OREANDA-NEWS. On April 07, 2008 CTC Media, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTCM), Russia’s leading independent media company, has concluded a major, multi-year licensing agreement with The Walt Disney Company’s international TV licensing arm, Disney-ABC International Television, reported the press-centre of CTC Media.

This agreement covers the licensing of features, live action series, animated series and made-for-TV movies for the CTC television network. The CTC Network - the flagship of CTC Media - is the fourth-most watched broadcaster in Russia with an average audience share of 11.3% in its target demographic (everyone aged 6-54) in 2007.

With this agreement, CTC’s viewers across Russia will be able to enjoy a wide range of features from The Walt Disney Studios including such blockbusters as Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, National Treasure: Book Of Secrets, Enchanted, critically acclaimed motion pictures such as the Academy Award winning There Will Be Blood and Disney/Pixar animated movies such as Cars and The Incredibles.

The story of successful cooperation between CTC Media and The Walt Disney Company began with a 3-year licensing contract in 2004. Disney movies such as Pirates of the Carribean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, classic Disney animation and top-rated ABC Studios TV series such as Grey’s Anatomy and Desperate Housewives have all been successful on the channel. World famous animation from major studios makes up an important part of CTC’s daily programming, with the channel broadcasting a timeslot-winning kid animated series block every weekday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Under this agreement, CTC will broadcast new Disney content within the wider timeslot, such as Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Ducktales, Chip ‘N’ Dale Rescue Rangers and Kim Possible. The agreement also includes hit live action Disney Channel Original Series such as Hannah Montana and The Suite Life of Zach & Cody.

Alexander Rodnyansky, Chief Executive Officer of CTC Media, commented, “We are delighted to continue our cooperation with The Walt Disney Company CIS. CTC has always provided its audience with top-quality and family friendly entertainment and we are committed to choose only the best companies as our partners. This agreement with The Walt Disney Company CIS will ensure that CTC viewers will continue to enjoy the best in filmed entertainment and animation.”

“This is a significant step in the growth of Disney business in Russia, which will contribute to the further strengthening of the Disney brand,” said Marina Jigalova-Ozkan, Managing Director for The Walt Disney Company CIS. “We’re happy to closely work with CTC and continue to develop our partnership.”