The Stars & Band Members Of The Nickelodeon Show And Boyband "Big Time Rush" Arrive In The UK For The Release Of Their New Album "Elevate"

According to a Tweet (post) by "Big Time Rush" band member Carlos Pena, Jr. (Carlos Garcia) on his official Twitter profile page (@TheCarlosPena), the Nickelodeon and "Big Time Rush" stars Kendall Schmidt (Kendall Knight), James Maslow (James Diamond), Carlos Pena (Carlos Garcia), and Logan Henderson (Logan Mitchell) have arrived in the UK to celebrate and promote the UK release of their second album "Elevate":

MADE IT TO LONDON!!! excited to be here... THank you Germany for a good time. Time to have some fun in this crazy city!

While in the UK to celebrate and promote the UK release of their second album "Elevate", the stars and cast of the Nickelodeon boyband and show "Big Time Rush" will be holding an exclusive Big Time Rush Listening Party event at the Sony Music offices in Kensington, London, UK during the afternoon of Sunday 5th February 2012, and then "Big Time Rush" will be heading to and visiting the HMV shop on Market Street in Manchester, UK, on Monday 6th February 2012 at 5pm to hold a very special 'Elevate' album signing session.

Also, Tweeted (posted) by Nickelodeon UK and Ireland on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonUK):

I'm so excited! Are you gonna meet up with the guys?

@NickelodeonUK - Yeah! They jst landed, hope theyve wrapped up warm-brr its chilly!

Not only is it chilly, but snow is forecast for London and the South East England, UK over the next few days!

Also, Tweeted (posted) by "Big Time Rush" band member Logan Henderson (Logan Mitchell) on his official Twitter profile page (@1LoganHenderson):

Had a great time in Germany! The love and support from our Sony/Nick team and our fans is incredible!. Now time to have some fun in the U.K.

Also, Tweeted (posted) by Ben Pulsford, who works in the marketing department of First News, the award-winning newspaper for kids, and who is also a website assistant for the official First News website, FirstNews.co.uk, on his official Twitter profile page (@benpulsford27):

Off to interview @bigtimerush with the lovely Nicola for @First_News - tweet me your questions #bigtimerush fans (Rushers)! - 10.01am Friday 3rd February 2012

Just interviewed @bigtimerush - such nice guys, always a pleasure #bigtimerush - look out for the interview online soon! @First_News - 12.35pm Friday 3rd February 2012

@jamesmaslow (James Maslow (James Diamond)) @TheCarlosPena (Carlos Pena (Carlos Garcia)) we missed you guys in the interview! Enjoy and London. We left copies of @First_News for you! @bigtimerush - 1.38pm Friday 3rd February 2012

Great interview with @HeffronDrive (Kendall Schmidt (Kendall Knight)) and @1LoganHenderson (Logan Henderson (Logan Mitchell)) from @bigtimerush - enjoy London guys! Interview will be on http://www.firstnews.co.uk soon! - 1.48pm Friday 3rd February 2012

Also, Tweeted (posted) by Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's Press Office on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonUKPR):

Ahhh #BigTimeRush boys are finally in London #ukrushers

Also, Tweeted by Nickelodeon UK's Director of Original Production, David Kangas, on his official Twitter profile page (@kangas911):

Off to shoot with @bigtimerush in London town. These guys are SO cool, they've brought the snow with them!!!

And:

Great to catch up with the @bigtimerush boys again. As always #BigTimeRush were on great form! http://twitter.com/kangas911/status/166223241348775937/photo/1

Nickelodeon UK Hints At Making Second Series Of "Camp Orange UK"

Nickelodeon UK has hinted in a Tweet (post) on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonUK) that Nickelodeon UK maybe planning to make a second series (second season) of the children's reality television series "Camp Orange" as part of "2012 on Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK":

is camp orange returning for second season in the summer?

@NickelodeonUK - Ahh now that would be telling! Keep your eyes peeled for news!

The first series of Nickelodeon UK's version of "Camp Orange", "Camp Orange UK", was presented by Nickelodeon UK presenters Anna Williamson and Jamie Rickers, and British athlete Denise Lewis OBE, and was shown on Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon UK HD during Summer 2011.

Viacom's Net Profit Stays Flat

From C21Media:

Viacom net profit stays flat

US media conglomerate Viacom recorded a 7% rise in fiscal first-quarter profit at its networks division, which houses Nickelodeon and MTV, although company-wide earnings slipped.

Operating profit for the media networks division was US$1.13bn for the three months ended December 31, 2011. This compares with US$1.05bn for the same period 12 months ago. Revenues were also up 3% at US$2.45bn.

Overall company revenues grew 3% to US$3.95bn but net earnings from continued operations slipped 5% to US$591m from US$620m a year ago. Operating profit was down 2% to US$1.02bn.

“Despite short-term softness in the overall ad markets, Viacom's quarterly results benefited from strong affiliate fee revenue growth, as our industry-leading portfolio of TV brands continued to attract traditional distributors as well as emerging digital services,” said Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman.

Jesse Whittock
02-02-2012
©C21Media

Also, from Seeking Alpha:

Viacom's CEO Discusses Q1 2012 Results - Earnings Call Transcript

Viacom (VIAB) Q1 2012 Earnings Call February 2, 2012 8:30 AM ET

Operator

Good day, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Viacom Fiscal First Quarter 2012 Earnings Release Teleconference. Today's call is being recorded. And at this time, I would like to turn the call over to Senior Vice President of Investor Relations, Mr. Jim Bombassei. Please go ahead, sir.

James Bombassei

Good morning, everyone, and thank you for taking the time to join us for our earnings call for the quarter ended December 31. Joining me for today's discussion are Sumner Redstone, our Chairman; Philippe Dauman, our President and CEO; Tom Dooley, our Chief Operating Officer; and Jimmy Barge, our Chief Financial Officer.

Please note that in addition to our press release, we have slides and trending schedules containing supplemental information available on our website. I want to refer you to Page #2 in the Web presentation and remind you that certain statements made on this call are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in more detail in our filings with the SEC. Reconciliations for non-GAAP financial information discussed on this call can be found in our earnings release or on our website. And now, I'll turn the call over to Sumner.

Sumner M. Redstone

Thank you, Jim. Good morning to all. I am pleased to once again also join Philippe, Tom, Jimmy to discuss Viacom's quarterly results. Despite a choppy overall economy, it was in fact another successful period on both the top and bottom line for Viacom as we continue to use our creative resources, our financial discipline to deliver for shareholders. Our Media Networks are highly in demand all over the world. The creative minds behind our brands are constantly evolving our private property to ensure genuine connections in our industry [ph], new opportunities for our business partners. Paramount Pictures continued to prove they have an unparalleled ability to market and distribute a great slate of motion pictures and ended the calendar year ranked #1 of all the United States box office, the #1 studio. We are indeed in a strong position [indiscernible]. Then, of course, is this possible with our outstanding leadership. Our experienced management team skillfully execute our plans to provide valuable creative content to audiences across the globe for the long-term benefit of our shareholders. Now I'd like to turn this call over to the leader of that team, a man who I appropriately call the wisest man I have ever met, my friend and colleague, Philippe Dauman.

Philippe P. Dauman

Thank you very much, Sumner. And good morning, everyone. I'm glad you could join us today. Despite headwinds in ad sales, Viacom ended the first quarter of our fiscal year with significant strength. Across the company, we have real momentum. Creative and operational excellence are showing through in every corner of our business and at this early stage, we are seeing ad sales improvement in the second quarter. We're continuing to invest in more and more original programming to strengthen our brands and their deep audience connections. It was true in 2011 and it will be true again in 2012. In fact, in our 2012 fiscal year, Viacom will invest about $3 billion in our Media Networks programming. As a result, our Media Networks attract the most desirable audiences, making Viacom a first-choice partner for marketers and distributors alike. This investment and those relationships will drive our success quarter-after-quarter and year-after-year.

We continue to see strong affiliate growth as both existing and emerging distributors turn to our brand to fuel their products and services. We expect our affiliate revenue to grow on an annualized basis in the high-single to low-double digit for the foreseeable future. As we unlock value for our content across platform, we're unlocking growth potential across global markets as well, expanding our footprint and margins internationally with our Media Networks and Paramount's rich film library. Creative success and operational discipline are hand in glove at Paramount Pictures, and the studio remains focused on its strategy of releasing a streamlined slate of franchise tentpoles and reasonably priced films with box office potential, supported by one of the industry's finest distribution and marketing organizations. And that strategy is clearly working as evidenced by Paramount's outstanding performance as the #1 studio at the worldwide box office in 2011.

Finally, by operating efficiently, managing costs and seizing every opportunity to monetize our content, we continue to generate significant free cash flow and to make good on our commitment to return substantial capital to our shareholder both in the form of stock buybacks and dividends.

This morning, I will briefly review our financial results for the first quarter and share highlights from our divisions. Tom and Jimmy will provide more detail, and then we'll gladly take your questions. Let's begin with the numbers.

Viacom's consolidated revenues grew 3% to $3.95 billion in the first quarter, driven by growth in both our Media Networks and Filmed Entertainment segments. Media Networks delivered 3% growth in revenues and a 7% increase in operating income on strong increases in affiliate revenues. Filmed Entertainment grew revenues by 4%, driven by higher theatrical revenues, but solid bottom line decline due largely to the comparison with the sale of Marvel Studios' distribution rights in the first fiscal quarter of 2011. Our net earnings from continuing operations decreased 5% to $591 million in the December quarter and diluted earnings per share increased to $1.06, up 4% over the first quarter of fiscal 2011. During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we repurchased $700 million in stock and in the current quarter, we are on track to buy back another $700 million.

Let's turn now to our Media Networks. Our portfolio of cable networks is the strongest in the industry, accounting for a far greater share of all basic cable viewing in the U.S. than any other programming group. We built equity with our audiences by knowing and understanding them better than anyone. We have a proven ability to translate consumer insights into compelling original programming, innovative multi-platform content and valuable connections through social media. We will continue to invest judiciously in original programming, research and marketing to keep our Media Networks thriving regardless of changes in the media landscape and economic environment.

As I indicated in December, we did see softness in the overall ad market during our fiscal first quarter. For the quarter, our advertising revenues decreased 3% domestically and 4% internationally. Domestic declines were driven by significant softness in volume in the scatter market, especially after Thanksgiving and previously discussed rating softness. We are seeing signs of recovery in the current quarter scatter with a number of buyers returning to the market. As they do, we are confident that our brands will capture their share of dollars.

Shifting gears to distribution. Worldwide affiliate revenues increased by 16%, driven by significant rate increases and the benefits of digital distribution. During the quarter, we successfully closed a number of affiliate deals and expanded existing agreements, including growing our HD footprint with several cable and telco providers. We also locked up additional distribution deals, including our launch with the debut of Netflix in the U.K. And next week, a new online partner will announce a deal we just signed that involves a wide selection of our library content. Partnerships like these are high-margin opportunities to monetize our content library. We see a significant opportunity for continued growth here.

We are also stressing our relationships with traditional distributors by fueling the expansion of their products and services, including increased offerings across VOD, authenticated websites and apps and ITV. As we continue to innovate and expand our partnerships with our existing distributors, we are constantly evaluating new distribution opportunities for our content, both long and short form.

International growth is a key priority for Viacom. Over the last several years, we have made it a strategic priority to streamline and strengthen our international organization, pursue strategic initiatives and partnerships and launch more channels and more original programming to drive ratings and revenue. We're seeing real progress. As we said on the last call, we are well on our way to achieving our goal of 20-percent plus margins internationally in our next fiscal year.

The first quarter of fiscal 2012 was a very strong quarter for Viacom International Media Networks, driven by affiliate growth and expanded efficiencies. We see our affiliate growth continuing and ad sales growth returning as we move forward.

Our priority channels for global expansion showed strong ratings growth. Internationally, ratings at Nickelodeon and Comedy were up substantially. The EMAs, MTV's signature international tentpole, saw ratings up 37% across global markets. We successfully launched new comedy channels in Holland, India and Africa and yesterday, in Latin America. We'll be announcing more comedy launches soon.

We have also begun a number of consumer products initiatives. Consumer products is another area with significant upside over the next several years. Our pipeline is rich with character-driven content in Nickelodeon and our new Paramount Animation label that will help drive consumer products growth in the long-term.

Moving to ratings highlights at our domestic Media Networks. The first quarter of fiscal 2012 was MTV's highest-rated December quarter in 4 years and the network's eighth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth overall. MTV continues to assert itself as the cultural home of the millennial generation with a smart mix of original reality and scripted programming. Jersey Shore was the #1 show in MTV's target 12-34 demo every week it aired and returned this quarter with a premiere episode that attracted 7.6 million viewers. Teen Mom 2 was the #3 original cable series in the 12-34 demo for the quarter and new shows, Ridiculousness, Beavis and Butthead and breakout scripted-hit, Awkward, all placed among the top 25.

MTV also built on a social media dominance, finishing the first quarter as the #1 media network on Facebook, the #1 brand on Foursquare and Tumblr and the most social cable network of 2011 according to SocialGuide. In the current quarter, MTV will see the premieres of a new scripted series, I Just Want My Pants Back, which debuts tonight; the launch of a Jersey Shore spinoff with Pauly D; the return of pop-culture phenomenon, Punk'd and a new season of 16 & Pregnant.

Comedy Central continues to draw its core male audience with great original programming anchored by its dominant late-night block, which is stronger than ever with election 2012 gaining steam. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart turned in a historic performance in the 2011 calendar year, surpassing NBC's The Tonight Show as the #1 late-night show with viewers 18-49 for the first time ever.

For the quarter, The Daily Show and The Colbert Report were the highest-rated and most-watched late-night shows on all of television with male and total viewers aged 18-34. Newcomer, Workaholics, continued to build its fan base, finishing the calendar year as the #1 new comedy on all television with men 18-24. And finally, we renewed South Park through 2016, ensuring a milestone 20 seasons in a landmark animated series.

Comedy Central has great momentum in the current quarter as well. Just this week, we saw the strong season premiere of Tosh.0, which drew 3.1 million viewers as well as the series premiere of new sketch comedy show, Key & Peele, which drew 2.1 million total viewers, making it the biggest series launch on Comedy in more than 2 years.

Despite the measurement issues we mentioned on last quarter's call, Nickelodeon finished the fiscal quarter as the #1 cable network with both kids and total viewers for the 67th consecutive quarter, highlighted by the launch of Kung Fu Panda and the second installment in the Fred TV movie franchise, which averaged 7 million total viewers. On Nick at Nite, our third annual HALO Awards, honoring teens for their commitment to service, delivered the tentpoles' highest ratings ever with teens and tweens.

This fiscal year, Nickelodeon will premiere more than 500 episodes of original programming, more than ever before, and we will keep layering on new shows to rebuild our rating. The current quarter has been full of live-action premieres, including iCarly, which has attracted more than 4 million viewers in each of its 3 episodes this quarter and grown ratings in key kids 6-11 demo with each episode. House of Anubis ratings are also climbing steadily with ratings improving 10% in the week following its January premiere. Last Saturday, the premier of Victorious was the #1 program on cable, attracting 3.9 million viewers.

This Saturday, we premiere How to Rock, staring Cymphonique Miller and in March, we'll debut a new TV movie from Big Time Rush, who along with Fresh Beat Band, were 1 of 2 Nickelodeon kids music act to sell out a nationwide concert tour last quarter. Additionally, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. will have new episodes of their gold standard preschool educational programming such as Dora the Explorer and the Bubble Guppies and will launch new series, Mike the Knight and a new CG version of Franklin and friends. Nickelodeon will conclude the quarter with the Kid's Choice Award, hosted this year by Will Smith on March 31.

You can read Viacom's Q1 2012 Results Earnings Call Transcript in full here on the official Seeking Alpha website. Also, from The Associated Press via The Kansas City Star:

Viacom 1Q earnings shredded by 'Rock Band'

NEW YORK -- Viacom Inc., the owner of Paramount Pictures, MTV and Comedy Central, on Thursday posted a 65 percent drop in net income for the latest quarter, as it took a charge related to the "Rock Band" series of video games.

Revenue was below analyst estimates, sending its stock down.

Viacom earned $212 million, or 38 cents per share, in the October-December quarter, down from $610 million, or $1 per share, a year ago.

The New York-based company took a charge of $379 million to cover an arbitration award won by the original shareholders of Harmonix Music Systems Inc., which created "Rock Band."

The game let players take "Guitar Hero" one step further by connecting a drum-kit and a microphone to a game console, along with a guitar, and play and sing along to songs. It was hit when it came out in 2007, but its popularity faded quickly, along with that of "Guitar Hero."

Viacom had acquired Harmonix in 2006, but sold it back to its founders in 2010. The founders then sued, claiming that they were owed extra payments for the performance of "Rock Band" during its spell of popularity. They won an arbitration award of $383 million in December. Viacom is contesting it, but has set aside the money to cover the award, reflected in the charge to earnings.

Excluding the "Rock Band" charge, earnings were $1.06 per share in its fiscal first quarter, a penny above the average analyst estimate as polled by FactSet.

Operating income fell 2 percent as expenses outpaced revenue, which rose 3 percent to $3.95 billion from $3.83 billion. Analysts expected $3.99 billion, mainly because they were expecting advertising to hold up better.

After falling as much as 4.4 percent in morning trading, Viacom's Class B shares had mostly recovered by the afternoon, trading down 21cents at $46.76.

Paramount posted a small operating loss, reversing a small profit a year ago, mainly because it booked a one-time gain then from the sale of some movie distribution rights to Marvel Studios, part of The Walt Disney Co. Revenue rose slightly on strong box-office results from "Paranormal Activity 3" and "Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol."

At the TV networks, Viacom's larger and more profitable division, results were buoyed by an increase in fees from cable companies and online streaming services like Netflix. Advertising, the largest single source of revenue, declined 3 percent.
CEO Phillippe Dauman said ad sales would have grown except for a ratings dip at Nickelodeon, as measured by Nielsen Co. The apparent loss of viewers showed up in mid-September. Viacom said in November that it thought the dip was due to some sort of measurement error, and Dauman stuck to that explanation on Thursday.

For its part, Nielsen is sticking to its data, saying in a statement Thursday that it had found no problems with its methodology.

One explanation that has been floated by analysts is that the availability of older Nickelodeon shows on Netflix is digging into viewership. Dauman said he didn't think that was the case. The company gets viewer data from Netflix and didn't see a sudden spike in September, he told analysts on conference call after the release of the results.

"Big Time Rush" Delivers Great TV Ratings For Nickelodeon UK; "Big Time Rush" Hope To Hold More Concerts In The UK In 2012

From Music News:

Big Time Rush take on The Beatles

In their upcoming movie Big Time Rush get the chance to take on some of the most iconic Beatles tracks and here's what they had to say about it...

James "It's an amazing honour but we were also really nervous, we didn't want to screw it up, The Beatles are legendary."
Logan "Their work is timeless so to be able to sing and play along with that is a dream come true."
James "And the movie is a great opportunity to pass The Beatles music onto another generation."
Big Time Rush's album 'Elevate' is out 6th February!

Big Time Rush will also be hitting the road beginning late February 2012 on their first-ever headlining multi-city concert dates for the Better With U Tour. Fans will be able to see the music and TV sensations in major cities across the US including a major performance at New York's famed Radio City Music Hall. "We can't wait to go on the road for our 'Better With U' tour,' said Big Time Rush. 'We are so excited to perform songs off our new album for our fans." Special support act One Direction will join Big Time Rush beginning February 24th in Chicago. One Direction's debut single 'What Makes You Beautiful' became the fastest selling single of 2011 and debuted at #1 on the Official UK Charts.

Big Time Rush's social media profile has risen just as quickly, with an online community of almost 600,000 Twitter followers and more than 2.3 million Facebook users who really, really 'like' them.

The boy band visited the UK 3 times in 2011, selling out concerts at the 02 Shepherd's Bush Empire and Manchester Academy, signing albums at packed HMV stores across the country and bringing Westfield to a screaming standstill for a performance. Big Time Rush hope to return to the UK for more concerts in 2012 and to promote their new album Elevate.

Now in its second season TV series Big Time Rush follows four best friends from Minnesota who trade in their hockey sticks for music superstardom in Los Angeles. The show has been seen by 5.5 million people in the UK alone and Series 1 has started to air on ITV channels. The launch of the hit series on Nickelodeon was the most watched live-action series premiere in the network's history.

Elevate tracklisting:

1. Music Sounds Better With U (featuring Mann)
2. Show Me
3. All Over Again
4. No Idea
5. Cover Girl
6. Love Me Love Me
7. If I Ruled The World (featuring Iyaz)
8. Invisible
9. Time Of Our Life
10. Superstar
11. You're Not Alone
12. Elevate
13. Epic (UK bonus track)

Nickelodeon UK and Ireland have apologised to Nickelodeon Viewers and "Big Time Rush" fans on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonUK) after a female Nickelodeon continuity announcer called the Nickelodeon and "Big Time Rush" star Carlos Pena, Jr., who plays "Big Time Rush" character Carlos Garcia, "Ugly" over the weekend (Saturday 4th February 2012 and Sunday 5th February 2012):

Oops Carlos fans, we didnt mean to upset u! Our presenter [Nickelodeon Presenter] is mates with the boys & was having a laugh as hes obv [obviously] beautiful! #welovecarlos

Former Nickelodeon Staff Members Find New Roles At 'Red Kite Animation' And ZeptoLab

From Animation Insider:

Leanne Preston, a six-year veteran of Nickelodeon, joins Red Kite Animation (Edinburgh, Scotland) as Development Manager, where she will spend much of her time looking for new series and project concepts to add to the development clipboard. Red Kite is currently developing a promising children's series by the name of The Adventures of Bradley. Preston has already put a development strategy in place, according to the studio, and is looking to actively expand the company's intellectual property portfolio.

Over at ZeptoLab, Tanya Haider comes on board as Head of Licensing and Merchandising. ZeptoLab is a mobile gaming developer for iOS and Android-enabled platforms. Haider, by extension, will be tasked with building awareness and user support for the company's tentpole application (Cut the Rope) and its cartoony characters. Haider has already named Bob Traub (Established Brands Licensing) and Robert Miller (Studio Licensing) to help represent the brand in North America. Previously, Heider served with Nick and Viacom international consumer products.

During former Nickelodeon Development Executive Leanne Preston's time at the kids' network, Nickelodeon, she worked on the development and production of original content globally for a range of projects, including the successful the BAFTA nominated hit Nickelodeon show "House of Anubis", which is Nickelodeon's first US live action show to be produced outside of North America.

NCP UK And Eaglemoss Launch "Dora the Explorer Little Cooks Collection" In The UK; New Deals For "Fanboy & Chum Chum"

Posted (Tweeted) by Nick Jr. Channel UK and Ireland on their official Twitter profile page (@NickJrUK) about the Dora the Explorer Little Cooks Collection cooking and picnic collectible set:

Heard of the Dora Little Cooks magazine?It's a cooking-related magazine with recipes, activities and more.Find out more http://on.nickjr.co.uk/lc [direct link to Nick Jr. UK's official Dora the Explorer Little Cooks Collection website]

And:

#NickJrUK would love to know what you thought of Dora's #LittleCooks issue 1. Did your little ones enjoy making the recipes?

The 60-issue Dora the Explorer Little Cooks Collection cooking and picnic collectible set includes exclusive silicon bakeware and a "Dora the Explorer" plate and cutlery set while the accompanying "Dora the Explorer Little Cooks Collection" magazine contains stories, activities and challenges, as well as easy-to-make recipes, all of which have been tested and approved by a nutritionist.

Also, from Kidscreen:

New deals for Fanboy and Chum Chum

Nickelodeon’s CG-animated comedy Fanboy and Chum Chum has been picked up by a slew of international broadcasters.

The list includes SVT in Sweden (season one), NRK Norway (season two), BESTV in China (season one in an HD and non-HD Nickelodeon package deal), Wasu in China (season one and two in a VOD Nickelodeon package [Video On Demand Nickelodeon package]), Teletica in Costa Rica and Venevision in Venezuela (Nickelodeon package deals including Fanboy & Chum Chum episodes), Uruguay’s TeleDoce (season two), and Band TV in Brazil (season one and two).

The deals add to the brand’s growing expansion which also covers toys by Florida-based toy licensee Jazwares.

In another Nickelodeon deal, the new Dora the Explorer Little Cooks Collection has been launched in the UK after a deal landed between Nickelodeon Consumer Products and Eaglemoss Publishing Group.

The 60-edition partwork features Dora stories, activities, recipes, and accompanying cooking and picnic collectibles.

Nick Jr. UK and Ireland have put a few "Dora the Explorer Little Cooks Collection" recipes on the official Nick Jr. UK and Ireland website, including a recipe to make 'Banana Muffins', and recipes to make 'Super Snacks'.

Nick Junior Channels Around The World Catch Up With Chapman Entertainment's Preschool Series "Roary the Racing Car"

From C21Media:

Nick Jr nets catch up with Roary

International Nick Jr channels have acquired Chapman Entertainment preschool series Roary the Racing Car.

Viacom International Media Networks-owned (VIMN) Nick Jr channels in Europe (including Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg), Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway and Sweden), Germany, Spain and Italy), the Middle East, Asia (including India), Africa, Latin America and New Zealand will air season one (52x10’) of the air show following a deal with distributor Target Entertainment.

Season two, also 52x10’, has gone to Nickelodeon’s Scandinavian and Benelux channels. This follows a recent season two deal with Italian net Rai Yoyo. In the UK, the show still runs on commissioning net Channel 5.

Further Chapman deals brokered through Target’s head of sales Karen Wise see preschool series Raa Raa the Noisy Lion (52x10’) going to TVNZ (New Zealand), RUV (Iceland), EBS (Korea) and Hop! (Israel).

Season two of evergreen series Fifi and the Flowertots has gone to YLE (Finland) and season one has been re-licensed to ABC (Australia).

The news is a boon for both Target – which has unveiled a batch of deals in 2012 despite a Q4 profit warning from parent Metrodome – and Chapman, which was last year forced to cut staff and make redundancies in the facing of rising production costs.

Last week, C21 reported Chapman management and Edge Performance, the VC group that acquired a 27% stake in the firm in December, were in talks over how best to take the company forward with its financial situation secure.

Jesse Whittock
02-02-2012
©C21Media

Also, from Kidscreen:

Target revs up sales for Chapman titles

UK-based rights management business Target Entertainment has locked down a new multi-regional broadcast deal for Chapman Entertainment’s CG-animated preschool series Roary the Racing Car with Nickelodeon.

It has also inked new broadcast deals for preschool series Raa Raa the Noisy Lion and evergreen property Fifi and the Flowertots.

Series one of Roary the Racing Car (52 x 10 minutes) has been picked up by Nick Jr. channels in Europe (including Benelux, Scandinavia, Germany, Spain and Italy), the Middle East, Asia (including India), Africa, Latin America and New Zealand. Series two has been acquired for Nickelodeon’s Scandinavian and Benelux channels.

The series, which is narrated by Indy and NASCAR racer Sam Hornish Jr., has currently been sold to more than 150 territories including Rai Yoyo Italy (season two), as well as Rai, SVT Sweden and YLE Finland (renewal of series one). It also airs in the US on Sprout.

The deals for Raa Raa the Noisy Lion (52 x 10-minute) include TVNZ, RUV (Iceland), EBS (Korea) and Hop (Israel). The series, which debuted on CBeebies in 2011 and now reaches more than 60 territories, has also experienced a L&M rollout launched in the UK by Tomy in October 2011. The program will continue to rollout this spring at all major retailers.

Target’s Fifi and the Flowertots has been acquired by YLE Finland (series two) and ABC Australia has renewed series one.

Also, from Licensing.biz:

Chapman Entertainment bags new broadcast deals

Target Entertainment secures new multi-regional broadcast deal with Nickelodeon for Roary.

The first series of the 52 x ten-minute show has been licensed for broadcast by Nickelodeon’s international Nick Jr. Channels in Europe (including Benelux, Scandinavia, Germany, Spain and Italy), the Middle East, Asia (including India), Africa, Latin America and New Zealand.

Series two (52x10’) has also been acquired for Nickelodeon’s Scandinavian and Benelux feeds. The deals were brokered by Karen Wise, head of sales at Target Entertainment.

Other recent deals for Roary the Racing Car include a sale of series two to Rai Yoyo Italy, along with renewals of series 1 with Rai, SVT Sweden and YLE Finland.

With sales to over 150 territories, a nomination for a kids’ BAFTA and consistently ranking in the top five pre-school shows on Five Milkshake (UK), Roary shows no signs of slowing down.

Chapman Entertainment’s new pre-school series, Raa Raa the Noisy Lion has also received strong interest from international broadcasters and Target has now signed new deals with TVNZ, RUV Iceland, EBS Korea and Hop Israel taking global sales to now over 60 territories.

Fifi and the Flowertots continues to command significant enthusiasm from international broadcasters and Target has now signed Fifi’s second series to YLE Finland and has relicensed series 1 to ABC Australia where the show has performed consistently well since it launched seven years ago.

Target’s head of sales, Karen Wise, said: "The Chapman titles continue to grow in popularity around the world as demonstrated by this raft of recent deals for Roary, Raa Raa and Fifi.

"As well as being an established UK home for Roary, we are confident the series will resonate with Nick Jr. audiences around the world."

Chapman Entertainment’s director and co-founder, Andrew Haydon, added: "It’s wonderful to see our new property Raa Raa the Noisy Lion getting off to such a great start and of course its fantastic news that we have been able to secure Nickelodeon in multiple regions for Roary and of course to continue to sell our very first property Fifi and the Flowertots."

Nickelodeon USA To Debut One Direction's "What Makes You Beautiful" Music Video On North American Television On 11th February 2012

According to the following 'One Direction' press release on PRNewswire which was released by Columbia Records, Nickelodeon USA will be giving the North American television premiere of One Direction's music video for their single "What Makes You Beautiful" on Saturday 11th February 2012, as part of Nickelodeon USA's primetime Valentine's-themed "Crush Night" programming stunt slate of live-action premieres:

Groundswell of Fan Demand Moves One Direction Debut Album up to March 13th, 2012

DEBUT SINGLE "WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL" AVAILABLE DIGITALLY ON FEBRUARY 14TH

ONE DIRECTION TO APPEAR ON iCARLY, NICKELODEON'S TOP-RATED SHOW

NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to overwhelming fan demand, One Direction will now release their debut album, UP ALL NIGHT on March 13, 2012 via Syco/Columbia Records, previously scheduled for release one week later. The record-breaking UK #1 single, 'What Makes You Beautiful', will be released stateside digitally on February 14th. The video for "What Makes You Beautiful" has already garnered over 47 Million views on VEVO and will have its US broadcast premiere on Nickelodeon, Saturday, Feb. 11, during the network's primetime Valentine's-themed "Crush Night" slate of live-action premieres.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120202/NY46322)

Over the course of a few months, and eight challenges, Dallas has proven its immense love for UK breakout group One Direction and has won the right to host the band at a special event this March. With the innovative Bring 1D to U.S. campaign, fans from cities across the United States competed against rival cities for the right to bring One Direction to their respective hometowns. Weekly challenges were posted by the band through @Bring1DtoUS on Twitter, as well as on www.Bring1DtoUs.com, and points were awarded to the winning city. The city with the most points at the conclusion of the eight challenges would win a special visit from One Direction. Cities were neck and neck during the challenges, creating video submissions, submitting fan art, and placing their signatures on online petition site Twitition – setting a record for a Twitition! Although New York, Chicago, Los Angeles were among the toughest competitors, it was Dallas that emerged victorious in the end.

One Direction will be making an appearance in the fifth season of the top-rated Nickelodeon series iCarly. In "iGot Jungle Worms," set to premiere later this year, One Direction play themselves as special guests on Carly's web show and perform their infectious single 'What Makes You Beautiful.'

The band will join the North American leg of the Big Time Rush "Better With U" tour beginning February 24th in Chicago (see below for dates.) Tickets are on sale at www.ticketmaster.com.

One Direction are Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Harry Styles and Zayn Malik.

Pre-order available now

iTunes: http://bit.ly/sGhR74

Amazon: http://amzn.to/sQrNrW

Amazon (Deluxe Yearbook Edition): http://amzn.to/vfxzwF

"Better With U" Tour Dates

Date City Venue

Feb 24 Chicago, Rosemont Theatre

Feb 25 Detroit, Fox Theatre

Feb 26 Toronto, Air Canada Centre

Feb 28 Albany, NY, Palace Theatre

March 1 Mashantucket, CT, Foxwoods

March 2 Washington, DC, Patriot Center

March 3 Boston, Agganis Arena

March 6 Durham, NC, Durham PAC

March 7 Nashville, Bridgestone Arena

March 9 NYC, Radio City Music Hall

*More dates to be announced

For more info visit

http://www.onedirectionmusic.com

http://www.bring1dtous.com

SOURCE Columbia Records

RELATED LINKS
http://www.onedirectionmusic.com