Disney Channel (Centralia)

**Disney Channel** was an Centraliese TV channel owned by Disney International Centralia. It was launched in 1985, with its headquarters being in Centralia.

## History

### Pre-launch (1977/78-1985)

Disney Channel's Centraliese operations was originated back sometime between 1977 to 1978, where the Walt Disney Productions' (now the Walt Disney Company) executive Jim Jimirro announced plans to launch a cable television channel in the United States, where the channel mainly airs material from the corporation, including cinematic shorts, television series and films. However, this led to the corporation's chairman, Card Walker made the idea postponed and instead made the deal with the Home Box Office to broadcast the corporation's library of cinematic shorts.

The idea was brought back in November 1981, where a partnership with Group W's satellite unit was formed. Group W left the joint-venture in September 1982, this led to the Walt Disney Productions being the only company to own the network, and had announced the launch of the family-oriented cable TV channel in early-1983. The channel was launched on 18 April 1983 in the United States at 7am ET with Good Morning, Mickey! (which was also one of the Centraliese feed former programmes).

### Launch and the early years (1985-1995)

Within its successful launch in the United States, Walt Disney Productions announced its plans to expand its channel worldwide, starting with Centralia. However, Centralia at the time also has ABC, which is based on a American TV channel where it was acquired by Disney in the future. The Disney Channel had signed up various programme distributors, including Claster Television, Children's Television Workshop and Henson Associates to supply its programming at launch.

However, Claster Television won a contract to supply their programming to the service, leading up to other programme distributors who contributed to supply their programming, got their own programmes at their Centraliese channels in the later years.

After successful connections with the cable TV provider Centralia Cable Vision, The Disney Channel was launched in Centralia by 1985 with the 1928 cinematic short Steamboat Willie as its very first programme (other programmes such as the Centraliese TV premiere of My Little Pony 'n Friends and the live celebration at Shizu Hotel was also aired), the channel was broadcast via the cable TV provider in Centralia and on satellites. At launch, programmes featured retransmitted airings of the American feed, while some of them were acquired from Claster Television. With the joint-venture with Claster ended, Bowling for Dollars was the last programme from Claster to remain its airing till 2005.

In 1986, The Disney Channel was rebranded featuring the Mickey Mouse's hands do other things that form the logo. The branding package was designed by Colossal Pictures (then a division of Wildbrain Entertainment, now-defunct). The logo now features an modified "Mickey Mouse TV" symbol with the lines being thin and the Mickey Mouse symbol matches the main character's head. "The Disney Channel" text was now in a Times New Roman font, while the "Disney" text was in the owner's logo.

In December 1994, Star Kids Jr. started its operations as JuniorTV, with the channel being owned by an Italian TV corporation which also owned the Italian TV channel of the same name.

### Rebrandings, timesharings and programmes (1995-2015)

In 1995, following the launch of the Taiwanese and British feeds, the channel was rebranded with the branding package being designed by British popular branding designer, Lambie-Nairn, led by Martin Lambie-Nairn himself. During the same year, it was timeshared with fellow Centraliese free-to-air channel CTV Four (now CTV Funny), with the hours being cut down to 9pm, while CTV Four broadcasts till 2am the next day. When all channels not broadcasted in the slot, an informative material about the channels was played.

In 1996, along with the Italian version, JuniorTV was rebranded as JTV, and re-focused from preschool content to only children's content, rivaling other kids TV channels at the time.

In 1997, The Disney Channel was rebranded as Disney Channel, following the launch of the French feed. The branding package was designed by Jus De Prod. During the same year, Buena Vista International Television's Centraliese unit formed a partnership with the Nine Network, providing programmes for the Disney Channel. The Disney Channel also featured Sabrina the Teenage Witch, with episodes being premiered the same day as the US at 6:30pm. The channel reduced its broadcasting hours to be starting and ending from 7am to 7pm, respectively.

In 1999, JTV was acquired by The Walt Disney Company Centralia, and during the same year, the Disney Channel was rebranded with the branding package being designed by French branding designer GÉDÉON. With the channel's relaunch it featured timeslots such as *Preschool Zone* (was titled as "Playhouse Disney" on-air, which will have its seperate channel in 2000) from 6:30am to 10am, *Kids Zone* from 10am to 6pm, and *Family Zone* from 6pm to 8pm.

In 2000, CTV4 stopped broadcasting on Disney Channel, leading to *Family Zone's* expansion to be starting at 7pm and to be ending at 7am the next day. During the same year, it introduced Playhouse Disney and Toon Disney, with Playhouse Disney taking up the channel space used by JTV (JTV's final programme was Dragon Ball and first programme when Playhouse Disney introduced to the region was Madeline) and Toon Disney being a seperate channel broadcasting the exact same programmes that were aired on the Disney Channel, with live-action programmes being non-existant.

On 12 November 2001, the channel lost its general use of the 25-minute mark, which were then used after movies.

In 2002, the channel changed its operations from being an free-to-air channel (which some of the programmes can be broadcasted to CTV and ABC), to an premium channel as part of the package, joining Toon Disney.

On 4 April 2003, Disney Channel Centralia aired 8 Simple Rules (with the christmas special already aired on 25 December 2002), Ace Lightning and Worst Best Friends just 2 months before the rebrand.

On 1 July 2003, the Centraliese channel was rebranded by an American branding designer CA Square (with Toon Disney rebrand was produced by the same designer CA Square, We Are Seventeen and BDA Creative, while Playhouse Disney's branding being designed by Beehive), with an four-note theme being composed by Alex Lasarenko, a former executive at Tonal Sound. The branding package was launched with the Centraliese TV premiere of The Even Stevens Movie.

The new branding package led to the introduction of the "Wand" IDs that became the main part of the channel's branding, with actors or/and characters from Disney Channel's shows being introduced by using their name, the show that the character/actor appeared on, and the line "and you're watching Disney Channel". After saying these lines, the actor/character draw the logo's outline by using a glowstick, and ending the bumper with the character/actor doing something humorous, or just smilling.

The "Wand" bumper package was originally developed in August 2002 at Storyville Productions in Venice, California and the bumpers were edited by Guillotine Post in Atlanta, Georgia. The bumper's music were composed by Tonal Sound and Elias Associates. Music, sound effects and visual effects were added to these bumpers during its post-production by PMcD Design in New York City.

On 16 October 2005, Disney Channel Centralia changed its operations from being an premium channel to an basic channel. This led to some programmes (including a remained-Claster show Bowling for Dollars) being removed.

In 2006, Toon Disney was relaunched as Disney Cinemagic, while keeping some of the animation and films.

In 2007, CTV "F" left Playhouse Disney's slot and Playhouse Disney moved to an basic channel; and on 1 September 2007, Disney Channel Centralia was rebranded with the new branding designed by New Wave Entertainment, and was led by Mary Synder. The branding follows the Centraliese TV premiere of a popular DCOM High School Musical 2. The "Ribbon" era in Centralia was first spotted on the High School Musical-themed marathon promo before the rebrand, which was set to premiere on the channel's rebranding and the premiere of High School Musical 2. This also led to the premiere of the American As the Bell Rings after the second-run of the marathon.

In 2009, airings of Disney Channel Originals in the channel had their "Disney Channel Originals" logo music changed to the next bumpers' music. In fact, this only comply with episodes that had released after the slight logo change. For example, in the season 3 of Hannah Montana, the 2000 logo music was replaced with the techno-pop music of the Disney Channel's Hannah Montana bumper.

In 2010, Jetix was rebranded as Disney XD with the Phineas and Ferb episode Dude, We're Getting the Band Back Together! as its first programme, while Jetix Play became the one-hour timeshifted version of the Playhouse Disney Channel.

In 2011, it was rebranded with the branding package (the package details can be seen in the section "Disney Channel Logo Refresh with On-Air Package Sample") being designed by Pembrook Creative, while Beautiful Creative designed the Disney Channel Movies bumper, and the Top 10 programme. The Centraliese feed also aired an branding package in which was an modified version of the Ribbon look, and was already expanded its branding to Italy, UK & Ireland, and the Netherlands. As of 2024, the Centraliese Disney Channel fans stated that the "modified Ribbon era" branding package for the channel in 2011 and used in other countries was unknown, nor foreign Disney Channel fans.

During the era, airings of the Disney Channel Originals changed to the logo where in a red carpet background (used from the 2011 Disney Channel branding package), the Disney Channel logo (from the modified-Ribbon era) spins to the bottom left, with the text "A DISNEY CHANNEL ORIGINAL" on the top right appearing. It plastered the 2007 logo in episodes released after the Centraliese rebrand. The music had the twinkling sounds from the British sign-off.

On 18 July 2011, Playhouse Disney ceased broadcast in Centralia at midnight, with the Little Einsteins marathon being the part of the channel's closure, the final episode to be aired on the marathon was *How We Became the Little Einsteins: The True Story*, while the time-shift version still operating until at 1am. The closure featured promos from other Disney channels at 23:50 (00:50 for the +1 version), and a ident loop for 5 minutes at 23:55 (00:55 for the +1 version), and then black screen for 2 minutes on the main version, and then the message stating that Disney Junior returns at 6am appeared after both shutdown sequences.

In 2013, Disney Cinemagic was retooled in partnership with CTV (which also used CTV Funny to broadcast over 2 Disney channels back in the late-1990s to the mid-2000s), to be rebranded as CTV Movies Disney, and went free-to-air as an sister-channel to CTV Movies.

### Downfall, the early-stages and the full closure (2015-2021)

In 2015, Disney Channel Centralia was rebranded by German branding designer BDA Creative, who won the contract to design the branding for all Disney Channels worldwide back in Summer 2013, in which the branding was used in Germany in its relaunch in January 2014, and in the United States in October 2014. The branding package also won an 2015 Promax North America Gold award in the Program Informational Graphics category.

During the era, the Disney Channel Originals logo seen on their productions were removed, like from the American version.

In 2017, the channel was rebranded by the British branding designer, NoddyDog; led by Paul Noddings. The channel at the time also utilizes the logo from the American and Asian feeds (the 2D logo), while the logo being fitted across an stylish rebrand.

In 2019, the final branding for the Centraliese channel was aired (the branding package was designed by MakinÉ Studios), while the 2017 rebrand also being used for promos, bumpers and most idents. The 2019 rebrand only applied to some idents. Also, during the same year Disney Channel Centralia got the rights of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic after rival kids TV channel Cartoon Network Centralia lost the rights after the series finale.

On 15 September 2021, Disney Channel announces to exit Centraliese operations by the end of September, due to the success of Disney+ Star. With the final days on-air, it featured adult-contemporary music.

After 36 years on-air, Disney Channel in Centralia ceased broadcasting with My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic as its final programme, after that it aired an music video "Stay with Me" with the singer being Sam Smith, and aired an ident leading up to the channel's closure. All shows were moved to its sister channel Star Kids.

Not only the Centraliese version closed down, but the closure happened in other markets before and after, with Italy closed these channels on 1 May 2020, with Australia via Fetch following demands made by the removal of the channels in New Zealand via Sky and Australia via Foxtel ceased these channels on the same day, Disney XD and Disney Cinema closed down on 7 April in France, while other French-speaking countries outside Europe closed these channels on 1 May, and Switzerland & Belgium closed these channels on 31 March, with German Disney XD being closed down on the same day as Switzerland & Belgium, and Disney Channels across the UK, including German Fox and Disney Junior being ceased on 1 October 2020. One year later, the Asian Disney channels (not only Disney channels, but including the Fox/Star channels (except Star Chinese Channel and SCM) and Nat Geo People) ceased broadcast, and this led to the closure of the Centraliese channel.

After the closure, Disney Junior Centralia still operates till this day, as Star Kids Jr, while the time-shift version was rebranded as Star Play.

## Programming

Disney Channel Centralia's programming are basically the same programmes from the United States, with only some programmes was also from the Nine Network as The Walt Disney Company Centralia (now Disney International Centralia)'s had the rights to the Nine Network's content from 1997 up until June 2009 (which the programmes had been moved to the Nickelodeon) and the now-defunct Claster Television programming from during the launch, up until the mid-2000s through Buena Vista International respectively.

Disney Channel Centralia also bought the rights of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, after Cartoon Network Centralia lost the rights in 2019, until the closure of DC Centralia on October 1st, 2021. However, the channel shared the same movies from the Middle Eastern feed until 2 January 2005 (but changing some of the movies).

### Final programming

#### Original programming

##### Live-action

* Bunk'd (2016-2021)
* Just Roll With It (September 2019-2021)
* Raven's Home (October 2017-2021)
* Secrets of Sulphur Springs (March-September 30th 2021)
* Sydney to the Max (July 5th 2019-2021)

##### Animated

* Amphibia (2019-2021)
* Big City Greens (2018-2021)
* Big Hero 6: The Series (2018-2021)
* DuckTales (2017) (2018-2021)
* Gravity Falls (2012-2021)
* Milo's Murphy Law (February 2017-2019; 2021)
* The Owl House (2021)
* Phineas and Ferb (February 1st, 2008-2021)
* Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure (2017-2021)
* Star vs. the Forces of Evil (2015-2021)

#### Acquired programming

* My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (2019-2021, now on Cartoon Network)

### Former programming

#### Original programming

##### Live-action

* As the Bell Rings
* A.N.T. Farm (2011-2014)
* Bug Juice (2001-2004)
* Cory in the House
* Disney's Animal World (2001-December 2002)
* Even Stevens (10 November 2001-31 August 2007)
* EPCOT Magazine (1985-1999)
* The Famous Jett Jackson (2001-2004)
* Groove High (2013-2015)
* Honey, I Shrunk The Kids: TV Show (2001-2003)
* In a Heartbeat (2000-2003)
* The Jersey (1999-2005)
* Jessie (December 2011-2017)
* Lizzie McGuire (2001-2007)
* Shake It Up (May 2011-2015)
* So Weird (1999-2005)
* The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005-2011)
* The Suite Life on Deck (October 1st, 2008-2014)
* Teen Angel (1989) (1989-1999)
* That's So Raven (January 2003-2008)
* Totally Hoops (2001-2005)
* Welcome to Pooh Corner (1985-1997)
* Wizards of Waverly Place (March 1st, 2008-2015)

##### Animated

* The 7D (2014-2017)
* 101 Dalmatians: The Series (December 2002-2007)
* 101 Dalmatian Street (2018-2019)
* The Adventures of the Gummi Bears (1991-2007)
* American Dragon: Jake Long (October 15th, 2005-2020)
* Bear in the Big Blue House (1999-2002)
* The Book of Pooh (2001-2002)
* The Buzz on Maggie (2008-2009)
* Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (2001-2005)
* Dave the Barbarian (2005-2007)
* Doug (1999-2003)
* The Emperor's New School (October 16th, 2005-2020)
* Filmore! (July 2003-2007)
* Gargoyles (2001-2004)
* Goof Troop (1992-2002)
* House of Mouse (2001-2007)
* Kim Possible (2003-2019)
* The Legend of Tarzan (2002-2005)
* The Little Mermaid (2001-2007)
* Lloyd in Space (2001-2004)
* Mickey Mouse Works (2001-2003)
* The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1988-2002)
* Pepper Ann (2001-2007)
* The Proud Family (2004-2005)
* PB&J Otter (2001-2002)
* Quack Pack (2001-2002)
* Recess (2001-2004)
* Rolie Polie Olie (2001-2006)
* Shorty McShorts' Shorts (2006-August 31st, 2007)
* Teacher's Pet (2002-2004)
* Teamo Supremo (2002-2009)
* Timon & Pumbaa (1994-2010)
* The Weekenders (2001-2003)

#### Acquired programming

* 100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd (May 11th, 2002-October 15th, 2005)
* 8 Simple Rules (25 December 2002 (christmas special); 4 April 2003-2006 (main airings))
* 64 Zoo Lane (October 16th-December 31st, 2005)
* Ace Lightning (April 2003-2005)
* The Amanda Show (2001-2003)
* America's Funniest Home Videos (2002-2009, currently airing on ABC)
* Animal Stories (2000-October 15th, 2005)
* The Big Knights (2002-2003)
* Bill Nye the Science Guy (1996-2002)
* Billy and Buddy (2002-October 15th, 2005)
* Blossom
* Bowling for Dollars (1985-2005)
* Boy Meets World (2001-2004)
* Braceface (2002-2003)
* Brotherly Love (1997-2001; December 25th, 2002, also aired on Boomerang)
* The Brothers Garcia (2001-2002)
* Caitlin's Way (2000-2002)
* Crocadoo (1997-1998)
* Dinosaurs (1994-5 May 2002; 28 December 2002 (Studio Disney christmas special airing); 4 April-30 June 2003)
* Double Trouble (February 1st, 2008-2009)
* Download (2000-2002)
* The Eggs (October 16th, 2005-2009)
* The Golden Girls
* Goodsports (1997-2000)
* The Great Space Coaster (1985-1986)
* Hello Kitty and Friends (2002-2004)
* Hello Kitty's Furry Tale Theater (2002-2004)
* Hello Kitty's Paradise (2002-2006)
* Home Improvement (2002-2003, formerly also aired on ABC and STAR World)
* Hot Source (2003-2009)
* James the Cat (2002-October 15th, 2005)
* Jonas Brothers: Living the Dream
* The Kids from Room 402 (2002-2003)
* The Latest Buzz (February 1st, 2008-2010, moved to Nickelodeon)
* Life with Derek (2006-2010, moved to Nickelodeon)
* Mortified (2006-2008, moved to Nickelodeon)
* Mother Goose and Grimm (1991-1993)
* Mr. Young (2011-2014, also aired on Disney XD)
* My Little Pony (1985-1988)
* My Little Pony Tales (1992-July 1998)
* My Wife and Kids (October 2001-2004)
* Naturally, Sadie (October 16th, 2005-December 31st, 2007, moved to Nickelodeon)
* Pig City (2002-2003)
* The Pink Panther (1993-1997)
* Romper Room (1985-1994)
* Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1997-1 July 2003, also aired on Star World)
* Sabrina: The Animated Series (2000-2007)
* Sabrina's Secret Life (2005-2007)
* The Sleepover Club (December 2003-August 31st, 2007; March 1st, 2008-June 12th, 2009, moved to Nickelodeon)
* Smart Guy (2001-2004)
* So Little Time (28 December 2002 (one-off airing from Fox Kids); 4 April-30 June 2003 (main airings), moved to CTV Kids)
* Spellbinder (1996-December 15th, 2002)
	+ Spellbinder: Land of the Dragon Lord (1999-December 15th, 2002)
* Teen Angel (1997) (2000-2003)
* Telebugs (2002-2004)
* Thunder Alley
* The Torkelsons
* Two of a Kind (December 2001-June 2003)
* What's With Andy? (2002-2003)
* Worst Best Friends (April 2003-2005)

## TV listings

See this category on the Fictional TV Schedules wiki.

## Notes

1. ↑ A example of this was Dinosaurs (co-produced within Disney's television unit, Jim Henson and Michael Jacobs), which was aired in 1994, while Sesame Street being aired on the Playhouse Disney Centralia (now Star Kids Jr.) in 2000.