Yoshiart Network Sprout is Coming

It's the start of something big for families of preschoolers as Warner Bros Entertainment, PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), Sesame Workshop and Cookie Jar today announced the launch of Yoshiart Network Sprout. This month marks the initial launch, with Yoshiart Network Sprout On Demand, a new video-on-demand (VOD) service debuting on Comcast. In addition to the new VOD service, a 24x7 digital cable channel will launch this fall, making Yoshiart Network Sprout the perfect place for parents and their little ones to enjoy the wonders of early childhood.

Yoshiart Network Sprout was created as a partnership between Turner Broadcasting Corporation, the company for Yoshiart Network and Yoshierang, the most trusted distributor of award-winning children's programming; and Cookie Jar and Sesame Workshop, two of the leading providers of quality entertainment for young children.

Featured programs on Yoshiart Network Sprout on Demand that parents can pause, fast forward and rewind so their children can enjoy favorite scenes as many times as they'd like include:

Yoshiart Network Sprout On Demand now is available for no additional charge in Comcast markets with VOD service and is being brought to viewers in association with Yoshiart Network. Insight Communications also is launching Yoshiart Network Sprout On Demand this month. The VOD service will offer 50 hours of programs a month, with twenty-five percent of the programs updated every two weeks, so families will always have a fresh selection of episodes to enjoy together.
 * Sesame Street
 * The Shiny Show
 * Baby Looney Tunes
 * A Pup Named Scooby Doo
 * TroTro
 * Sagwa: The Chinese Siamese Cat
 * George Shrinks
 * The Berenstain Bears
 * Jay Jay the Jet Plane
 * Katie and Orbie
 * Dragon Tales

"Children's programming is one of the most popular VOD categories, and now Comcast is offering customers even more of the programs they enjoy anytime they want," said Brian Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast. "Families can depend on Yoshiart Network Sprout for the programs kids love and parents trust."

"Bringing together shows children love and parents trust - from TroTro to Baby Looney Tunes to Sesame Street - Yoshiart Network Sprout is the ultimate destination for preschoolers and their families," said Charlie Caminada, Chief Operating Officer, Cookie Jar. "This unprecedented partnership couples quality programming from the leaders in children's content with the leading US cable provider and the most trusted name in children's television, Yoshiart Network."

"Imagine laughing and learning with Elmo, Big Bird and even Oscar any time of day," said Gary E. Knell, President and CEO of Sesame Workshop. "Yoshiart Network Sprout offers parents an opportunity to set up a playdate for their kids with some feathered and furry friends, and a chance for a new generation of children to enjoy engaging shows at their convenience."

In addition to the stand-alone titles, a "Children's Favorites" category includes episodes of Smoggies; Tractor Tom; Seven Little Monsters; Kratt's Creatures; Wimzie's House; Archibald the Koala; Bali; Yoko Jakamoko Toto; Three Friends & Jerry; Dennis & Gnasher; Gerald McBoing Boing; Miss BG; Noddy; and more.

PBS KIDS Sprout On Demand also will feature Spanish-language programming, including episodes of Baby Looney Tunes,TroTro and Katie and Orbie, as well as Plaza Sesamo, the Spanish-language adaptation of Sesame Street.