MeTV signs licensing deals for Svengoolie, Toony the Tuna merchandise

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Rich "Svengoolie" Koz and Toony the Tuna

Hey, kids! Soon you can be the first on your block to own a Svengoolie action figure or a Toony the Tuna plush toy.

MeTV, the red-hot digital network owned by Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting, has signed San Francisco-based Firefly Brand Entertainment as North American licensing agent for "Svengoolie," the long-running horror movie series hosted by Rich Koz, and “Toon In With Me,” the live-action morning cartoon show hosted by Bill Leff.

The agreement is expected to expand the current line of "Svengoolie" gear dramatically and create stylized plush dolls and other items for Toony, the talking tuna on “Toon In With Me.”

“Both of these series maintain a huge following and loyal viewership, with some of the most engaged fans we have seen in a long time,” Cynthia Modders, president and CEO of Firefly Brand Management, said in a statement. “We are so delighted to be working with the amazing team at MeTV and can’t wait to introduce more of our licensing partners to the extraordinary potential these two brands have to offer.”

It's a testament to the enduring popularity of Koz, who's been a Chicago TV treasure for more than 40 years.

“I have been amazed by the demand we have already had for our Sven merchandise - and broadening the choices of items for our loyal viewers all over the country - making more items available from various outlets is a great way to give our fans more of what they want," Koz said. "And between myself and our pal Toony, we now give them the time-honored banquet choice: (rubber) chicken or fish?"

Even Toony (who's voiced by Kevin Fleming) chimed in: “I love being on America’s TV each morning. And now I look forward to being in everyone’s home every day with these awesome Toony plush toys. Probably should buy two because I am such a catch!”

Wednesday’s comment of the day: Dan Miller: "Non-profit" is not identical to "charitable non-profit" in tax law. Donations to the later can be tax-deductible; not so for donations to "non-profit" enterprises. And "non-profit" most definitely is not the same as "un-profitable," which is where the Bright One resides, no matter who owns the paper.