New SVOD kids platform preps for launch

Upcoming North American SVOD service Kidoodle.TV has acquired 800 hours of content from kids content distributor DHX Media.

The platform is set to launch in the summer and aims to offer a slate of entertainment and educational series to children via a subscription.

To this end, it has bought DHX-sold shows including Inspector Gadget, Rastamouse, Strawberry Shortcake, Busytown Mysteries, Bo on the GO! and Franny’s Feet.

“The license agreement with DHX Media strengthens the Kidoodle.TV offering with one of the largest children’s video libraries of high quality popular branded titles,” said Dan Lowe, CEO of a Parent Media Co, Kidoodle’s owner.

DHX’s senior VP, distribution, Josh Scherba, called the deal “a major coup”.

Elsewhere, DHX Media has licensed non-exclusive Nordic SVOD rights for Inspector Gadget to Nordisk Film Production, and titles such as Franny’s Feet and Hurray for Huckle to recently launched German SVOD service Watchever, which is owned by Vivendi.

Indian SVOD service Qwik Entertainment has licensed more than 225 half hours of programming, including The Adventures of Paddington Bear and Dennis the Menace, while South Africa’s Triplay Digital Content has bought VOD rights shows such as Callilou and Mona the Vampire for DSTVO.