Disney Channel To Launch ``Express Yourself'' Campaign to Help Kids Positively Cope With Attack Aftermath; Series of Spots Feature Laura Bush.

Entertainment Editors

BURBANK, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Sept. 27, 2001

Disney Channel, with Laura Bush, will launch an on-air campaign to help kids positively cope their feelings and emotions about the recent attacks on America, announced Anne Sweeney, president, ABC Cable Networks Group and Disney Channel Worldwide. The campaign will focus on themes recommended by Disney Channel childhood development and media experts: communication, diversity and optimism. The first three spots feature Laura Bush speaking directly to viewers about her own thoughts and feelings in the aftermath of the attacks. Future spots will feature major Hollywood celebrities sharing their feelings regarding the tragic events. The campaign begins airing today, during Disney Channel's Zoog Disney afternoon and primetime programming block. Radio Disney and Family.com will use versions of the spots on their respective programming platforms.

"The Walt Disney Company connects with children and families in so many different ways. We are privileged that Mrs. Bush has joined with us to help our children begin the healing process," said Michael D. Eisner, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

"Communication, diversity and optimism are messages that Disney Channel delivers everyday in our programming," said Ms. Sweeney. "Mrs. Bush is helping us take these themes to a new level and engaging our viewers with positive messages at a very needed time."

Disney Channel consulted with outside experts to create a campaign that is relevant and helpful to its core audience of kids 6-14. Based upon their recommendations, the campaign does not engage in explicit details about specific events, but addresses the "recent news" and "events" that may be confusing, frightening and upsetting. The campaign urges viewers to express their feelings in positive ways and to seek out the goodness that still exists in the world.

The new campaign extends Disney Channel's current "Express Yourself" campaign, which features the networks on-air talent sharing their thoughts on a wide range of topics, including fashion styles, sibling rivalry and personal music tastes.

Additionally, Radio Disney has begun running public service announcements that feature Mrs. Bush offering messages of hope and encouragement for the nation's young people within its programming. The spot currently airing features Mrs. Bush reading her letter to elementary school children. Radio Disney will also air the same spots running on Disney Channel focusing on communication, diversity and optimism. They will continue to run over the course of several weeks. Family.com will have links to live streaming video of the spots. Created and produced by Disney/ABC Radio Networks, Radio Disney reaches kids and tweens by focusing on the music they love. Kids help select the music played on Radio Disney and non-music features are written and delivered in an entertaining fashion that appeals to the young audience. Family.com is the premier online family solutions center and is part of Walt Disney Internet Group.

Disney Channel, combining original series, movies and specials with timeless classics, is the first general entertainment television network designed for kids and families. Currently available in 77 million homes, Disney Channel is a division of ABC Cable Networks Group, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Copies of all three spots are available upon request.