K2 (TV channel)


K2 is an Italian free-to-air television channel owned by Discovery Networks Europe. Its registered office is in Rome. It launched on 1 October 2004 as an analogue terrestrial television channel managed by the Italian subsidiary of Fox Kids Europe, Fox Kids Italy S.r.l.

History

K2 was launched on 1 October 2004 as an analogue-based block, which was syndicated in other Italian regional television stations, replacing Fox Kids in the process during its rebrand into Jetix. In 2009, it was launched as its own digital terrestrial television channel.
Due to Disney's decision to rebrand the Jetix Europe operation under the Disney XD brand umbrella, the Italian subsidiary of Jetix Europe, Jetix Italy S.r.l., bought the Italian Jetix network, renamed itself as Switchover Media, agreed to let the Jetix Italy channel rebrand itself to Disney XD Italy, and purchased K-2 and GXT from Jetix Europe in June 2009. With the acquisition of Switchover Media in January 2013 by Discovery Communications, K2 began to be managed by Discovery EMEA.

Programs

The channel was programmed for different age groups throughout the day. Kids 5 to 10 programming was on In the early mornings and early afternoons with action and comedy series mix including Pokémon, The Fairly OddParents, Mr. Bean and Sabrina. The preschool age group is the focus in the mid-morning with shows like Babar. Families is focus during primetime hours with programming like The Cosby Show with animated series such as Total Drama Action and game shows Wipeout and American Gladiators.

Movies

From 2011 to 2013, the channel broadcast movies from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and DIC Entertainment.