Zonemedia developing 'superheroes' brand

Zonemedia is believed to be developing a kids channel called Zone Superheroes for the UK market.

According to Broadcast, the company is currently trying to obtain the rights to major cartoon brands for the channel. Plans are said to "in the early stages" and no formal decision has been made.

The company already operates on the Sky platform with channels like Zone Reality and Zone Horror. Zonemedia is owned by Chellomedia, the European content division of cable operator Liberty Global.

This week it announced the appointment of former Discovery Channel executive Monica Chard as global advertising sales director, with the responsibility of identifying new advertising opportunities throughout the Zonemedia portfolio of channels.

Dermot Shortt, chief executive for Zonemedia said: "This is a key appointment for Zonemedia, advertising promotion and revenue are vital for channels - whether they be large commercial broadcasters or smaller niche operators – and Monica brings the experience, knowledge and contacts which will allow us to offer impressive added value to the channels we represent."