Warner Bros. Discovery Launches First Kids-Focused Free Streaming Channel in Partnership with Etisalat's StarzOn Platform
Dubai, U.A.E, 1st July 2025 – In a significant advancement for children’s media, Warner Bros. Discovery has officially launched its first-ever kids-oriented Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channel, in collaboration with Etisalat’s StarzOn platform. This development, which went live on July 1, 2025, represents a transformative milestone in the availability of premium children’s content, providing families worldwide with unprecedented access to beloved animated series without the burden of subscription fees.
The new channel offers an around-the-clock programming schedule, featuring a carefully curated selection of both classic and contemporary animated content from Warner Bros. Discovery’s extensive library. At launch, viewers can anticipate the debut of iconic titles like the mischievous duo Tom & Jerry, the whimsical Gumball, the action-packed Ben 10, the heroics of Teen Titans Go, and the adventurous Scooby-Doo. To enhance viewer engagement and retention, the programming will be refreshed quarterly, resulting in a consistently dynamic viewing experience that caters to the preferences of today’s young audiences.
Programming Highlights
The channel’s initial lineup promises to captivate young audiences with an array of beloved characters, allowing families to enjoy nostalgic favorites alongside new hits. The schedule will include, but is not limited to:
– Tom & Jerry: The timeless cat-and-mouse antics that have delighted viewers for generations.
– Gumball: A humorous portrayal of family life through the eyes of a blue cat.
– Ben 10: An action-packed series that follows a young boy’s adventures with an alien device that allows him to transform into various superheroes.
– Teen Titans Go: A light-hearted take on the lives of teenage superheroes as they navigate everyday challenges.
– Scooby-Doo: The classic mystery-solving team, featuring a talking Great Dane and his teenage companions.
Sean Gorman, the Vice President of Pay TV Networks for Kids in EMEA, expressed enthusiasm regarding the launch. “This introduction marks a pivotal moment in how we connect with our youngest fans in the MENA region. We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Etisalat on a pioneering FAST channel that not only brings our most iconic characters into homes but does so in a format that fits the modern viewing habits of kids and families alike,” he stated. “It’s an exciting step towards ensuring that our content remains accessible, engaging, and inclusive for audiences of all ages.”
Implications for the Media Landscape
The collaboration between Warner Bros. Discovery and Etisalat illustrates a strategic alignment aimed at enhancing the delivery of high-quality entertainment in the MENA region. By leveraging the innovative StarzOn platform, this partnership aims to reach millions of households, significantly impacting the accessibility of children’s programming.
This venture embodies Warner Bros. Discovery’s broader mission to democratize world-class storytelling, ensuring that the wealth of its content reaches diverse audiences around the globe. Furthermore, it underscores Etisalat’s commitment to pioneering advancements in digital media, enhancing customer experiences, and fostering media accessibility.
With the integration of free streaming services into the media landscape, families are presented with more choices than ever before. This growth reflects a shift in consumer preferences toward on-demand content, particularly among younger audiences who favor accessibility and flexibility in their viewing habits.
Looking Ahead
As this free streaming channel embarks on its journey, both Warner Bros. Discovery and Etisalat appear poised to capitalize on the evolving trends in media consumption. As the demand for child-appropriate content grows, the continual refreshing of the channel’s programming will play a crucial role in maintaining viewer interest and engagement.
The establishment of this platform not only fulfills market needs but also fosters a community of children’s entertainment that spans cultural and regional boundaries, paving the way for future innovations in streaming and content delivery.
Through this groundbreaking initiative, both companies have committed not just to providing entertainment, but to enhancing the educational and social experiences of the younger generation in the MENA region and beyond.
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