From ABC Medianet 
www.abcmedianet.com 

"POWER RANGERS NINJA STORM" TO PREMIERE IN FEBRUARY ON THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK’S "ABC KIDS" AND ON ABC FAMILY’S KIDS’ ACTION/ADVENTURE BLOCK 

Teenage Students, More Interested in Action-Sports than Lessons at Their Ancient Ninja Academy, Are Bestowed Great Gift to Morph into the Renowned Power Rangers and Now Must Make Good Triumph Over Evil 

"Power Rangers Ninja Storm," a fresh new iteration of the world’s most popular action/adventure franchise, makes its U.S. debut with two brand new episodes airing SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 (11:30 a.m., ET/10:30 a.m., PT, and 12:00 noon, ET/11:00 a.m., PT), on the ABC Television Network’s "ABC Kids." 

"Power Rangers Ninja Storm" also rolls out the following weekend, SATURDAY and SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23 (8:30 a.m., ET/PT, both days) on ABC Family, where "Power Rangers" is the cornerstone of its kids’ action/adventure block. Each weekend, episodes of "Power Rangers Ninja Storm" will air four times on ABC’s broadcast and cable television platforms. In addition this series will premiere internationally over the next year on Fox Kids Europe. 

Under the direction of veteran writers/producers Ann Austen and Douglas J. Sloan, "Power Rangers Ninja Storm" features themes that resonate with today’s kids. Its young characters share a love of action sports (motocross, skateboarding and surfing), and study the ancient, mystical discipline of the Ninja. Each episode features exhilarating action sports scenes, martial arts and acrobatics, special effects and relatable young characters who, in addition to the typical challenges of their teenage lives, are given the new responsibility to help champion good over evil. 

"Power Rangers Ninja Storm" has new twists: Unlike any other series in the franchise, it premieres with just three Power Rangers, rather than five. These seemingly typical teens -- Dustin, a motocross racer, Tori, a surfer, and Shane, a skateboarder - study at the Wind Ninja Academy under a wise Sensei. Before long, a momentous incident leaves the Sensei no choice but to grant these struggling students the extraordinary tools to morph into superheroes. They become the Wind Rangers (the Yellow Power Ranger, the Red Power Ranger and the Blue Power Ranger) and must take guidance from the Sensei who, when energies collide in battle, is turned into a Guinea Pig and gets "stuck" as this creature. Despite his status, only Sensei and his computer savvy son, Cameron, know that Dustin, Shane and Tori have been given the amazing ability to morph into Power Rangers. 

Soon, key developments in the story arc introduce Blake and his headstrong brother, Hunter - students from a rival Ninja school. Known as the Thunder Rangers (Crimson Thunder and Navy Thunder), these two pose a threat to the Wind Rangers when they align with a power hungry villain, Lothor, who wants the earth completely under his control. Later in the season, a surprise new hero emerges when the Green Power Ranger is revealed. 

As Lothor deploys his army (and his wicked nieces, Kapri and Marah), it’s up to Shane, Tori and Dustin to shout out, ‘Ninja Storm, Ranger Form!,’ and morph into Power Rangers. As students of the art of Ninja, Tori, Shane and Dustin draw upon the elements of air, water and earth to gain strength. As the Blue Power Ranger with a dolphin fin insignia, beach-loving Tori connects to the water to derive energy and strength. The Red Power Ranger, skateboarder Shane, takes the symbol of the red hawk and derives his power from the air. Dustin is an avid motocross rider who, as the Yellow Power Ranger, marked by the yellow lion emblem, derives his energy from earth. Blake and Hunter, the Thunder Rangers, derive their power from thunder and have insect insignia. 

Starring are Pua Magasiva as Shane, Glenn McMillan as Dustin, Sally Martin as Tori, Adam Tuominen as Hunter, Jorgito Vargas, Jr., as Blake, Jason Chan as Cam, Katrina Devine as Marah, Katrina Browne as Kapri and Grant McFarland as Lothor. 

The executive producers are Douglas J. Sloan and Ann Austen, Humanitas Prize finalists for Disney Channel’s original movie, "Johnny Tsunami," and former writers/producers on "Power Rangers" (1993-97). Koichi Sakamoto, a 16-year veteran of the global franchise, is the co-executive producer and episodic director. Janine Dickins is the producer. 

"Power Rangers Ninja Storm" is produced in studio and on location in Auckland, New Zealand. It is from Village Roadshow KP Productions, Ltd.