October, 2002 - America's kids have a new entertainment obsession. After achieving massive success in Japan, BEYBLADE is capturing kids across the U.S. in record numbers. An action adventure animated series with a sports competition theme, BEYBLADE airs daily on ABC Family as one of the new cable network's highest rated shows.
In addition to watching BEYBLADE, kids are also living it - as the Hasbro BEYBLADE line of ultra-cool spinning tops rank among the hottest toys of the year.
With the battle cry "Let it rip," kids are spinning their BEYBLADE tops in one-on-one and group competitions throughout the country. When they're not playing with the BEYBLADE tops, they're watching the television show - not only to watch the continuing adventures of the BEYBLADE champions, but to pick up important tips and techniques to improve their own skills.
As a programming staple on ABC Family, BEYBLADE has had a profound impact on the network's all-important boys 6-11 demographic, increasing its time period - and emerging as a top-ranked series against both broadcast and cable kid competition.
Behind the BEYBLADE phenomenon is leading kids entertainment studio Nelvana, a company globally recognized for its commitment to quality children's programming for three decades. Responsible for such high-profile, multi award-winning animated series as Babar, Franklin, Maurice Sendak's Little Bears, Rolie Polie Olie and Pelswick - just to mention a few - Nelvana is fast becoming a powerhouse in action-driven kids television with such new animated series as BEYBLADE and Medabots.
BEYBLADE made its U.S. bow with an impressive introduction by Hasbro, which launched the toy top nationwide during first quarter 2002. Acquired by Nelvana from d-rights, the animated series tells the story of a boy who learns to harness the power of his ancestors to perfect his technique in the sport of BEYBLADE.
Corus Entertainment is a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is Canada's market leader in both specialty TV and Radio. Corus also owns Nelvana Limited, one of the world's largest international producers and distributors of children's programming and products. The company's other interests include music, television broadcasting and advertising services. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto (CJR.B) and New York (CJR) Exchanges. Corus' Web site can be found at corusentertainment.com.
