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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS" TURNS 40
LICENSEES AND RETAIL PARTNERS LINE UP TO CELEBRATE THE ANNIVERSARY OF A HOLIDAY CLASSIC
Don't miss out on the 40th Anniversary of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" in 2006
New York, NY (June 21, 2005) It's been forty years since "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on network television, instantly becoming one of the most popular holiday specials of all time. Written by Charles M. Schulz, with Bill Melendez directing and Lee Mendelson as Executive Producer, the show won an Emmy for Outstanding Children's Program, despite initial concerns about the show's leisurely pace, jazz soundtrack, religious theme, and use of children's voices. In December 2005, A Charlie Brown Christmas was named "Best Christmas Special," by TV Guide. It also ranked #1 in ratings across all key adult demographics (adults 18-34, 18-49, 25-54), teens 12-14 and kids 2-11, drawing 13.8 million viewers -- the special's best numbers ever on ABC.
Helping to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of "A Charlie Brown, Christmas" are numerous partners both long term and new:
MEDIA
- ABC - Airs the special twice in December to stellar ratings
- Paramount - Video & DVD with 40th Anniversary call-out on package
RETAIL/QSR
- Urban Outfitters - Featured product on cover and inside their catalog with a circulation of 2MM+
consumers. This includes the iconic "Charlie Brown Tree"
- Hallmark - 40th Anniversary product including plush, water globes, and ornaments
- Blockbuster - 40th Anniversary Holiday gift cards
- Wal-Mart - 40th Anniversary Holiday gift cards
- Carl's Jr./Hardee's - Cool Kids Combo promotion November 9 - December 27 will feature four different PEANUTS-themed toys at over 3,100 restaurants
PRODUCT
- Peak Records - CD featuring Vanessa Williams, Brian McKnight, David Benoit and others
- Stickered call-out on products from: - 40th Anniversary product including plush, water globes, and ornaments
- Random House - Christmas-themed reprint collection
- Simon & Schuster - Themed books
- Harper Collins - Launching paperback version of A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition coffee table book
- USAopoly - Collectible puzzles and tins
Next up for Peanuts is the 40th Anniversary of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," which premiered October 27, 1966. Nominated for two Emmy Awards including Outstanding Children's Program and Special Classification of Individual Achievements, Bill Melendez, Director, the special is more popular than ever. In 2005, ABC's broadcast brought stellar ratings: "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" was #1 among adults 18-34 and kids 2-11. It also received the highest kids 2-11 rating for any telecast since the first American Idol finale. United Media is currently looking for partners to help celebrate the October, 2006 Anniversary in all categories.
Peanuts is licensed and syndicated by United Media. United Media (UM) is a worldwide licensing and syndication company that focuses on building brand equity around a wide range of creative content. The company recently signed Televisa, a leading Spanish speaking media company, to represent the US rights to the company's children's telenovelas, as well as its long-running hit television series "El Chavo." It also partnered with industry toy leader Bandai America, Inc. on brands including Tamagotchi Connection. United Media licenses and/or syndicates other properties, including, Precious Moments, Raggedy Ann & Andy, Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks, Arthur, and Dilbert. United Media is an E.W. Scripps Company.
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