MTV Networks International (MTVNI), a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today announced the launch of the very first Nickelodeon branded block in the Ukraine.
Press Release from MTV Networks International
London, 13 September 2010 – MTV Networks International (MTVNI), a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today announced the launch of the very first Nickelodeon branded block in the Ukraine.
The multi-year deal includes over 800 half hour episodes of Nickelodeon’s internationally renowned animated content such as SpongeBob SquarePants, The Penguins of Madagascar, Rugrats and Back at the Barnyard, which will be localised for Ukrainian audiences. The branded block will air daily on QTV, one of the leading Ukrainian cable TV channels, and at weekends on STB, one the Ukraine’s top three terrestrial broadcasters. Both QTV and STB are a part of the StarLightMedia Group.
Maria Rakhmatullina-Ufland, Sales Director, Emerging Markets, MTVNI commented: “We are delighted to launch a Nickelodeon branded block on STB and QTV, the first of its kind in the Ukraine. Nickelodeon is a global leader in animation and our shows have a proven track record in crossing borders and scoring successes the world over. We’re looking forward to working with STB and QTV to firmly establish the Nickelodeon brand as the home of top quality animation for kids and families in the Ukraine.”
Sergei Nazarov, Programming Director, STB added: “As one of the leading Ukrainian channels focused on family audiences, we are always on the look out for strong international brands such as Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants. We consider Nickelodeon animation to be top of its class and really unique content that will make an important contribution to the further growth and success of our channel portfolio. STB is proud to be the home to some of the world’s most popular TV shows such as Got Talent, The X Factor and So You Think You Can Dance and we are really looking forward to welcoming Nickelodeon and the Nickelodeon programme brands to the STB family.”
Alex Chien, Vice President, Content – Nickelodeon, for MTVNI’s Emerging Markets group, which spans Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Africa and India added: “Nickelodeon continues to grow from strength to strength and this ground-breaking deal in the Ukraine will greatly augment and complement our fast growing portfolio of localised Nickelodeon services. We’re really looking forward to working with STB and QTV to provide a first-class Nickelodeon offering that’s created just for Ukrainian kids and families.”
About MTVNI’s Emerging MarketsMTVNI’s Emerging Markets Group is one of the fastest growing regions in the company’s portfolio of multi-platform businesses. The Emerging Markets Group manages 29 television channels, 30 websites, one video portal and four mobile TV channels encompassing the MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, VIVA and Comedy Central and COLORS brands in Central & Eastern Europe, Russia, Africa, the Middle East and India. Additionally, the Emerging Markets portfolio includes MTVNHD, MTVNI’s first international high definition channel dedicated to music and kids which is operated by the Emerging Markets Group of behalf of MTVNI. MTVNI is owned by Viacom Inc (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).
About MTV Networks International (MTVNI)MTV Network’s International Programme Sales (IPS) group is responsible for all international programme syndication, format and co-production activities for the company’s diverse portfolio of entertainment brands, as well as acquisition of original content in MTV Networks’ core competency areas of kids, music and young people, for sale to third parties around the world.
MTV Networks International includes the premier multimedia entertainment brands MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, MTVNHD, MTV Tr3s, TMF (The Music Factory), VIVA, Comedy Central and Game One. MTV Networks' brands are seen globally in 641 million households in 161 countries and 34 languages via 168 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 450 digital media properties. The company's diverse holdings also include interests in television syndication, digital media, publishing, home video, licensing & merchandising and feature films. MTV Networks International is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B). www.b2b.mtvni.com.
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