Fujisankei Communications Group
Kindernet began as an idea by Dennis Livson, a Finnish producer and distributor of animated programmes, in the 1970s. He explained that, at the time, children's programmes made for television were too violent for young viewers. He therefore started a network with so called "violence-free" cartoons. Its first logo reflected the childish aesthetic. The network is finally launched through satellite (Intelsat V 27.5 degrees West) and some cable networks on 1 March 1988. It was founded and owned by Livson's production company Telecable Benelux B.V. with financing by British retailer W H Smith and Japanese company Fuji Eight of the Fujisankei Communications Group. Due to most days, commercial television was not allowed by Dutch law, the Dutch network was broadcast via Luxembourg and England, and is considered to be the first commercial television network in the Netherlands.