Canal J gets a new look for its 30th birthday – As well as HD and over 200 hours of new programming

Canal J, the pioneering cable channel for children in France, will celebrate its 30^th anniversary on 23 December 2015!

As a first step in preparing for this exceptional year, the channel for 8- to 12-year-olds got an all-new look as of 13 January.

A cool, sassy new look targeted at the younger generation

A call for proposals was launched to seek out a new visual and audio identity embodying the channel’s fundamental point of view: a cool, sassy, youth-oriented approach. The Motionfanclub agency put forward a modern look embodying Canal J’s premium positioning and created an identity that makes the most of the recent revolution in communication media, with a website, replay, applications, a Smartphone icon and more.

• A new logo featuring an oversized J  in maJor mode

The new logo leaves plenty of room for the letter “J,” the mainstay of the channel’s identity: J as in Jeunesse (youth), high-Jinks, Jokes and the like. The “J” is positioned more prominently in relation to “Canal” to strengthen the logo’s impact. The logo was designed for optimal legibility and ease of memorization, using a more structured base that is better adapted to multi-platform development with all the technical constraints that may be involved.
The logo is the basic building block and the fundamental means of navigation. It is used to access programming and is the link between the channel and the viewer.

• Canal J: Generation-specific

The proposed visual identity relies on conventions similar to those used for adults, but opts for modern, pre-teen-oriented colours. The colour palette is broader than before, with a secondary range featuring colours currently popular in kids’ fashions.

• Canal J: Sassy

Textures used for shapes are “bouncy” and flexible. Like a group of kids playing together, shapes push each other around, kick up a rumpus, and pile on top of each other to give viewers information on programmes in a clear but zany way while bonding with them.

• Canal J: Cool

The audio identity is an electro-pop guitar tune with drums, which could be the theme music for a trendy series or a piece by a contemporary pop group. The new sound perfectly conveys the “coolness” children are seeking after a busy day!

Broadcast in high definition as of 13 January 2015

Canal J continues to innovate, as it has always done. Beginning on 13 January, it will broadcast a portion of its programming (60% of its schedule) in high definition with image resolution up to five times higher than that of conventional television. The clearer images, brighter colours, stereo and digital surround sound – just like the movies – will allow children to fully enjoy all the channel’s hits and new features.

Over 200 hours of new programming in 2015

Throughout its history, Canal J has introduced children to a wide range of popular cartoons (Marsupilami, Titeuf, Spirou, Sonic Boom and many more). In 2015, it will shift into high gear with the broadcast of no fewer than 10 new series (including Foot 2 Rue Extrême), nine of which are being featured for the first time in France (such as Pokemon Season 18 and Sailor Moon), to be aired starting in January. Programming has also been adapted to the new school schedule in France by broadcasting a film every day of the week at 6:40 pm, thus creating a true prime-time slot for children.