ABC Cable's planning to connect the world with action in 2004.
In probably one of the boldest endeavors in a long time, ABC Family, Toon Disney, and the international Fox Kids channels are united by a single brand starting in February.
They call it Jetix.
Jetix will take over the action blocks of ABC Family as well as invade the primetime lineup of Toon Disney starting on February 14. Meanwhile, the phasing out of the Fox Kids name will be complete as the Jetix brand will be introduced as a block in Europe, India, and Latin America before the Jetix name completely takes over the network heart and soul.
So, what is Jetix?
In the press release, ABC Cable pointed out that Jetix will be the home of action-animation on both ABC Family and Toon Disney, as well as be the cable destination for the much anticipated Power Rangers Dino Thunder. Obviously they're trying to make a recognizable and marketable franchise that'll be known around the world. Apparently, ABC Cable is trying to make a brand that's synonymous with action on their networks, and with a name like Jetix (about that name, the press release explained that name was chosen because it could stand for action and adventure without language barrier; Jetix is a weird name, but what do I know, I've been pimping another action block with an unseemly name around these parts for almost six years). It's nice that they're going to go global with the new brand, but it still doesn't explain what Jetix is.
Idealistically, Jetix could be the brand that brings real change to both ABC Family and Toon Disney. Heck, it could even make Disney go into their vaults and pluck out a few action properties from their Saban, Marvel, and older Disney holdings as well as acquire and develop newer action-oriented projects. Who knows, maybe it'll give Toon Disney a reason to put Gargoyles on in a decent slot?
Regardless, with Jetix, ABC Family and Toon Disney should shake away the shackles of being cutesy without limitations. It could become a grand experiment if it's done right, and it could become a greater experiment if they learn to showcase the series they've neglected as well as develop quality action franchises. Otherwise, it'll crash and burn like other minor action blocks like Nick's Slam.
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Jeff Harris,
The X Bridge Creator/Webmaster
January 8, 2004
