'Hannah Montana' to return for 3rd season

LOS ANGELES, April 10 (UPI) -- The Disney Channel said it has ordered a third season of the U.S. sit-com "Hannah Montana," starring father and daughter Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus.

The New York Daily News said the announcement was made at a presentation to advertisers this week.

The network said at the same event it has picked up second seasons of the magic-themed series "Wizards of Waverly Place," starring Selena Gomez, as well as the animated adventures of "Phineas and Ferb."

Disney Channel Worldwide president Rich Ross also said the network has ordered a script for a "High School Musical 4" television movie, which would likely focus on new characters.

"HSM 3" is to open in theaters this fall. It is the first entry in the wildly popular franchise to get a theatrical release.