Al Jazeera Childrens Channel (JCC) launched its new grid meeting the back-to-school season and crowning JCCs 5-year anniversary with an array of premieres that will enforce the diversity and positioning of the different slots.
JCCs grid reflects its maturing programming strategy and features many in-house productions along with international co-productions and acquisitions. These exciting new programs that include Saladin (a new 3D-animated series), a cookery show, a unique science program, a debate program, a sports magazine, and a first time quiz show will capture the hearts and minds of children and youth across the Arab world.
On September 17th, 2010, children across the Arab world watched the premiere of the long awaited 3D-animated adventure series Saladin. Saladin will take Arab children and their families on an epic full of adventure and humor. Over the past 3 years, JCC and Malaysias Multimedia Development Company (MDEC) have successfully worked together to bring to life this animated series inspired from the long history of heroism in the Arab region. The series is available in both English and Arabic and has thus generated considerable interest from the international market and content buyers from Russia, Turkey, Indonesia, China, America and several European countries.
JCC has also dedicated a slot to encourage healthy eating habits. Over the past two years, JCC has been collaborating with Fresh One, a British production company made famous by Jamie Oliver to produce a cooking show that promotes and emphasizes on the importance of a healthy and balanced diet. JCCs Al Tabaq Al Taer (Flying Saucer) is an entertaining easy to digest 26-minute series offering fresh and simple recipes and nutrition tips for children.
JCCs new grid will also mark the launch of PhysiaKawn (Discover Science), a major co-production between JCC and Japans Broadcasting Corporation NHK/NED. Beginning February 2011, PhysiaKawn will make physics visually fun through some easy to understand spectacular experiments. JCCs in-house productions include Anta Batal (Be a Champion), a weekly sports magazine, hosted by a fun sports enthusiast. Khair Al Kalam, a weekly debate show with teams debating the hottest topics affecting teens nowadays; and, Al Alam Soual a quiz show in which contestants answer general knowledge questions about different countries of the world.
JCCs Executive General Manager, Mahmoud Bouneb stated: Today, we proudly celebrate JCCs 5th anniversary and the launch of our new grid showcasing some remarkable content. Over the past years, JCC has not only matured but also learnt how to innovate on many levels; this growth has allowed us to take a leading role in the field of childrens media and in making a major impact internationally.
As a non-profit organization, our goal is not only to sell to the international market but primarily to produce and acquire quality programming suitable for Arab children, Bouneb added.
JCCs success is predominantly driven by the vision and guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned. As a result of Her continuous support, JCC has become a major player and contributor in the children programming industry. We dedicate all of our award-winning quality programming and multimedia content to Her Highness and to JCCs loyal audience, Bouneb concluded.
Since its launch, JCC has developed its own corporate environment, and has evolved both its organizational structure and its technical facilities to manage two childrens channels and set up high production standards. Furthermore, JCC has enabled global partnerships in program-making for children that will help cement its presence in the 5 continents. Today, JCC operates with a professional diverse fabric of human asset representing more than 30 nationalities.