Loop Media to Create Channel for Wiggles Children’s Band

Short-form video distributor Loop Media Inc. has inked a deal with the Wiggles to create a new streaming and broadcast channel from the children’s musical group.The Glendale company will curate thousands of hours of original content for The Wiggles Channel that will feature quality, educational, entertaining content that Loop Media believes will appeal to audiences across the globe, it said in a release. The channel debuts this summer.Jon Niermann, chief executive of Loop Media, said he has known of the Wiggles since the 1990s when he worked for Walt Disney Co. and introduced the group across Asia and into the U.S. market.“Having the opportunity to launch their first branded channel with Loop Media is a reunion that we are very excited about,” Niermann said in a statement. “We can't wait to make their amazing library of content readily available for new and old fans alike.”Formed in 1991 in Australia by Anthony Field, the Wiggles are known for their hits “Fruit Salad,” “Hot Potato” and “Rock-A-Bye Your Bear.” Their music has been referenced in many television shows and their brand has adorned children’s products, from postage stamps to pajamas to theme park rides.“To mark our 30th year with the launch of our first Wiggles TV channel is something we are thrilled about,” Field said in a statement. “Working with Jon again and his team at Loop Media to make this happen is a terrific moment for us to get the world ready to Wiggle.”Loop Media announced the channel on Friday. Shares of Loop Media (LPTV) closed Monday down 31 cents, or nearly 12 percent, at $2.29 on the over-the-counter market.