Following the recent news of Kartoon Channel’s continued profitability and paid subscriber growth trend in the U.S., Kartoon Studios’ announced the further expansion of the service outside the U.S., with its launch on a leading provider of high-speed next generation broadband ("NGBB") and cable TV in Indonesia, Link Net, reaching a potential audience of nearly 300 million in the world’s fourth most populous country.
A fully dedicated 24/7 Kartoon Channel is now available in English through Link Net, offering a diverse mix of children’s series and movies, including Kartoon Studios’ originals “Shaq’s Garage,” starring NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, “Llama Llama,” starring the voice talent of Jennifer Garner, “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, “Rainbow Rangers,” “Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab,” and live-action gaming competition series “Kidaverse Roblox Rumble,” as well as licensed classic hit content and characters such as “Sonic the Hedgehog,” “Super Mario Bros.,” “Paddington Bear,” “Gigantosaurus,” “Zorro The Chronicles,” “Inspector Gadget,” and “Yu-Gi-Oh.” Kartoon Channel also features daily family movies and special theme days every month.
Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO of Kartoon Studios commented: “When I first met Paul Robinson, he was Managing Director of Disney Channel Worldwide and was responsible for its global build-out to become the most important children platform in the world. Now, as global head of distribution for Kartoon Studios, that is precisely what Paul is working on today. His growing success with Kartoon Channel Worldwide now adds to the profitability and growth of Kartoon Channel in the U.S., as Kartoon Channel Worldwide positions itself to be the standard of quality and safety for children everywhere. With that said, we are thrilled to announce our ongoing expansion of Kartoon Channel in leading and emerging markets around the world with the latest launch in the Indonesian market on Link Net. This most recent platform debut in Southeast Asia is a strategic move that offers significant growth potential and value for our company and stakeholders, providing us with access to a vast audience of young viewers in one of the largest populations in the world. Indonesia’s growing middle class and increasing internet penetration support a strong demand for quality entertainment and we are excited to offer just that.”
Heyward added: “Expanding into Indonesia increases and diversifies our revenue streams, reducing reliance on existing markets, and this geographical diversification strengthens our financial stability and opens up new avenues for growth for Kartoon Channel across the globe.”
Paul Robinson, President of Kartoon Channel Worldwide & Head of International Distribution stated: “We are thrilled to report that Kartoon Channel now reaches 57 countries around the world with fully dedicated channels, as well as branded programming blocks in many regions. Entering a new market in Indonesia with Link Net further enhances our global brand recognition and continues to build our reputation with media partners and audiences, as well as sets the stage for further expansions in the Asia-Pacific region. We are rapidly becoming the go-to destination for kids and families by offering family-friendly, safe content that not only entertains but provides value-driven entertainment. Kartoon Channel’s expansion into Indonesia is a pivotal step in our international growth strategy, and we are excited about the prospects this new market brings.”
Kartoon Studios announced last week that after four years of investment in content, infrastructure, and marketing, Kartoon Channel in the U.S. reached breakeven at the end of 2023 and became profitable in Q1 2024, with continuing growth month by month. Kartoon Channel ’s paid subscriber growth on Amazon Prime Video surged by 120%. from June 2023 – June 2024. Over the same time period, the platform achieved a 28% year-over-year growth in paid direct-to-consumer streaming subscribers across all its streaming services which include Apple iOS, Amazon Prime, Amazon Fire, Android TV, Android Mobile, Tubi, Roku, Pluto, Xumo, Comcast, Cox, Dish, Sling, Samsung, and LG Smart TVs.