NEW YORK: Nickelodeon in the US is showing no signs of letting up its dominant position, with a hold on 47 out of 50 top shows from January to May 2003. The network has now commenced licensing programmes for its new properties at the Licensing Show currently taking place in the Big Apple.

The properties in question are its latest hit show Fairly OddParents, the upcoming SpongeBob SquarePants movie and Rugrats spin-off All Grown Up.

In addition, Nickelodeon will also expand its current roster with movie licensing plans for A Series of Unfortunate Events as well as the introduction of Tak and the Power of JuJu and EverGirl its first off-channel properties.

Consumer products, Nickelodeon senior VP, Leigh Anne Brodsky said, "Nickelodeon has established itself as the home of contemporary classic characters. Our brand has resonated with kids of all ages and across many different media platforms from movies and TV to books and video games."

Nickelodeon claims that The Fairly OddParents targetted at kids 6-11 is number two in the age group 2-11, behind SpongeBob SquarePants.At the centre of story is your average bloke Timmy Turner and his fairly odd fairy godparents, Cosmo and Wanda. Timmy has virtually no power over anything in his world, but thanks to Cosmo and Wanda, life is always exciting. With their combined magic, they wreak magical mayhem by granting Timmy extraordinary wishes to overcome typical 10-year-old obstacles. Products based on the series will debut later this year. They will include toys from master licensee, Flying Colours, a division of Jakks Pacific.

The broadcaster will extend the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise to the big screen in November. On the idiot box, the show is not only number one but also has a 30 per cent adult audience share, according to reports. The show generated retail sales of $800 million for last year. The film's release will also see products that everyone can enjoy.

Nick's cult show Rugrats will see the follow up All Grown Up debut in September. The Rugrats will become tweens. Here, kids get to see their favorite babies ten years into the future and share adventures like first crushes and navigating Jr. High. The pre-teen members of the one-time baby brigade will now

At Licensing Show, Nickelodeon is also offering the first peek at
EverGirl, which is being described as a "story-driven, lifestyle brand for tween girls". The property will have major online and retail components and is expected to launch early next year.

Nickelodeons property Tak is unique from anything that has gone before. It is being introduced first as a videogame, with opportunities to grow into a major multi-platform franchise for the network as a TV show and consumer products property. Video game manufacturer THQ has partnered with Nickelodeon to market and distribute Tak, which will be available on PlayStation 2, GameCube and Game Boy Advance platforms in October. Plans for a TV series based on the characters in the game are being developed.

An official release informs that Nickelodeon Enterprises, which includes the consumer products division generated roughly $2.6 billion in retail sales for last year. This was up about 19 per cent from the previous year.