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Kartoon Studios Partners With Samsung TV Plus to Launch Free Kids Streaming Channel in the U.S. and Canada

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Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) has announced a significant distribution expansion through a partnership with Samsung TV Plus, making Kartoon Channel! available to tens of millions of households across the United States and Canada. The channel will feature gaming-focused content including Kidaverse: Roblox Rumble, animations based on popular gaming franchises like Super Mario Bros. and Angry Birds, along with Kartoon Studios' originals such as Rainbow Rangers.

According to Todd Steinman, President of Toon Media Networks, this partnership aims to provide safe, curated entertainment for children. CEO Andy Heyward highlighted that Kartoon Channel currently ranks as the top children's viewing platform in the Apple app store, outperforming major competitors like Netflix and Disney+. The company expects this Samsung TV Plus partnership to drive further growth and profitability for Kartoon Studios.

Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) ha annunciato un'importante espansione della distribuzione attraverso una partnership con Samsung TV Plus, rendendo Kartoon Channel! disponibile per decine di milioni di famiglie negli Stati Uniti e in Canada. Il canale presenterà contenuti incentrati sui giochi, tra cui Kidaverse: Roblox Rumble, animazioni basate su franchise di giochi popolari come Super Mario Bros. e Angry Birds, insieme a produzioni originali di Kartoon Studios come Rainbow Rangers.

Secondo Todd Steinman, Presidente di Toon Media Networks, questa partnership mira a fornire intrattenimento sicuro e curato per i bambini. Il CEO Andy Heyward ha sottolineato che Kartoon Channel attualmente si posiziona come la principale piattaforma di visione per bambini nell'Apple app store, superando concorrenti di grande rilievo come Netflix e Disney+. L'azienda si aspetta che questa partnership con Samsung TV Plus favorisca ulteriormente la crescita e la redditività di Kartoon Studios.

Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) ha anunciado una importante expansión de distribución a través de una asociación con Samsung TV Plus, lo que hace que Kartoon Channel! esté disponible para decenas de millones de hogares en los Estados Unidos y Canadá. El canal contará con contenido enfocado en videojuegos, incluyendo Kidaverse: Roblox Rumble, animaciones basadas en franquicias de juegos populares como Super Mario Bros. y Angry Birds, junto con producciones originales de Kartoon Studios como Rainbow Rangers.

Según Todd Steinman, Presidente de Toon Media Networks, esta asociación tiene como objetivo proporcionar entretenimiento seguro y curado para los niños. El CEO Andy Heyward destacó que Kartoon Channel actualmente se clasifica como la principal plataforma de visualización infantil en la tienda de aplicaciones de Apple, superando a competidores importantes como Netflix y Disney+. La compañía espera que esta asociación con Samsung TV Plus impulse un mayor crecimiento y rentabilidad para Kartoon Studios.

카툰 스튜디오 (NYSE American: TOON)는 삼성 TV 플러스와의 파트너십을 통해 중요한 배급 확대를 발표하며, 카툰 채널!이 미국과 캐나다 전역의 수천만 가정에서 이용 가능해졌습니다. 이 채널은 Kidaverse: Roblox Rumble을 포함한 게임 중심의 콘텐츠와 슈퍼 마리오 브라더스, 앵그리 버드와 같은 인기 게임 프랜차이즈를 기반으로 한 애니메이션, 그리고 카툰 스튜디오의 오리지널 작품인 레인보우 레인저스 등을 선보일 예정입니다.

툰 미디어 네트워크의 사장인 토드 스타인만에 따르면, 이번 파트너십은 어린이를 위한 안전하고 엄선된 엔터테인먼트를 제공하는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다. CEO 앤디 헤이워드는 카툰 채널이 현재 애플 앱 스토어에서 어린이 시청 플랫폼 1위로 자리 잡고 있으며, 넷플릭스와 디즈니+와 같은 주요 경쟁자를 능가하고 있다고 강조했습니다. 회사는 이번 삼성 TV 플러스와의 파트너십이 카툰 스튜디오의 추가 성장과 수익성을 이끌 것으로 기대하고 있습니다.

Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) a annoncé une expansion significative de sa distribution grâce à un partenariat avec Samsung TV Plus, rendant Kartoon Channel! disponible pour des dizaines de millions de foyers aux États-Unis et au Canada. La chaîne proposera du contenu axé sur les jeux, y compris Kidaverse: Roblox Rumble, des animations basées sur des franchises de jeux populaires telles que Super Mario Bros. et Angry Birds, ainsi que des créations originales de Kartoon Studios comme Rainbow Rangers.

Selon Todd Steinman, Président de Toon Media Networks, ce partenariat vise à fournir un divertissement sûr et sélectionné pour les enfants. Le PDG Andy Heyward a souligné que Kartoon Channel se classe actuellement comme la principale plateforme de visionnage pour enfants dans l'App Store d'Apple, surpassant des concurrents majeurs tels que Netflix et Disney+. L'entreprise s'attend à ce que ce partenariat avec Samsung TV Plus stimule une croissance et une rentabilité supplémentaires pour Kartoon Studios.

Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) hat eine bedeutende Vertriebs-erweiterung durch eine Partnerschaft mit Samsung TV Plus angekündigt, wodurch Kartoon Channel! in Millionen von Haushalten in den Vereinigten Staaten und Kanada verfügbar ist. Der Kanal wird spielorientierte Inhalte präsentieren, darunter Kidaverse: Roblox Rumble, Animationen, die auf beliebten Spiele-Franchises wie Super Mario Bros. und Angry Birds basieren, sowie Originalproduktionen von Kartoon Studios wie Rainbow Rangers.

Laut Todd Steinman, Präsident von Toon Media Networks, zielt diese Partnerschaft darauf ab, sichere, kuratierte Unterhaltung für Kinder bereitzustellen. CEO Andy Heyward hob hervor, dass Kartoon Channel derzeit die führende Plattform für Kinderinhalte im Apple App Store ist und große Wettbewerber wie Netflix und Disney+ übertrifft. Das Unternehmen erwartet, dass diese Partnerschaft mit Samsung TV Plus weiteres Wachstum und Rentabilität für Kartoon Studios fördern wird.

Positive
  • Major distribution expansion reaching tens of millions of new households in US and Canada
  • Currently ranked as top children's viewing platform in Apple app store, ahead of Netflix and Disney+
  • Partnership with Samsung TV Plus expected to drive growth and profitability
Negative
  • None.

Insights

This Samsung TV Plus partnership marks a pivotal expansion for Kartoon Studios' distribution strategy, potentially transforming their revenue model and market position. The FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television) platform integration opens up significant monetization opportunities through advertising, with Samsung TV Plus reaching an estimated 24+ million active users monthly in North America.

The strategic focus on gaming-centric content, particularly Roblox-themed programming, demonstrates keen market awareness. Roblox boasts over 65 million daily active users, predominantly young audiences - exactly the demographic advertisers value highly. This content strategy could drive stronger engagement metrics and, consequently, higher ad revenue potential.

However, several critical factors warrant attention:

  • FAST platforms typically generate $1-3 CPM (cost per thousand views) for children's content, lower than traditional TV but offset by broader reach
  • The partnership lacks exclusivity provisions, meaning Kartoon must still compete for viewer attention against other children's content providers
  • Success will heavily depend on content refresh rates and marketing effectiveness within the Samsung ecosystem

The company's claim of outranking major streaming services in Apple's app store, while impressive, should be contextualized - rankings can fluctuate significantly and may reflect specific categories or temporary promotional success rather than sustained market dominance.

This deal represents a significant step toward expanding Kartoon's addressable market, but the real measure of success will be their ability to convert this expanded distribution into meaningful ad revenue growth and sustained viewer engagement.

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Kartoon Channel! Premieres to Tens of Millions of New Viewers Through One of the Largest Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (Fast) Platforms

Featured Programming Includes Gaming-Focused Content Such as Kidaverse: Roblox Rumble

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BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. , Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) today announced a major distribution expansion through a partnership with Samsung TV Plus – one of the world’s largest Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) platforms. Starting today, Kartoon Channel! is now available to tens of millions of households across the United States and Canada bringing family-friendly entertainment to connected Samsung TVs.

With gaming culture at the heart of today’s youth entertainment landscape, Kartoon Channel! is delivering premium, differentiated content that resonates with young audiences. The lineup includes Kidaverse: Roblox Rumble, a must-watch for fans of the global gaming phenomenon, alongside animation based on legendary videogame franchises such as Super Mario Bros., Angry Birds, and Talking Tom and Friends. The channel also features Kartoon Studios’ originals, including Rainbow Rangers, and classics like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Bakugan.

“Samsung TV Plus gives us an incredible opportunity to bring Kartoon Channel! to even more families across North America,” said Todd Steinman, President of Toon Media Networks. “Parents are looking for streaming options that are not only entertaining but also safe and curated for their children. Kartoon Channel! delivers exactly that, with a growing slate of engaging, family-friendly programming that kids love.”

Andy Heyward, CEO of Kartoon Studios, commented: "Kartoon Channel remains the top-ranked children's viewing platform in the Apple app store, outperforming Netflix, Disney+, PBS Kids, and YouTube Kids. We are excited to partner now with Samsung TV+, which we believe will fuel Kartoon Channel's growth and a tentpole of profit for Kartoon Studios."

About Kartoon Studios
Kartoon Studios (NYSE AMERICAN: TOON) is a global end-to-end creator, producer, distributor, marketer, and licensor of entertainment brands. The Company’s IP portfolio includes original animated content, including the Stan Lee brand, “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; “Shaq’s Garage,” starring Shaquille O’Neal, on Kartoon Channel!; “Rainbow Rangers” on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; the Netflix Original, “Llama Llama,” starring Jennifer Garner, and more.

In 2022, Kartoon Studios acquired Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media, along with its subsidiary, Mainframe Studios, produces top brands for third parties, including “Cocomelon,” “Barbie’s Playhouse,” Unicorn Academy,” and “SuperKitties.” Additionally, the company made a strategic investment becoming the largest shareholder in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment AG, one of Europe’s leading distributors and broadcasters of high-quality programs for children and families.

Toon Media Networks, the Company’s wholly-owned digital distribution network, consists of Kartoon Channel!, Frederator Network, and Ameba. Kartoon Channel! is a globally distributed entertainment platform. Kartoon Channel! and Ameba are available across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android Mobile, Web, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Pluto TV, Comcast, Cox, Dish, Sling TV, Android TV, Xbox, Tubi, Xumo, and Samsung and LG Smart TVs. Frederator Network owns and operates one of the largest global animation networks on YouTube, with channels featuring over 2000 exclusive creators and influencers, garnering billions of views annually.

For additional information, please visit www.kartoonstudios.com

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release and include statements regarding Samsung TV Plus giving the Company an opportunity to bring Kartoon Channel! to families across North America and partnering with Samsung TV+ fueling Kartoon Channel's growth. These forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation the success of the Kartoon Channel! on Samsung TV! and those other risk factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

MEDIA CONTACT:
pr@kartoonstudios.com

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:
ir@kartoonstudios.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b8acbb84-21a8-45de-ab23-52d3fcbc560f

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2962c5e7-0459-4c13-9d27-0002b53880f8


FAQ

What is the new distribution partnership announced by Kartoon Studios (TOON) in February 2024?

Kartoon Studios announced a partnership with Samsung TV Plus to launch Kartoon Channel! on their FAST platform, reaching tens of millions of households across the US and Canada.

What type of content will Kartoon Channel! offer on Samsung TV Plus?

The channel will offer gaming-focused content including Kidaverse: Roblox Rumble, animations based on gaming franchises like Super Mario Bros. and Angry Birds, plus original content like Rainbow Rangers.

How does Kartoon Channel! perform compared to other streaming platforms?

Kartoon Channel! is currently the top-ranked children's viewing platform in the Apple app store, outperforming Netflix, Disney+, PBS Kids, and YouTube Kids.

What is the expected impact of the Samsung TV Plus partnership on TOON's business?

The partnership is expected to fuel Kartoon Channel's growth and serve as a tentpole of profit for Kartoon Studios.

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