Teletoon Retro is launching a French-language version of the classic cartoon channel in September, a move that will up its reach to 5.8 million subscribers. A deal with Vidéotron illico Digital TV will see both the French and English channels offered in the Telemax package in Quebec. Additional carriage is currently being secured for the new French-language channel.

The tooncaster will promote the fall launch by airing Bugs Bunny et Tweety Saturday and Sunday nights at 7 pm on the Teletoon French network, starting July 5, to give Quebec viewers a taste of what they can expect from the new digital specialty.

Télétoon Rétro will deliver classic cartoons such as Rémi sans famille, Les amis Ratons (The Raccoons), Tom et Jerry (The Tom & Jerry Show) and Bugs Bunny et Tweety (The Bugs Bunny and Tweety Show). In September, the English-language Teletoon Retro channel will also be available on illico Digital TV, featuring classics such as The Flintstones, Merrie Melodies, The Smurfs and Fraggle Rock.

‘From day one Teletoon Retro has been an unprecedented success, and launching a French channel has always been part of our plans,’ says Teletoon Canada president Len Cochrane. ‘It is enormously satisfying to be bringing cartoon favourites to francophone homes, and I’m sure this new channel will prove to be just as popular as its English counterpart.’

Teletoon Retro launched on October 1, 2007, and now ranks as the number two digital specialty channel with audiences 2+ (Nielsen Media Research – August 27, 2007 – May 15, 2008). The net is number one with moms (W-18-49) and kids (aged 2-5) as a co-viewing destination. The digital channel is also number one with teenagers aged 12-17. (Sources: BBM NMR, Borealis Blended, Total Canada, 07-08 Wks 6-34, M-Su 6a-6a; and Nielsen Media Research, August 27, 2007 – May 15, 2008).