Disney to ban junk-food ads on TV channels, websites

US: The Walt Disney Company, in a first for a US media giant, said Tuesday it will ban junk-food advertising on its TV channels and websites from 2015 to help fight obesity among US children.

"This new initiative is truly a game changer for the health of our children," said First Lady Michelle Obama, a champion of better eating for young people who attended Disney's landmark announcement in Washington.

"This is a major American company, a global brand, that is literally changing the way it does business so that our kids can lead healthier lives," she said. In a statement, Disney said all food and drinks advertised on Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Radio Disney, and Disney-owned children's websites would, from 2015, be required to meet its own nutrition guidelines.

The rules will also apply during Saturday morning cartoons on the ABC stations owned by Disney.