K2 (TV channel)

K2 is an Italian free-to-air television channel owned by Discovery Networks Europe. Its registered office is in Rome. It launched on 1 October 2004 as an analogue terrestrial television channel managed by the Italian subsidiary of Fox Kids Europe, Fox Kids Italy S.r.l.

K2
CountryItaly
Broadcast areaItaly
NetworkTelenuovo, Super 3, NuovaRete, Telecapri, Telequattro, Telefriuli
HeadquartersRome
Programming
Language(s)Italian
English
Picture format576i 16:9 (SDTV)
Ownership
OwnerJetix Italy S.r.l. (Jetix Europe) (2004-2009)
Switchover Media (2009-2013)
Discovery Italia (2013-present)
Sister channelsNove
DMAX
Food Network
Frisbee
Giallo
HGTV
Motor Trend
Real Time
History
LaunchedOctober 1, 2004 (2004-10-01) (block)
June 15, 2009 (2009-06-15) (channel)
ReplacedFox Kids (Block)
Former namesK-2 (Block)
Links
Websitewww.k2tv.it
Availability
Terrestrial
DigitalLCN 41
Satellite
Hot Bird 812322 / 27500 / 3/4 H
AtlanticBird 112515 / 17455 / 3/4 H
Sky ItaliaChannel 626
IPTV
TV di FASTWEBChannel 66

History

K2 was launched on 1 October 2004 as an analogue-based block, which was syndicated in other Italian regional television stations, replacing Fox Kids in the process during its rebrand into Jetix.[1] In 2009, it was launched as its own digital terrestrial television channel.[2]

Due to Disney's decision to rebrand the Jetix Europe operation under the Disney XD brand umbrella, the Italian subsidiary of Jetix Europe, Jetix Italy S.r.l., bought the Italian Jetix network, renamed itself as Switchover Media, agreed to let the Jetix Italy channel rebrand itself to Disney XD Italy, and purchased K-2 and GXT from Jetix Europe in June 2009.[3][4] With the acquisition of Switchover Media in January 2013 by Discovery Communications, K2 began to be managed by Discovery EMEA.[5]

Programs

The channel is programmed for different age groups throughout the day. Preschool programming is on In the early mornings and early afternoons with shows like Babar (Only Episodes 1-13, 2010). The preteen and teenage age groups is the focus in the afternoon with action and comedy series mix including Pokémon, The Fairly OddParents (also on Nickelodeon), Mr. Bean (also airing on Boomerang) and Sabrina. Families is the focus during primetime hours with programming like The Cosby Show with animated series such as Total Drama Action and game shows Wipeout and American Gladiators.[6]

Movies

From 2011 to 2013, the channel broadcast movies from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and DIC Entertainment.

References
  1. "Jetix Europe Srl: K-2, la nuova TV dei ragazzi" [Jetix Europe Ltd.: K-2, kids' new TV]. E-Duesse (in Italian). Italy. 24 January 2005.
  2. "TV Channel: K2 (Italy)". MAVISE. European Audiovisual Observatory. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
  3. "Jetix Italy bosses buy GXT and K2 channels". digitaltveurope.net. July 16, 2009. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  4. Moody, Annemarie (July 15, 2009). "Jetix Italy Announces Management Buyout". AWN News. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
  5. "Discovery buys Italian broadcaster Switchover". January 15, 2013. January 15, 2013. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
  6. Calder, Kate (October 22, 2010). "New Italian kids channels bank on digital switchover". Kidscreen. Retrieved March 12, 2014.
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