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Disney Channel (Russian TV channel)

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Disney Channel
CountryRussia
Broadcast areaRussia
Belarus[1][2]
Headquarters
  • Moscow, Russia
Programming
Language(s)Russian
English (2010—2011)
Picture format16:9 576i (SDTV)
Ownership
Owner
Key people
  • Vladimir Vereshchagin (Vice President, TV and Film Production)
  • Svetlana Lysko (Editor-in-Chief)
  • Kakhaber Abashidze (CEO The Walt Disney Company CIS)
  • Jan Kuhalsky — (CEO Disney Channel)
History
Launched10 August 2010 (pay TV broadcast)
31 December 2011 (free-to-air TV broadcast)
ReplacedJetix (cable and satellite broadcasting)
Seven TV (on-air broadcasting)
Closed14 December 2022; 23 months ago (2022-12-14)[5]
Replaced bySolntse
Links
Websitekanal.disney.ru

Disney Channel (Russian: Канал Disney) was a Russian free-to-air television channel, serving as a local version of the American Disney Channel. It launched its cable service on August 10, 2010, and its terrestrial broadcast on 31 December 2011. The channel ceased broadcasting on 14 December 2022, due to content licensing issues.[6][7][8][9]

The channel targeted viewers aged 10 to 45 and aired popular animated series, live-action shows, and films, including both Disney originals and Russian-produced content.[10]

History

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Background (1991–2004)

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Before the creation of Disney Channel in Russia, Disney content, including animated series, TV shows, and films, was broadcast on several Russian channels through blocks such as "Walt Disney Presents" (1991-1992), "Disney Club" (1998-2014), and "The Magical World of Disney" (2007-2013). These blocks aired on major networks like Channel One, RTR, STS, and REN TV. After Disney Channel launched, these blocks were discontinued.

Despite having its own channel, Disney films and animated features continued to premiere on larger federal channels like Channel One until 2017, with STS becoming Disney’s primary partner for premieres. Since 2016, REN TV has aired Disney-owned action and horror films.

In 1999, Fox Kids, a joint venture between News Corporation and Saban Entertainment, launched in Russia. It primarily aired animated series and films from Saban Entertainment, DIC Entertainment, and Marvel. In 2001, The Walt Disney Company acquired Fox Family Worldwide and a controlling stake in Fox Kids Europe, leading to the eventual rebranding of Fox Kids as Jetix.

Jetix (2005–2009)

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On 1 January 2005, Fox Kids was rebranded as Jetix.[11][12] The channel continued to air programs from Fox Kids alongside new shows such as W.I.T.C.H., A.T.O.M., and Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go.

On 1 January 2006, Jetix introduced the "Jetix Max" block, a three-hour segment aimed at older audiences featuring comedies, anime, and classic Marvel shows. The channel's broadcast hours were extended to 2:00 AM, and ESPN Classic Sports was removed from the lineup.[13] Later in April 2006, the "Jetix Play" block was launched, featuring animated series from Saban Entertainment and DIC Entertainment.[14]

A proposal to launch a separate Disney Channel in Russia began in January 2007 but was postponed and faced regulatory challenges. A second attempt in early 2009 was blocked by the Federal Antimonopoly Service.[15][16]

On 1 July 2008, Jetix switched to 24-hour broadcasting. Disney increased its stake in Jetix Europe to 99.8% by February 2009.[17] On 19 September 2009, Jetix Russia launched, operating exclusively from Moscow,[18][19][20] with The Walt Disney Company CIS as the owner and Telco Media providing technical support.[21]

Launch (2010–2015)

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On 31 March 2010, Disney received a license from Roskomnadzor for broadcasting Disney Channel in Russia,[22][23] and the channel officially launched on 10 August 2010, replacing Jetix.[24] Disney Channel began with the animated film Finding Nemo and initially mirrored the Eastern European Disney Channel feed.[25]

On 20 December 2010, Disney Channel started broadcasting with a +2 time shift for Eastern Russia. The channel offered a mix of Disney content, Jetix series, and domestic productions like Disney 365 and As the Bell Rings.[26] The "Uznavaika" block for preschoolers, akin to Playhouse Disney, was featured until 2020.

On 27 October 2011, Disney acquired a 49% stake in Seven TV to launch Disney Channel on federal frequencies, officially starting on 31 December 2011, with Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas. The channel was managed by LLC 7TV, a joint venture between Disney and UTV Holding. The Disney Channel began airing ABC series, Russian animations, and feature films in various time slots.[27]

From mid-2013, the channel incorporated Russian cartoons and features from studios like Pixar and DreamWorks. It also introduced local children's programming such as Through the Mouth of a Baby and Mom for 5+.[28]

By early 2014, feature films and TV series were reduced, with most programming shifting to nighttime slots. On 1 August 2014, the network underwent a global rebranding and increased the "Big Animation" block to daily.[29] The "Uznavaika" block expanded to 7 hours, and new programs like Everything Interesting: Cinema replaced previous projects.[30][31]

Reorganization and closure (2016–2022)

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In January 2016, following amendments to Russian media laws limiting foreign ownership to 20%, UTV Holding increased its stake in Disney Channel Russia to 80%, while The Walt Disney Company retained a 20% share.[32] Despite this, Disney's economic involvement remained at 49%,[33] overseeing content, rights management, and production,[34][35] while UTV handled technical support and distribution.[36]

In 2017, AF Media sold its stake in UTV Holding, and by 2019, all UTV Holding assets, including Disney Channel, were transferred to Media-1. Disney and Media-1 became the sole founders of LLC 7TV.

The channel underwent a rebranding in late 2018, updating its design and logo placement. In early 2020, game series returned to nighttime slots, with daytime broadcasts resuming briefly in June 2020[37] before being removed again in August 2021. The "Uznavaika" block was rebranded to "Dobroe ytro s Mickey" on 1 May 2020, with reduced airtime.[38]

On 11 March 2022, Disney suspended operations in Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine.[39] By summer 2022, Disney ceased dubbing content in Russian, and the channel's website and social media were shut down by 30 September 2022.[40] The channel ceased broadcasting on 14 December 2022, with its last program being Gravity Falls.[6][7][8][9] Disney exited LLC 7TV,[41][42][43] and Media-1 launched a new channel, Solntse, on the former Disney Channel frequencies.[44] Disney ended its association with Media-1 entirely.

Programming

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Disney Channel Russia primarily targeted younger audiences with its programming. From 2010, the channel featured Playhouse Disney content, which was later rebranded to Disney Junior on 1 May 2020. Initially, the programming block aired from early morning until 12:00 p.m., but its airtime gradually decreased over the years.

Early on, Disney Channel Russia mirrored the Eastern European Disney Channel feed and included former Jetix programming. The lineup featured a mix of Disney Channel and Disney XD live-action series, such as Jessie, Austin & Ally, and Lab Rats, alongside animated series from Disney Channel and Jetix like Phineas and Ferb and Kid vs. Kat.

Starting in 2014, the channel shifted focus to children's animation, incorporating Disney XD and Disney Junior series such as Gravity Falls, Star vs. the Forces of Evil, and DuckTales. Live-action programming declined due to cultural differences and financial challenges.[45] A new evening block, "Большая Анимация" ("Great Animation"), replaced the earlier "Your Bright Night!" block, showcasing Disney’s theatrical movies nightly at 7:30 p.m. In 2020, live-action series made a brief return, with the premiere of Gabby Duran & the Unsittables.[46]

Disney Channel Russia Original Productions

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  • Boljšie semejnye igry ("The Great Family Game", Большие семейные игры)
  • Èto moj rebenok?! ("Is this my child?!", Это мой ребенок?!)
  • Èto moja komnata! ("This is my room!", Это моя комната!)
  • Mama na 5+ ("Mama 5+", Мама на 5+)
  • Pravila stilja ("Style rules", Правила стиля)
  • Posle školy ("After School", После школы)
  • Prikoly na peremenke: Novaja škola ("As the Bell Rings: A New School", Приколы на переменке. Новая школа)
  • Ustami mladenca ("The mouth of the baby", Устами младенца)
  • Vso interesnoye: Kino ("Everything interesting: Movies", Всё интересное: Кино)

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Место Disney в России и Белоруссии займет семейный канал "Солнце" » «СОВА-НЬЮС»: Новости России и регионов
  2. ^ Канал Disney прекращает вещание в Беларуси » Новости Беларуси - последние новости на сегодня - UDF
  3. ^ "Канал Disney ждет реструктуризация". Sostav.ru. 1 September 2015. Archived from the original on 1 July 2018. Retrieved 1 July 2018.
  4. ^ "The Walt Disney может списать инвестиции в российский телеканал после проверки Роскомнадзора". ИА RNS. 10 February 2016. Archived from the original on 1 July 2018. Retrieved 1 July 2018.
  5. ^ "Disney Channel to stop broadcasting in Russia from Dec. 14 - Kommersant". 2 December 2022.
  6. ^ a b "Источник". Archived from the original on 2 December 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  7. ^ a b "Mash: канал Disney перестанет вещать в России с 14 декабря, вместо него запустят "Солнце"". 2 December 2022. Archived from the original on 2 December 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  8. ^ a b Канал Disney прекращает своё вещание в России.. | TV Archive | VK
  9. ^ a b "Канал Disney навсегда прекращает своё вещание в России 14 декабря – ОСН". 2 December 2022. Archived from the original on 2 December 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  10. ^ "Канал Disney – развлекательный телеканал для всей семьи!". kanal.disney.ru. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  11. ^ канал Jetix //
  12. ^ Fox Kids меняет название Archived 27 October 2021 at the Wayback Machine // 9 НОЯБРЯ 2004
  13. ^ Sports.ru. 1 March 2004 Прекращение трансляций блока программ ESPN https://ntvplus.ru/company/novosti/prekraschenie-translyatsij-bloka-programm-espn-41 Прекращение трансляций блока программ ESPN. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
  14. ^ Главная //
  15. ^ "В России появится телеканал Disney". Archived from the original on 12 December 2021.
  16. ^ ФАС запретила «дочке» Walt Disney покупку 49% канала «Дисней»
  17. ^ Jetix terminates Stock Exchange ::: Jetix
  18. ^ Последние изменения на спутниках от 23.09.2009 Archived 26 June 2018 at the Wayback Machine // 24 сентября 2009
  19. ^ НОВОСТИ О ТЕЛЕКАНАЛАХ. Часть 1 //
  20. ^ Jetix to become Disney Archived 25 January 2021 at the Wayback Machine // MAY 26, 2009
  21. ^ "Презентация канала (23 стр.)" (PDF). telcomedia.ru. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 December 2011. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
  22. ^ "КАНАЛ ДИСНЕЙ/DYSNEY CHANNEL". Роскомнадзор - Реестр лицензий на деятельность по телерадиовещанию (in Russian). 9 March 2010. Archived from the original on 24 April 2022. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
  23. ^ "Телеканал Disney Channel в России". Disney.ru. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012.
  24. ^ ""Ведущими канала Disney будут российские дети"". Ъ-Огонёк. Коммерсантъ. 2 August 2010. Archived from the original on 22 March 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  25. ^ "Disney | Telcomedia". Archived from the original on 14 July 2011. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
  26. ^ "Disney Channel получил лицензию на кабельное вещание в России". Комсомольская правда. 1 April 2010. Archived from the original on 26 November 2021. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  27. ^ "Российская премьера сериала "Их перепутали в роддоме" на Канале Disney". Кабельщик. 20 November 2012. Archived from the original on 15 June 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
  28. ^ "Максим Виторган: "Мы с Ксюшей хотим детей"". Вокруг ТВ. 24 April 2014. Archived from the original on 17 March 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  29. ^ "Телеканал Disney проводит ребрендинг и усиливает вечерний прайм-тайм". Mediaguide. Archived from the original on 15 June 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
  30. ^ "Все интересное" на Канале Дисней. "Зверополис" #ВедущийСергейШубенков - YouTube
  31. ^ Реклама, анонсы и рубрика "Всё интересное: Кино" (Disney, 09.08.2021) - YouTube
  32. ^ "Холдинг ЮТВ стал владельцем 80% российского Disney". Tvkinoradio.ru. 15 January 2016. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
  33. ^ Американский мэйджор не изменил свою экономическую долю в телеканале Disney | Медиа | Новости | AdIndex.ru
  34. ^ Светлана Лыско
  35. ^ Менеджмент
  36. ^ VK.com | VK
  37. ^ "Disney запускает два комедийных сериала о нянях". yesmagazine.ru. Archived from the original on 30 June 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  38. ^ «Доброе утро с Микки». Премьера на Канале Disney! on YouTube — видео с Канала Disney
  39. ^ "Disney приостановит деятельность в России". ТАСС. 10 March 2022. Archived from the original on 1 April 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  40. ^ "Disney начала процедуру ухода с российского рынка. Сайты и соцсети удалены". 4pda.to. 3 October 2022. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  41. ^ "На месте "Диснея" взошло "Солнце"". 5 December 2022.
  42. ^ "Семейный телеканал "Солнце" заменит Disney в эфире с 14 декабря". Archived from the original on 1 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  43. ^ ""Медиа1" заменяет Disney новым телеканалом "Солнце" | Кабельщик". Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  44. ^ "#телевидение #россия Disney в России.. | WG | Official Group | ВКонтакте". vk.com (in Russian). Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  45. ^ "Гендиректор Disney в России о том, что кризиса не существует" (in Russian). Rambler News Service. 1 July 2016.
  46. ^ "Встречай Джесси и Габби на Канале Disney!". kanal.disney.ru. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
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