Disney Channel Unveils Summer Lineup

Hoping to take advantage of summer vacation time from school, Disney Channel will debut several new shows and animated movies targeting kids and tweens over the next few months.

New shows slated for the network include animated series The Buzz on Maggie and a live-action, tween-targeted comedy, Naturally, Sadie, network officials said.

On the original-movie front, the network will bow two new live-action titles, Go Figure and Life Is Ruff, as well as a full-length movie based on its animated series, The Proud Family.

The network will also bow new episodes of hit series That's So Raven, Phil of the Future, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, The Proud Family, Kim Possible, American Dragon: Jake Long, Brandy & Mr. Whiskers and Lilo & Stitch: The Series.

Along with the new programming, Disney said it will unveil a new brand-image campaign that will tout the network’s ability through its characters to build strong emotional connections with kids and tweens.

The campaign -- featuring a series of short comedic vignettes -- showcases Disney stars living among regular families and sharing a fun-filled summer of playing games, eating and socializing with families, friends and neighbors, Disney executives said.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.