] ended it's Suite Life franchise during Ferbruary 2012 and ], Disney Channel's longest-running original series with 106 episodes, ended its run on the channel in March 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5h_vG7lCfRbMivTkj4EkIQ4dXGusA?docId=N0179501333020782989A|title=Wizards Of Waverly Place ends}}</ref>


⚫ Disney Channel HD, a ] of the Disney Channel in ], launched on 15 September 2011 on ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/news/a328603/selena-gomez-marks-disney-channel-hd-launch.html|title=Selena Gomez marks Disney Channel HD launch|publisher=Digital Spy|date=6 July 2011}}</ref> The launch was accompanied by a handful of new series including '']'', '']'' and '']'', '']'' and '']'' as part of the "New Season".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.c21media.net/news/detail.asp?area=4&article=61594|title=Disney grows network line-up|publisher=C21 Media|date=6 July 2011}}</ref>
On June 1, 2012, Disney Channel updated their television format to the format used for Disney Channel's USA network, with the premiere of the ], ]. The new format included a coloured logo and new bumpers and promos layout.


⚫ In 2012, Disney channel launched two new series, '']'' in February and '']''. Three ] premiered during the first part of 2012, including '']'', '']'' and '']''.
The Disney Channel UK short series Get the Look, has recently announced it will air many new episodes throughout the coming months. It will air a new episode with the premiere of the new ], ].


==Live presentation== ==Live presentation==
{{Main|Studio Disney UK}} {{Main|Studio Disney UK}}
Until recently, live presentation was an important feature of Disney Channel. The best known example of this launched in September 1997 as ''Disney Channel UK Live'', and relaunched as '']'' on 1 May 1999. Presenters included: ], ], ], ], ], Amy Garcia, Ollie from Freefaller, ], Jemma James (now Jemma Forte). Studio Disney ran on weekdays, usually from 16:00 to 19:00, in direct competition with similar services offered by ], ] and ]. The show featured a team of between two and six presenters who came on air between programmes, giving viewers the opportunity to call in, interact and win prizes. Studio Disney also produced many of its own short programmes, including ''Wish Upon a Star'' and ''Junior Journo'', which were aired during the block itself and between programmes at other times. Studio Disney bowed out on 1 July 2005, in line with the disappearance of afternoon in-vision presentation on CITV and Nickelodeon the previous year and leaving the channel with a format similar to that of its ]. Until recently, live presentation was an important feature of Disney Channel. The best known example of this launched in September 1997 as ''Disney Channel UK Live'', and relaunched as '']'' on 1 May 1999. Presenters included: ], ], ], ], ], Amy Garcia, Ollie from Freefaller, ], Jemma James (now Jemma Forte). Studio Disney ran on weekdays, usually from 16:00 to 19:00, in direct competition with similar services offered by ], ] and ]. The show featured a team of between two and six presenters who came on air between programmes, giving viewers the opportunity to call in, interact and win prizes. Studio Disney also produced many of its own short programmes, including ''Wish Upon a Star'' and ''Junior Journo'', which were aired during the block itself and between programmes at other times.


Studio Disney ended on 1 July 2005, in line with the disappearance of afternoon in-vision presentation on CITV and Nickelodeon the previous year and leaving the channel with a format similar to that of its ].
The live presentation of the show, would also run competitions in which viewers could win holidays, and other prizes.
Special holiday competitions would be run, ], ], ], ], ], ], etc. For instance, a Mother's Day Competition of 2003 involved ] surprising four entrants and their mothers to a special get-away. Meanwhile, a Father's Day - Competition of 2004 involved ] and ] treating one lucky dad to a day at ] track.


At other times of day, pre-recorded presentation was used, typically recorded in such a manner that viewers would believe that it was live. An example of this was breakfast segment ''Up'' (and later called ''Zoom!''), which was hosted out-of-vision by ] presenter, and managing director ]. Another example originated from the ''Monster March'' event that ran throughout March 2002, during which the schedule featured many ]-themed shows and movies. Pre-recorded sketches featuring a ] ] ] named ''Raoul'' were inserted between programmes, and as this proved popular{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}, Raoul was given a number of his own segments on the channel over the next few years, including ''The Raoul Show'', ''Good Morning Raoul'' and ''The Raoul Summer''. The best sketches from The Raoul Show were made into a series of short programmes entitled ''The Best of Raoul''. Raoul was even the subject of a question on the 20th Anniversary edition of ]. At other times of day, pre-recorded presentation was used, typically recorded to maintain a semblance of "live" programming. An example of this was breakfast segment ''Up'' (and later called ''Zoom!''), which was hosted out-of-vision by ] presenter, and managing director ]. Another example originated from the ''Monster March'' event that ran throughout March 2002, during which the schedule featured many ]-themed shows and movies. Pre-recorded sketches featuring a ] ] ] named ''Raoul'' were inserted between programmes. Raoul was given a number of his own segments on the channel over the next few years, including ''The Raoul Show'', ''Good Morning Raoul'' and ''The Raoul Summer''. The best sketches from The Raoul Show were made into a series of short programmes entitled ''The Best of Raoul''. Raoul was even the subject of a question on the 20th Anniversary edition of '']''.


Disney Channel also held an annual awards ceremony called the ''Disney Channel Kids Awards''. The categories were centred around music, sport, television and film. The winners in each category were voted for by viewers online. The ceremonies, hosted by Studio Disney presenters, were held at ] and ]. These were broadcast on Disney Channel and ] and featured performances from popular music artists such as Girls Aloud. Disney Channel also held an annual awards ceremony called the ''Disney Channel Kids Awards''. The categories were centred around music, sport, television and film. The winners in each category were voted for by viewers online. The ceremonies, hosted by Studio Disney presenters, were held at ] and ]. These were broadcast on Disney Channel and ] and featured performances from popular music artists such as Girls Aloud.


==Website== ==Website==
Disney Channel's website features network and programme information, along with games and interactive features. The site has been redesigned over the years in line with branding and technology changes, and requires ] for navigation.
Disney Channel's website features information, games, interactive features and contact details and submission forms. The site has been made entirely in ] since 1 May 1999, the same day as the 1999 re-brand. In May 2003, it was completely redesigned to fit with the other Disney Channel's worldwide after the global rebrand. In 2007 it was added to disneychannel.co.uk, when the website's homepage was revamped to fit the look of the American site. In 2011, along with the other Disney sites, it was revamped. in September 2011, it was revamped once again, due to the new logo.


==Sister networks== ==Sister networks==
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=== Disney Junior === === Disney Junior ===
{{Main|Disney Junior (UK & Ireland)}} {{Main|Disney Junior (UK & Ireland)}}
This television channel in the United Kingdom is aimed at preschool children. The channel was launched on 29 September 2000 as Playhouse Disney and carried programming such as ]. The channel was rebranded as Disney Junior on 7 May 2011. The channel carries a single counterpart, a timeshift channel. This television channel in the United Kingdom is aimed at preschool children. The channel was launched on 29 September 2000 as Playhouse Disney and carried programming such as ]; because of the main American version never launching for various reasons until the March 2012 launch of Disney Junior, Playhouse Disney UK & Ireland was effectively Disney's hallmark preschool network. The channel was rebranded as Disney Junior on 7 May 2011. The channel carries a single counterpart, a timeshift channel.


=== Disney XD === === Disney XD ===
{{Main|Disney XD (UK & Ireland)}} {{Main|Disney XD (UK & Ireland)}}


==Disney Channel services== ==On demand service==
⚫ *'''Disney Channel On Demand''' is the channel's ] service, offering select episodes of the channel's original series and films. It is available from ]/], ] and ].
*'''iTunes'''
The channel regularly updates its iTunes library with the latest episodes. Some of these are available in HD.
⚫ *'''Disney Channel On Demand''' is the channel's ] service, offering select episodes of the channel's original series. It is available from ] (and plus), ] and ].


==Disney Channel programmes== ==Disney Channel programmes==
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=== Most watched programmes === === Most watched programmes ===
The following is a list of the ten most watched shows on Disney Channel UK, based on Live +7 data supplied by '']'' up to 10 April 2012.<ref name="barb"/> The number of viewers does not include repeats. The following is a list of the ten most watched shows on Disney Channel UK, based on Live +7 data supplied by '']'' up to 10 April 2012.<ref name="barb"/> Viewership figures only include the original airing and not encore airings.
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
! Rank !! Series title !! Episode title !! No. of Viewers !! Date ! Rank !! Series title !! Episode title !! No. of Viewers !! Date
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=== Top 5 Most Watched DCOM === === Top 5 Most Watched DCOM ===
The following is a list of the five most watched ]s on Disney Channel UK, based on Live +7 data supplied by '']'' up to 1 March 2012.<ref name="barb"/> The number of viewers does not include repeats. ] is expected to beat all the views as it received extremely high ratings on it's US release. The following is a list of the five most watched ]s on Disney Channel UK, based on Live +7 data supplied by '']'' up to 1 March 2012.<ref name="barb"/> Viewership figures only include the original airing and not encore airings.
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
! Rank !! Movie title !! No. of Viewers !! Date ! Rank !! Movie title !! No. of Viewers !! Date
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==Films== ==Films==
{{Main|List of Disney Channel Original Movies}} {{Main|List of Disney Channel Original Movies}}
Disney Channel traditionally broadcast most of its movies, including ] movies and ]s, on the main channel. These were usually shown daily at 7pm under ''The Wonderful World of Disney'' (earlier ''The Magical World of Disney'') brand. On weekends, the channel would show at least three movies per a day. The ''Saturday Movie Showdown'' took place every Saturday morning, wherein viewers were invited to vote for one of a selection of three movies on the channel's website, the winner being aired in the 11am slot. Starting in 2003,{{Verify source|date=July 2007}} Latterly, a movie was transmitted in ] with ] Surround Sound on Sundays at 4pm - much of the channel's other content was in 4:3 at this time. Disney Channel traditionally broadcast most of its movies, including ] movies and ]s, on the main channel. These were usually shown daily at 7pm under ''The Wonderful World of Disney'' (earlier ''The Magical World of Disney'') brand.


However, when ] launched in March 2006, ''The Wonderful World of Disney'' and the Sunday widescreen movie were axed, and all Walt Disney Studios movies were moved over to the new channel, such that they can remain as a premium add-on. However, ] are still broadcast regularly on Disney Channel, with premieres of new ones shown on Friday evenings a short while after their premiere in ] (usually a few weeks, though in some cases, such as '']'' and '']'', the delay can be up to several years - the latter, which had its US premiere in 2004, has never been aired in the UK). As a result of these changes, movies are now shown more frequently across Disney's channels overall, and non-Cinemagic subscribers can now see Disney Channel Original Movies. However, when ] launched in March 2006, ''The Wonderful World of Disney'' and the Sunday widescreen movie were axed, and all Walt Disney Studios movies were moved over to the new channel, such that they can remain as a premium add-on. However, ] are still broadcast regularly on Disney Channel, with premieres of new ones shown on Friday evenings a short while after their premiere in ] (usually a few weeks, though in some cases, such as '']'' and '']'', the delay can be up to several years - the latter, which had its US premiere in 2004, has never been aired in the UK, and some films do not air mainly due to issues and sport of little interest to the UK audience). As a result of these changes, movies are now shown more frequently across Disney's channels overall, and non-Cinemagic subscribers can now see Disney Channel Original Movies.
In December 2009 it was announced the Disney Channel UK was going to premiere two movies in that month; '']'' and '']'', which is very rare for Disney Channel. This happened again in September 2011, with the premieres of '']'' and '']''. The most recent movie to premiere was ] on Friday 1st June 2012.
Below is a list of upcoming movie premieres:
*] (Friday 20th July 2012)
*] (October 2012)


==Seasonal programming blocks== ==Seasonal programming blocks==


* '''Summer''' - The network runs summer programming blocks every year with differing themes titled "Disney Channel Summer". Generally most of the network's series airs re-run episodes chosen by the viewers through the summer and original movies premiere in these months to take advantage of the largest possible children's audience, as do most children's networks. There are also new episode premieres sometimes. * '''Summer''' - The network runs summer programming blocks every year with differing themes titled "Disney Channel Summer". Generally most of the network's series airs re-run episodes chosen by the viewers through the summer and original movies premiere in these months to take advantage of the largest possible children's audience, as do most children's networks. There are also new episode premieres sometimes.
* '''New Season''' Every September after Summer and part of the new school term, Disney Channel UK airs a special Night of Premieres, which showcases a brand new ] and add adverts of new series and events occurring in the coming months. * '''New Season''' Every September after Summer and part of the new school term, Disney Channel UK airs a special Night of Premieres, which showcases a brand new ] and promotion of upcoming series.
* '''Halloween''' - In October, Disney Channel airs Halloween programming in an annual event, Halloween films such as the '']'' series have premiered in this month, along with '']'', '']'', and '']'', along with Halloween episodes of the network's original series. There are also premieres of brand new Halloween-themed episodes of Disney series. * '''Halloween''' - In October, Disney Channel airs Halloween programming in an annual event, Halloween films such as the '']'' series have premiered in this month, along with '']'', '']'', and '']'', along with Halloween episodes of the network's original series
* '''Christmas''' - The network's December schedule usually focuses on ] programming, with the title of the branding changing every year. Christmas films and specials such as '']'' have premiered in this month, along with Christmas episodes of the network's original series such as '']'', and several '']'' Christmas Specials. * '''Christmas''' - The network's December schedule usually focuses on ] programming, with the title of the branding changing every year. Christmas films and specials such as '']'' have premiered in this month, along with Christmas episodes of the network's original series such as '']''.
* '''New Year's''' - On New Year's Eve, Disney Channel UK airs the most popular shows which has aired though out the year, then the network airs a marathon on the day of the New Year. From 2009, Disney Channel UK airs a marathon of ]. In 2012, they will start changing their New Year schedule to the same as the USA, with a special event. * '''New Year's''' - On New Year's Eve, Disney Channel UK airs the most popular shows which has aired though out the year, then the network airs a marathon on the day of the New Year.
*'''Disney's Friends for Change Games''' - The Disney's Friends for Change Games are an Olympic-based televised event aired on Disney Channel and is part of The Walt Disney Company's Friends for Change initiative. It replaces the ] and premiered in October, 2011. The games will not return in 2012. *'''Disney's Friends for Change Games''' - The network aired the American network's sport/charity event in October 2011, on a delay of four months.


==Branding== ==Branding==

Revision as of 06:48, 16 July 2012

For the Disney Channel in other countries, see Disney Channel International Networks. For the original Disney Channel, see Disney Channel. Television channel
Disney Channel
CountryUnited Kingdom
Ireland
HeadquartersChiswick, London
Ownership
OwnerDisney-ABC Television Group

Disney Channel is a children's entertainment channel available in the United Kingdom and Ireland since 1 October 1995. A one hour timeshift service called Disney Channel +1 is available on Sky and Virgin Media.

Overview

Disney Channel has an interactive "red button" service on Sky. Viewers are able to access information about shows, character profiles, detailed TV listings, quizzes, and hundreds of messages submitted by viewers.The interactive service also includes links to a small selection of games. Some can be played as 'overlay' games, with the channel video continuing in the background; others are accessible via a link to a Disney-branded section of BSkyB's Sky Games interactive service. The overlay games are developed by Pushbutton and French game developers Visiware. The interactive service was designed and built by Pushbutton, and went live in September 2007 replacing the old service created by Tamblin. Previously, Disney Channel also had a teletext service, consisting of about 200 pages, known as Disney Text.

Disney Channel formerly carried visual signers for the hearing impaired on late evening programming before the rise of the use of teletext subtitling. Currently on Sky most of the channel's schedule has audio description.

History and availability

1989-1999: Early years

Disney Channel was originally planned to launch in 1989 as a network exclusively on Sky at that service's launch. It was featured in much of the promotional material surrounding the launch of Sky Television and the Astra satellite. Due to an apparent dispute, the launch was cancelled. Sky Television filed a lawsuit against the Walt Disney Company for not launching the channel. The lawsuit was closed later.

Super RTL launched in April 1995, as a joint venture between RTL Group predecessor company Compagnie Luxembourgeoise de Télédiffusion and The Walt Disney Company. Seven months later, the channel appeared on 1 October 1995. At first the channel's broadcasting hours were 06:00 to 22:00, with Sky Movies Gold airing during the station's downtime.

1999-2003

On 29 September 2000, Disney Channel launched two sister channels, a pre-school oriented Playhouse Disney and the Toon Disney. A +1 timeshift of Disney Channel also launched on the same day. All 3 were only available to Sky subscribers. NTL and Telewest customers could only receive the main Disney Channel. On all platforms, the Disney Channel package was a premium offering, requiring an additional subscription fee in order to view, though Sky subscribers could receive the channels for free if they also subscribed to the full Sky Movies package (aka Sky Movies World, with contained 4 Sky Premier channels, 5 Sky MovieMax channels and 2 Sky Cinema channels). Despite the launch of Playhouse Disney, Disney Channel continues to air a block of Playhouse Disney-branded preschool programmes during school mornings, though in latter years the hours have been drawn down on the main Disney Channel schedule.

2003-2007

On 15 March 2003, Disney Channel UK adopted Disney Channel US's new logo (designed by CA Square), along with new graphics.

In early 2006, Sky and Disney were locked in ongoing negotiations over a new contract for carriage on Sky. The previous, ten-year deal, which was inked while Sky floated on the stock exchange in 1994, was temporarily extended whilst both sides attempted to reach an agreement. A new agreement, reported to be worth £130 million a year, was reached on 27 February 2007, and several changes were made on 16 March. Like in the United States in 1996, Disney ended their insistence on the network being a premium channel and became a part of Sky's basic packages. A new premium service, subscription channel Disney Cinemagic, was launched to take the Disney slot in the Sky Movies premium bundle. Toon Disney was taken off the air to free up a broadcast slot for the Cinemagic channel and never returned. Disney Channel +1 was initially taken off the air to free up a slot for the premium Disney Cinemagic +1. However, Disney Channel +1 subsequently returned on 26 June 2006.

On 27 October 2006, Disney Channel was added to Top Up TV Anytime. In 2007 Disney added their VOD content to Virgin Media. On 22 November 2007 it was announced Disney Channel content would be part of the since-abandoned Picnic project, BSkyB's proposed new pay-TV service for DTT.

2007-2011

2007 saw the debut of two new original series, the Cory in the House and Wizards of Waverly Place.

2008 is recognized for its new series such as Phineas and Ferb, Brian O'Brian, and The Suite Life on Deck, the second series version of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, plus new Disney Channel Original Movies such as Camp Rock and The Cheetah Girls: One World. The Suite Life on Deck was the number one series in the respective categories in kids ages 6–12 and tweens ages 9–14 in 2008.

In 2009, Disney Channel launched Sonny with a Chance and JONAS in May. New movies in 2009 included: Dadnapped, Hatching Pete, Princess Protection Program, and Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie.

In May 2010 new films began to premiere in standard definition in letterboxed widescreen, though series remained in 4:3 despite the American network beginning to prefer to film in 16:9.

The series finale of Hannah Montana, Wherever I Go premiered with 621,000 views the most-watched programme in the network's history.

2011-present

On 1 September 2011, Disney Channel adopted the current US logo, and began to air all newer programming in 16:9.

Disney Channel HD, a simulcast of the Disney Channel in high-definition, launched on 15 September 2011 on Sky. The launch was accompanied by a handful of new series including A.N.T. Farm, So Random! and PrankStars, Fish Hooks and Good Luck Charlie as part of the "New Season".

In 2012, Disney channel launched two new series, Jessie in February and Austin & Ally. Three Disney Channel Original Movies premiered during the first part of 2012, including Geek Charming, The Suite Life Movie and Frenemies.

Live presentation

Main article: Studio Disney UK

Until recently, live presentation was an important feature of Disney Channel. The best known example of this launched in September 1997 as Disney Channel UK Live, and relaunched as Studio Disney on 1 May 1999. Presenters included: Nigel Mitchell, Emma Lee, Leah Charles, Jean Anderson, Mark Rumble, Amy Garcia, Ollie from Freefaller, James McCourt, Jemma James (now Jemma Forte). Studio Disney ran on weekdays, usually from 16:00 to 19:00, in direct competition with similar services offered by CBBC, CITV and Nickelodeon. The show featured a team of between two and six presenters who came on air between programmes, giving viewers the opportunity to call in, interact and win prizes. Studio Disney also produced many of its own short programmes, including Wish Upon a Star and Junior Journo, which were aired during the block itself and between programmes at other times.

Studio Disney ended on 1 July 2005, in line with the disappearance of afternoon in-vision presentation on CITV and Nickelodeon the previous year and leaving the channel with a format similar to that of its American counterpart.

At other times of day, pre-recorded presentation was used, typically recorded to maintain a semblance of "live" programming. An example of this was breakfast segment Up (and later called Zoom!), which was hosted out-of-vision by Capital Disney presenter, and managing director Will Chambers. Another example originated from the Monster March event that ran throughout March 2002, during which the schedule featured many monster-themed shows and movies. Pre-recorded sketches featuring a Mexican dinosaur puppet named Raoul were inserted between programmes. Raoul was given a number of his own segments on the channel over the next few years, including The Raoul Show, Good Morning Raoul and The Raoul Summer. The best sketches from The Raoul Show were made into a series of short programmes entitled The Best of Raoul. Raoul was even the subject of a question on the 20th Anniversary edition of Trivial Pursuit.

Disney Channel also held an annual awards ceremony called the Disney Channel Kids Awards. The categories were centred around music, sport, television and film. The winners in each category were voted for by viewers online. The ceremonies, hosted by Studio Disney presenters, were held at The Royal Albert Hall and London Arena. These were broadcast on Disney Channel and Channel 5 and featured performances from popular music artists such as Girls Aloud.

Website

Disney Channel's website features network and programme information, along with games and interactive features. The site has been redesigned over the years in line with branding and technology changes, and requires Adobe Flash for navigation.

Sister networks

Disney Cinemagic

Main article: Disney Cinemagic (UK & Ireland)

This television channel in the United Kingdom is the premium subscription movie service available on most major platforms. The channel was launched on 16 March 2006, and carries programmes such as Lilo and Stich and Recess which were shown on its predecessor Toon Disney (UK & Ireland) The channel carries two counterparts, a timeshift channel and a HD channel.

Disney Junior

Main article: Disney Junior (UK & Ireland)

This television channel in the United Kingdom is aimed at preschool children. The channel was launched on 29 September 2000 as Playhouse Disney and carried programming such as Winnie the Pooh; because of the main American version never launching for various reasons until the March 2012 launch of Disney Junior, Playhouse Disney UK & Ireland was effectively Disney's hallmark preschool network. The channel was rebranded as Disney Junior on 7 May 2011. The channel carries a single counterpart, a timeshift channel.

Disney XD

Main article: Disney XD (UK & Ireland)

On demand service

Disney Channel programmes

Main article: List of programmes broadcast by Disney Channel in the UK & Ireland

Most watched programmes

The following is a list of the ten most watched shows on Disney Channel UK, based on Live +7 data supplied by BARB up to 10 April 2012. Viewership figures only include the original airing and not encore airings.

Rank Series title Episode title No. of Viewers Date
1 Hannah Montana Wherever I Go 621,000 27 May 2011
2 The Suite Life on Deck Break Up in Paris 543,000 9 January 2011
3 Wizards of Waverly Place Wizards Exposed 535,000 18 February 2011
4 The Suite Life of Zack and Cody Summer of Our Discontent 531,000 21 September 2007
5 Wizards of Waverly Place Wizards Unleashed/Puppy Love (UK) 521,000 29 October 2010
6 The Suite Life of Zack and Cody Graduation 513,000 21 September 2007
7 The Suite Life on Deck Lost at Sea 513,000 21 February 2010
8 The Suite Life of Zack and Cody Sink or Swim 488,000 21 September 2007
9 The Suite Life on Deck Twister: Parts 1, 2 & 3 488,000 24 July 2011
10 Wizards of Waverly Place Who Will Be the Family Wizard? 462,000 30 March 2012

Top 5 Most Watched DCOM

The following is a list of the five most watched Disney Channel Original Movies on Disney Channel UK, based on Live +7 data supplied by BARB up to 1 March 2012. Viewership figures only include the original airing and not encore airings.

Rank Movie title No. of Viewers Date
1 High School Musical 2 1,336,000 21 September 2007
2 Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie 1,044,000 21 October 2009
3 High School Musical 835,000 22 September 2006
4 The Suite Life Movie 780,000 17 February 2012
5 Starstruck 683,000 14, May 2010

Films

Main article: List of Disney Channel Original Movies

Disney Channel traditionally broadcast most of its movies, including Walt Disney Studios movies and Disney Channel Original Movies, on the main channel. These were usually shown daily at 7pm under The Wonderful World of Disney (earlier The Magical World of Disney) brand.

However, when Disney Cinemagic launched in March 2006, The Wonderful World of Disney and the Sunday widescreen movie were axed, and all Walt Disney Studios movies were moved over to the new channel, such that they can remain as a premium add-on. However, Disney Channel Original Movies are still broadcast regularly on Disney Channel, with premieres of new ones shown on Friday evenings a short while after their premiere in the US (usually a few weeks, though in some cases, such as Full Court Miracle and Tiger Cruise, the delay can be up to several years - the latter, which had its US premiere in 2004, has never been aired in the UK, and some films do not air mainly due to issues and sport of little interest to the UK audience). As a result of these changes, movies are now shown more frequently across Disney's channels overall, and non-Cinemagic subscribers can now see Disney Channel Original Movies.

Seasonal programming blocks

  • Summer - The network runs summer programming blocks every year with differing themes titled "Disney Channel Summer". Generally most of the network's series airs re-run episodes chosen by the viewers through the summer and original movies premiere in these months to take advantage of the largest possible children's audience, as do most children's networks. There are also new episode premieres sometimes.
  • New Season Every September after Summer and part of the new school term, Disney Channel UK airs a special Night of Premieres, which showcases a brand new Disney Channel Original Movie and promotion of upcoming series.
  • Halloween - In October, Disney Channel airs Halloween programming in an annual event, Halloween films such as the Halloweentown series have premiered in this month, along with Twitches, Twitches Too, and Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie, along with Halloween episodes of the network's original series
  • Christmas - The network's December schedule usually focuses on Christmas programming, with the title of the branding changing every year. Christmas films and specials such as Good Luck Charlie, It's Christmas! have premiered in this month, along with Christmas episodes of the network's original series such as Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation.
  • New Year's - On New Year's Eve, Disney Channel UK airs the most popular shows which has aired though out the year, then the network airs a marathon on the day of the New Year.
  • Disney's Friends for Change Games - The network aired the American network's sport/charity event in October 2011, on a delay of four months.

Branding

Generally the UK network has followed the American network with regards to logo changes, while trailing their mother network by a year in instituting them. The network launched with the first "Mickey silhouette in a screen shape" logo in 1995, then the "television set" logo in 1997 with a minor change in 1999. The "text and ears silhouette" was instituted in 2005, with the current curved icon logo coming into use in 2011.

References

  1. "Pushbutton creates interactivity for Disney Channel UK".
  2. "Number 2043". SWEDEN CALLING DXERS. 16 May 1989.
  3. ^ BARB, via
  4. "Selena Gomez marks Disney Channel HD launch". Digital Spy. 6 July 2011.
  5. "Disney grows network line-up". C21 Media. 6 July 2011.

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