Disney/ABC Television, Corus Entertainment to Create Millennial Channel

Oct. 26, 2011 — -- Disney/ABC Television Group and Corus Entertainment today announced that they have entered into a licensing agreement to launch new channel, called ABC Spark, aimed at millennial viewers that will launch in Canada next spring.

ABC Spark will be programmed to become destination for Canada's young adult millennial viewers, "telling stories that matter most to this audience while utilizing the technology millennials rely on to connect to their world in a corresponding multi-platform offering," according to a statement announcing the detail today.

"We are very pleased to work with Corus in bringing ABC Family's well-known, popular programming into the Canadian marketplace," Janice Marinelli, president, Disney-ABC Domestic Television, said in the statement.

The companies say that "millennials" -- defined as the generation comprised of 15- to 34 year-olds -- comprise more than 1.7 billion consumers worldwide and represent the largest demographic bubble in both U.S. and Canadian history. Millennials constitute over 85 million in the U.S., and in Canada, there are nearly 10 million millennials -- more than 30 percent of the country's current population.

"We are thrilled to partner with Disney/ABC Television Group and to announce the launch of ABC Spark in Canada, a network with values and attributes that align with our own," said Doug Murphy, President, Corus Television. "Bridging the gap between our kids and women's networks, ABC Spark will be a national service with compelling programming directed at the fast-expanding millennial generation."

Disney/ABC Television Group produces programming aimed at a millennial audience through ABC Family, which it says has experienced seven consecutive years of growth. Corus Entertainment is a Canadian media company that specializes in television and radio.

This expansive licensing agreement marks the first time in history that the two companies have entered into this type of licensing agreement for a 24-hour channel.