Celestial launches Miao Mi kids channel

Celestial Tiger Entertainment has rolled out its preschool channel Miao Mi, securing carriage for the new service on the PT MNC Sky Vision platform in Indonesia.

Celestial, which is backed by Saban and Lionsgate, created Mandarin-language Miao Mi specifically to reach out to Asian viewers and to provide an alternative to the big international nets – Cartoon Network, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

Celestial said this is the first of several Asian launches planned for Miao Mi across Asia this year.

The firm’s executive VP, TV networks, Ofanny Choi, said: “There are many Western kids channels in the market and we passionately believe Miao Mi offers a high-quality alternative to subscribers with its carefully curated programs that entertain children with a unique Asian perspective.”

“The channel also encourages kids to learn Mandarin through its dual Mandarin and Bahasa Indonesia audio tracks and its dedicated Miao Mi Classroom time belts [an educational block].”

On Indovision the channel will be in the pay TV operator’s Galaxy, Super Galaxy, and Venus packs and on the basic package of its siters DTH service Okevision.

“We are very happy to have Miao Mi on board our platform, where kids can enjoy the best Mandarin educational and entertainment content,” said Yudha Wibawa, deputy CEO and managing director of Indovision parent company MNC Skyvision. “We hope, through this channel, Indonesian children can learn to speak Mandarin in a fun and entertaining way.”

Shows on the new channel include Star Babies, Secret Y, and Happy Friends and Little Rabbit’s Kung Fu Academy.

Celestial Tiger boss Todd Miller told TBI about the company’s plans for the channel late last year. The full interview can be read here