BREAKING. Boomerang on DStv relaunching globally as an animation TV channel for families and kids; will change in South Africa early 2015.

Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) is relaunching Boomerang (DStv 302) , ione of its animation TV channel on MultiChoice's DStv, with a new logo and a bigger focus on family viewing.

Boomerang is Turner's animation kids channel which didn't experience an embarrassing black out this past Saturday on MultiChoice's DStv like its other kids channel, Cartoon Network which both Turner Broadcasting and MultiChoice has so far been completely silent about.

It's not yet clear when Boomerang will be changing for South African and African viewers on DStv but it will be sometime early in 2015 says Turner.

The new-look Boomerang launched in September in Latin America and will change in Australia in early November.

Turner says the new Boomerang will include content that include "iconic, beloved cartoons" as well as "acquired regional and local animated favourites".

Turner wants to position Boomerang as a stronger and better brand, as its "second flagship kids brand" after Cartoon Network, and as a "global, all-animation, youth-targeted network, repositioned with a line-up of timeless and contemporary cartoons programmed for family co-viewing".

Turner Broadcasting System International president Gerhard Zeiler says Boomerang will draw on the vast resources of "the world's largest animation library" consisting of Warner Bros., Hanna-Barbera, Cartoon Network and MGM studios television and theatrical shorts, series and specials, so that Boomerang's schedule will be filled with timeless favourites like Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, The Powerpuff Girls and Scooby-Doo.

As part of the relaunch Boomerang will have a new on-air look and logo and offer "original content on the network across its 13 international feeds".

"The relaunch of Boomerang as a second flagship channel is a testament to its global appeal," says Gerhard Zeiler.

"We are extremely proud to see this channel move into its next incarnation - with a look and feel that conveys its quality and contemporary position. This represents a further step in our strategy to build on the success of our international kids' network," says Gerhard Zeiler.

Turner Broadcasting System International to cut its staff for Africa, Europe and the Middle East by 30% or roughly 250 people.

Turner Broadcasting System International (TBS International) will cut 30% or roughly 250 people of its staff at its business unit looking after Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. The majority of TBS International's EMEA staff is based in London.

The news of the job cuts follows TBS International yanking all of Turner's TV channels from On Digital Media's (ODM) TopTV pay-TV platform at the end of December 2012. No reason was given and Turner given an opportunity to talk about why, refused to give South African pay-TV subscriber any reasons or explanations.

Turner Broadcasting still runs TV channels such as TCM, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and CNN International on MultiChoice's DStv platform in South Africa and Africa and has a total of 17 branded TV channels in the EMEA region in 100 territories.

Rani Raad part of the senior management who looks specifically after Africa, the Middle East and Turkey as senior vice president and managing director, remains and he remains as senior vice president for CNN International as well.

The big downsizing follows a review process for Turner International's EMEA business which was started in September. "This review required us taking some tough decisions, but they are absolutely necessary to put Turner International in the best possible position for future growth," said Gerhard Zeiler who became the president of TBS International.

Gerhard Zeiler the new president of Turner Broadcasting International, will oversee 130 channels in 200 countries.

Gerhard Zeiler is the new president of Turner Broadcasting International, the Time Warner-operated owner of TV channels seen in South Africa such as CNN International (DStv 401), The Cartoon Network (DStv 301), TCM (DStv 109) and Boomerang (DStv 302).

As president of TBC International Gerhard Zeiler will be in charge of over 130 TV channels in 200 countries (excluding North America). He will have executive oversight for all the entertainment and kids networks outside of North America as well as the operations of CNN International.

''This move is an opportunity to help grow some of the most valuable media brands in the world and develop new businesses,'' said Gerhard Zeiler in a press statement. ''This is an exciting time for our industry and for Turner Broadcasting, and I believe in our ability to lead and succeed.''