Disney Junior to Join DirecTV's Programming Line-Up

DirecTV and Disney have reached a new agreement to add Disney Junior, a 24-hour channel expressly for kids age 2-7 and their parents/caregivers, to DirecTV's programming lineup beginning tomorrow on channel 289. Disney Junior launched in 2011 as a daytime programming block on Disney Channel and expanded to a 24/7 channel in 2012. It is one of the most sought after channels by DirecTV customers and will be permanently added to their programming options as a basic channel.

Disney Junior's animated and live action programming blends Disney's unparalleled storytelling and beloved characters with learning components, including early math and language skills, as well as healthy eating and lifestyles, with an emphasis on social and emotional development. The original series include "Jake and the Never Land Pirates," "Doc McStuffins," "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "A Poem Is...," "Handy Manny," "Little Einsteins" and "Special Agent Oso." Disney Junior also airs Walt Disney Studios' and Pixar's classic and contemporary animated films, as well as Disney's many non-theatrical sequels so popular with children and parents.

"When it comes to children and families, nobody has the tremendous programming to compare with Disney," said Derek Chang, executive vice president of Content Strategy and Development for DirecTV. "Our customers have been clamoring for us to add Disney Junior since they first heard about the concept, and DirecTV is happy to place our trust in Disney as a partner in building this exciting new family service."

"We are pleased to reach this agreement with DirecTV to provide Disney Junior's high quality, valuable and family-friendly programming to their customers," said David Preschlack, executive vice president, Disney & ESPN Affiliate Sales and Marketing. "We know parents are passionate about having top quality television options for their families, and now millions will be able to watch outstanding preschool programming on a 24/7 channel unlike any other on television. With the addition of DirecTV, the 24-hour Disney Junior channel has distribution agreements that cover approximately 55 million U.S. households."

Disney Media Networks' flagship Disney Channel is fast becoming the most popular programming service among DirecTV homes. The number of children viewers aged 2 through 11 has surged more than 19 percent in the past year alone, and total viewership has increased 15 percent during those same 12 months. Disney Junior will now take a place in the DirecTV channel guide directly adjacent to Disney Channel at channel 289.