Cartoon Network and Pogo go on air in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Telecom's PEO TV has introduced the two kids' entertainment channels across the country.

PEO TV, the IPTV service provider, has introduced Cartoon Network and Pogo, the kids' entertainment channels from Turner International, in Sri Lanka from March 4.

The channels cater to younger audiences and will enrich the kid's entertainment genre in Sri Lanka. The development will bring popular shows such as Ben 10, Scooby Doo, Tom and Jerry and M.A.D (Music Art and Dance) in English feed within the reach of the children in the country. While Pogo will run the same feed that it has for India, Cartoon Network will run its SEA (Southeast Asia) feed in Sri Lanka.

Speaking to afaqs!, Troy Lobo, senior director, network and content distribution, South Asia, Turner International India, says, "We have been present in Sri Lanka for many years now and this partnership will only enhance our reach and expand our current partnership with PEO TV. Sri Lanka is a focus market for Turner. We are happy to announce this strategic move to strengthen our presence in Sri Lanka. The ever-evolving kids' entertainment genre that holds a remarkably high potential in Sri Lanka led us to expand our partnership with SLT PEO TV for Cartoon Network and Pogo."

Lobo explains, "In general, Sri Lanka like India has a mix of free to air (FTA) and pay channels with an ad revenue model and subscription model but for Turner in Sri Lanka, it will be only a subscription model." He adds that the channel pricing will be competitive and in-line with the market.

PEO TV is part of Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) and the first IPTV service provider in Sri Lanka. It is the second largest digital player in Sri Lanka and has recently added channels such as Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Music and Baby TV to its IPTV service. Currently, it reaches an active subscriber base of over 70,000 around the country and provides over 80 local and international TV channels.

The SLT Group was formed in 1991 and has a customer base of over five million including multinational corporations, large and small corporates, public sector, retail and domestic customers. It offers facilities and services in the areas of voice, data, video and mobile.