• Broadcasting & Cable, Wednesday, May 9, 2007 11 AM

Sci Fi Channel is rolling out "Ani-Monday," a two-hour late-night block of anime programming aimed at younger viewers. To premiere June 11, the block puts the network in competition with Cartoon Network's Adult Swim and will run from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Content comes from Manga, an anime distributor, and Starz Media, which already produces Sci Fi's live-action "Painkiller Jane." Starz has a one-year pact with Sci-Fi and wants it to reach the 18- to 34-year-old male audience. If it works, the move will lower the net's median age -- currently 45 -- and attract more ad cash from companies that target youthful viewers, i.e. movies and electronics.

Parent NBC Universal has given the OK for Sci-Fi to start a business division, which is now producing branded comic books while considering feature films, videogames and mobile products.

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