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Big News From Nickelodeon Upfront

Nickelodeon announced several initiatives at its Upfront presentation, a star-studded affair at New York’s Lincoln Center today. The network will release 450 episodes of new animation programming over the next three years, with nearly 200 of those rolling out on Saturday mornings in 2012. Additionally, Nick announced a crossover TV movie between iCarly and Victorious, iParty with Victorious, slated for a June 10th airdate, and an addition of 125 episodes of the network’s top-rated preschool programs. Finally, Nick announced that it has added Friends and Yes, Dear to Nick at Nite’s lineup this September.

The presentation was set to begin with Victoria Justice, star of Victorious, debuting her new single, “Beggin’ on Your Knees.” Guest appearances were scheduled by iCarly stars Miranda Cosgrove and Jerry Trainor (who is the voice of Nick’s T.U.F.F. Puppy); Nick alumnus Kenan Thompson, currently of Saturday Night Live; Jason Biggs, who will voice Leonardo in the new CG-animated version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; and Jennifer Hudson and Raphael Saadiq, who were set to close the event with a cover of the Motown classic “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” and performances of their latest two singles, respectively, “Where You At” and “Radio.”

At the upfront Nick announced that it is expected to close Q1 2011 as basic cable’s No. 1 network in total day with kids 2-11, 6-11 and total viewers and post its best quarter ever with total viewers.

Nickelodeon Teams with Starkey for Pediatric Hearing Aids

Starkey Laboratories, Inc has announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) to launch co-branded pediatric hearing aids. The pediatric earmolds, specifically created for children ages 0-13, will feature characters from Nickelodeon TV shows including SpongeBob SquarePants, iCarly, Go, Diego, Go!, and Dora the Explorer.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Nickelodeon on this initiative,” says Chris McCormick, senior director of marketing and communications for Starkey. “We choose our partners carefully and feel that Nickelodeon will provide a fun and engaging way to connect with kids and make the entire process less frightening for them.”

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