Viacom International Media Networks deal brings MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon channels to BT Vision

BT Vision has signed a contract with Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), to bring leading TV entertainment channels, MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon, to BT Vision’s fast-growing line-up of linear channels. MTV is the world’s premier youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, it is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative and relevant programming for a youth audience.

MTV UK, which reaches more than 22.5 million households and is currently the Broadcast Digital Entertainment channel of the year, is home to ratings-busting local shows like Geordie Shore and The Valleys, top US imports like Jersey Shore and Teen Mom and events like the MTV EMAs, VMAs and Movie Awards.

Comedy Central is the UK’s most popular comedy brand and is currently the number one pay TV general entertainment channel for 16-34-year-olds, available in more than 13 million homes.
Comedy Central broadcasts some of the funniest shows around - from award-winning UK commissions like Threesome and the upcoming Big Bad World starring Blake Harrison (The Inbetweeners), which debuts in 2013, to the biggest and best shows from the US including, The Daily Show, South Park, 30 Rock, Friends, Two and a Half Men and Charlie Sheen’s new hit comedy Anger Management.

Nickelodeon joins the BT Vision line-up, bringing the best in animated and live-action kids’ content to family audiences. Nickelodeon is the number one commercial kids’ network in the UK and is available in 14 million cable and satellite homes. Home of the internationally loved and award-winning SpongeBob SquarePants as well as the hit UK-produced mystery series, House of Anubis, Nickelodeon also airs brand new episodes of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Nick Jr. is also set to join BT Vision’s line-up this year.

The new channels join BT Vision’s growing list of linear channels, which already includes Universal Channel, Syfy, E!, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Real Time, British Eurosport 1 and 2, FX, National Geographic, National Geographic WILD and UKTV’s Gold, Watch and Alibi.

Marc Watson, BT’s chief executive of TV, said: “We’re really excited about these channels coming to BT Vision - we’re certain our viewers will love them. MTV is the pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people, with the best in music, celebrity news and reality TV, Comedy Central is cutting edge comedy overflowing with provocative, original programming and Nickelodeon is the number one brand in the world for kids.”

David Lynn, managing director and executive vice president, UK, Australia & Eastern Europe & International Content Distribution, VIMN, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring three of the world’s top entertainment channels to BT Vision viewers. Across kids, youth and adults, VIMN brands showcase some of the most popular content – from Geordie Shore, Two and a Half Men and SpongeBob SquarePants - to our audience, however they want to view it. Being part of BT Vision represents the natural next step in delivering that content.”

MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon channels will be streamed on BT Vision, with some programmes available on-demand from early 2013.

Images are available on request

Notes to editors

About Viacom International Media Networks UK & Ireland

Viacom International Media Networks UK & Ireland represent 23 channels that offer the very best in music, comedy and kids programming through its MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon brands. The brands have been market leaders across the three primary genre groups for more than 10 years, reaching 22.9 million homes through SKY, cable and Freeview.

Our ten branded music and entertainment channels comprise of MTV, MTV Music, MTV +1, MTV Rocks, MTV Classic, MTV Hits, MTV Dance, MTV Base, VH1 and VIVA. They feature the best in music alongside popular shows such as Geordie Shore, The Valleys, Jersey Shore and Teen Mom. Comedy Central and Nickelodeon in the UK are part of the VIMN portfolio of channels through joint ventures with BSkyB.