The Lewis Legacy-Issue 86, Autumn 2000
United Media
The C.S. Lewis Foundation for Truth in Publishing
September 1, 2000
In a news release from New York on 13 June 2000, United Media announced its
licensing partnership with the recently formed C. S. Lewis Company. The
partnership includes a worldwide licensing and merchandising program for a
new series of books to be based on the world of Narnia and scheduled for
release in the fall of 2002 from HarperCollins Children's Books. "The
licensing program will feature products in the plush, toys, gift,
stationery, interactive and apparel categories focusing on mid and upper
tier retailers. This is the first time that any licensed merchandise will
be produced for this classic fantasy series. 'We are very pleased to have
entered into this licensing partnership with United Media,' stated Simon
Adley, C. S. Lewis Company. 'United Media has always been recognized as a
leader in brand-building and also for its reputation in establishing these
same brands as long term entertainment properties driven by content and
quality.' The licensing program surrounding these editions will primarily
target the young adult and adult gift purchaser in upper tier retailers.
Since its debut in 1950, the series has sold over 60 million copies
worldwide and upwards of 3 million copies each year with 20% annual sales
growth each of the last two years."
United Media, an E. W. Scripps Company, also licenses and/or syndicates a
variety of cartoon properties including Peanuts, Raggedy Ann and Andy,
Miffy, Dilbert, Rainbow Fish, Nancy and Sluggo, Get Fuzzy and Fido Dido.
