Teletoon is launching a French-language version of its Retro cartoon channel in September, a move that will up its reach to 5.8 million subscribers. A deal with Vidéotron will see both the French and English channels offered in the Telemax package in Quebec. Additional carriage is currently being secured for the new French-language channel.

The tooncaster will promote the fall launch by airing Bugs Bunny et Tweety Saturday and Sunday nights at 7 p.m. on the French Télétoon, starting July 5.

Télétoon Rétro will deliver classic cartoons such as Rémi sans famille, Les amis Ratons (The Raccoons), The Tom & Jerry Show and The Bugs Bunny and Tweety Show.

‘From day one Teletoon Retro has been an unprecedented success and launching a French channel has always been part of our plans,’ says Teletoon Canada president Len Cochrane. ‘It is enormously satisfying to be bringing cartoon favorites to francophone homes, and I’m sure that this new channel will prove to be just as popular as its English counterpart.’

Teletoon Retro launched on Oct. 1 and now ranks as the number two digital specialty with audiences 2+, according to Nielsen Media Research. It is number one with moms (women 18-49) and kids (aged 2-5) as a co-viewing destination, and is number one with teenagers (aged 12-17).

From Media in Canada