DISNEY - WHOLESOMENESS WINS ON THE TUBE

WHOLESOMENESS WINS ON THE TUBE

The Disney Channel's High School Musical 2 became the most-watched basic cable TV program in history Friday as it drew 17.2 million viewers, well above the previous record of 12.5 million who watched the 2001 premiere of Crossfire Trail on TNT. It was also the most-watched Friday-night program -- broadcast or cable -- since 2002, and the most-watched TV show of the summer. (The highest-rated broadcast network program Friday night was ABC's 20/20 with 6.9 million viewers.) Disney Channel Worldwide entertainment president Gary Marsh told today's (Monday) Daily Variety: "I think we have officially crossed the line from High School Musical the movie to High School Musical the mania." Commenting on the made-for-TV film's success, the New York Times observed today: "The success of High School Musical 2 is an indication of Disney's long-term efforts to reposition its cable channel to appeal to the underserved 9-to-14 age group and to rope in youngsters for whom Mickey Mouse seems too babyish."

20/08/2007