Chello’s JimJam buys Irish toon Punky

Chello Zone has acquired Irish preschool series Punky from international distribution company Monster Entertainment. The deal also includes the relicensing of Slim Pig.

Punky (left) will launch on Chello-owned children’s channel JimJam in the Benelux region this month. It tells the stories of a spirited young girl with Down Syndrome and comes from Lindsay J. Sedgewick. The deal marks the first time the show has been seen outside of the UK and Ireland.

Three seasons of the 13x7mins/13x30mins Canadian-produced Slim Jim will launch across JimJam’s pan-European and Italian channel feeds.

JimJam’s Channel Manager, Charlotte Wood, said: “We’re thrilled that these original and captivating new series will be joining the JimJam line-up for young audiences to enjoy. Slim Pig and Punky both offer something new for the channel, educating and entertaining viewers around the world in a fun and playful way.

“Punky is a particularly important acquisition for us as it is the first animated series focusing on a character with Down Syndrome. We hope that making the series more available to audiences across Benelux will help create an increased awareness and acceptance of this genetic disorder amongst children.”