"Big news out of SOAPnet today gang. We're sure you've read or heard some of it, but we've got the official word.
Disney/ABC Television Group has announced plans for a new channel, Disney Junior, a 24-hour network for preschoolers and their families. Its launch is planned for 2012, at which point it will take over SOAPnet's spot on your program guides.
What does this mean for SOAPnet fans? Here goes:
1. You get 18 more months of SOAPnet programming, including encore presentations of All My Children, General Hospital, One Life to Live, and The Young and the Restless, as well as Beverly Hills, 90210, One Tree Hill, and a third season of the critically-acclaimed original, Being Erica.
2. ABC and ABC.com are dedicated to remaining the home for the very best in daytime programming – All My Children, General Hospital, One Life to Live, and The View.
3. Full episodes of all ABC Daytime shows will be available online, allowing current SOAPnet viewers who are unable to catch them on-air to stay on top of their favorite series." -SOAPnet.go.com
In a press release, Disney co-chair Anne Sweeney explained the decision, saying:
"The launch of Disney Junior in the U.S. is the next step in our global preschool strategy, which began 10 years ago with the premiere of our first dedicated preschool channel in the UK. The decision to ultimately transition SOAPnet to accomplish this was not arrived at lightly. SOAPnet was created in 2000 to give daytime viewers the ability to watch time-shifted soaps, before multiplatform viewing and DVRs were part of our vocabulary. But today, as technology and our businesses evolve, it makes more sense to align this distribution with a preschool channel that builds on the core strengths of our company."
SOAPnet Says:
"It's been a wonderful 10 years with you, SOAPnet fans. We look forward to two more, and of course, we’ll see you at ABC!"