Nickelodeon channels gear up with summer offerings

From new shows to new seasons of evergreen hit shows, new movies and a whole host of interactivity, the franchise claims to offer something for everyone, from tots to teens.

This summer, the Nickelodeon franchise comprising of Nick, Sonic and Nick Jr., is rolling out a programming line up replete with comedy, action and edutainment and interactive campaigns on-air, on-ground and online.

From new shows to new seasons of the evergreen hit shows, new movies and a whole host of interactivity, the franchise claims to offer something for everyone, from tots to teens.

On Nick, "'Funny Rules' brings an all new line up of programming along with an interactive campaign to engage Nicksters. The channel will launch a new season of its home-grown chase comedy 'Pakdam Pakdai' and newer episodes of 'Motu Patlu'. Nick also plans to launch 'Rabbids', a new show that will show rabbits causing a lot of mischief.

In addition, Nick will air the third movie from its home production 'Motu Patlu'. Titled 'Motu Patlu Deep Sea Adventure', the movie will be telecast on May 18 at 10 am.

In order to promote the programming, Nick will launch 'Nickelodeon Comedy Elections', a one-of-its-kind campaign in which kids get a chance to vote for their favourite show - Motu Patlu and Pakdam Pakdai. If their show gets the maximum votes, they stand to win goodies like mobile phones and PSPs.

According to the channel, in order to participate, kids need to watch Motu Patlu and Pakdam Pakdai between 6 to 7 pm daily and voice their choice through SMS to 56882 or dial 5056882 from Vodafone, Aircel, Airtel, Idea, Reliance, Tata mobile and Airtel landline/ 1255568 from BSNL landline, mobile and MTNL mobile and even vote online.

This month-long initiative will be supported by a robust 360 degree marketing campaign that will target kids though cross-channel promotions, on-ground mall activities across Delhi and Mumbai and a digital campaign. In order to target popular touch points frequented by kids, numerous mall activations and meet and greet with Motu Patlu are planned at leading malls of Mumbai and Delhi. The channel is also partnering with leading retail outlets like Hamleys.

The 'Nickelodeon Comedy Elections' campaign finds its route online as well via a Facebook app where the kids can log on to Nick India and vote for their party. There is more from the house of Nick India with the 'Nickelodeon Cricket Academy'. The online platform replete with cricket matches of Motu Patlu, toon trivia and fun facts will keep kids updated on India's favourite sport, the channel says.

Nina Elavia Jaipuria, EVP and business head, Kids Cluster, Viacom18 Media, says, "Summer is all about fun and excitement. We have left no stone unturned in engaging the kids at a time, place and screen convenient to them. The loved famous duo, Motu and Patlu, will engage kids with new episodes and a television special on-air, play cricket online, meet and greet fans on-ground and even form a party of their own."

Sonic, meanwhile, is all set to give kids a "power packed" holiday with new shows like Power Rangers Mega Force, Koni Chan and Naruto Rock Lee SD. The channel will also air a television special titled The Turboosters, an action movie for fanatics of adventure and science fiction.

Starting May 19, 'Sonic Action Mania', an interactive marketing initiative from Sonic, will invite fans to watch Power Rangers - Mega Force; Idaten Jump, a popular series that revolves around a young boy Sho Yamato and his love for mountain biking; and Supa Strikas, a series about the world's great football team, everyday from 1 pm to 3 pm and win prizes.

The initiative will be given wings through an all-encompassing marketing plan that will be brought to life through cross-channel TV promotion, van activations across multiple cities, strategic on-ground alliances and a comprehensive online campaign. Since summer holidays and gaming consoles go hand in hand, Sonic has also planned an exciting gaming championship in partnership with Funcity.

Sonic will continue to keep the online audience busy with the 'Kung Fu Panda - Watch-n-Win' contest this season.

Jaipuria adds, "For the action-loving generation, Sonic packs the summer with the best of action, sports and adventure. Be it a football game, biking adventure or sheer good over evil action, Sonic is the ultimate destination where kids will experience real action this summer."

Nick Jr. will engage toddlers and parents as the channel launches all-new episodes of Dora the Explorer and new shows that include 'Peter Rabbit', 'Max & Ruby' and 'Tickety Toc'. It will continue to help tots learn and develop new skills in a way that is entertaining as well as warm and caring.