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· Paramount Channel, Nicktoons and Teennick added to Viacom's growing portfolio on OSN
· VIMN is now the largest provider of international content for OSN
Dubai, UAE – OSN, the region’s premier entertainment company, and Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), part of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the leading multimedia entertainment companies in the world, expanded their distribution agreement to make even more incredible channels and exclusive content available for OSN customers in the Middle East. The partnership adds three new channels for OSN subscribers: Leading global kid’s brand Nickelodeon launched NickToons on Feb 15th, and a Teen Nick On Demand channel, while VIMN’s iconic Paramount Channel, the fastest growing brand in the VIMN International portfolio, is set to launch on OSN on April 15, 2017.
“It is great to be able to share more good news about VIMN’s growing business in the Middle East,” said Raffaele Annecchino, President & MD, VIMN SWEMEA. “I’m very pleased to have reached another exclusive agreement with OSN for three new channels: NickToons, TeenNick and Paramount Channel. After launching the first Paramount Channel ever just five years ago, the MENA version will be the twelfth in the world, expanding the Paramount Channel reach to more than 94 million households across nearly 100 countries. The Paramount Channel in MENA is the next step forward in this rapid expansion and a very important launch. In addition to that, the launch of Nick Toons and Teen Nick reinforce our commitment to this market. In MENA, we are applying our Glocal strategy, which combines international brands and properties with local productions, as we’re doing with Comedy Central with Ridiculousness and Comedy Central Presents, and I hope to do more in the future involving other brands in our portfolio.
“The partnership with OSN has been the key driver of our success in this region. Together we continue to find effective ways to expand the presence of the VIMN brands and deliver great content to audiences across the region. The expanded agreement reinforces VIMN’s position as a key provider of international branded content across OSN’s platforms.’
Emad Morcos, Chief Content Officer, OSN, said: “Continuing to deliver on our customer-first approach as part of #newOSN, we’re delighted to expand our partnership with VIMN to increase the choice of only-on-OSN entertainment for our subscribers. The three new channels, in addition to the offering already available, give our viewers access to the very best entertainment from around the world. With most of this amazing entertainment also available on OSN Play, customers can choose how and when they enjoy their favourite shows and movies. The new channels brings even more value and choice and we will continue to expand our unmatched entertainment offering for the region.”
Paramount Channel, the fastest growing brand in VIMN’s international portfolio, will offer audiences a rich variety of blockbuster movies, contemporary series, and behind-the-scenes features, while the new NickToons linear channel features family-friendly animated content in English and in Arabic, including Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, Tuff Puppy, and the series Monsters vs. Aliens. The new Paramount Channel will be introduced at the 2017 CABSAT Congress in Dubai on March 22.
TeenNick is a digital library of Nickelodeon favourites, including iCarly, Sam and Cat, and Victorious, subtitled in Arabic and curated specifically for teenagers who can access the exclusive channel via OSN’s On Demand platforms, OSN Play and OSN On Demand.
VIMN now distributes 9 brands in the Middle East exclusively on OSN including Nickelodeon HD, NickToons, Teen Nick, Nick Jr, Comedy Central; a Spike branded block – VH1, MTV Live HD; and soon Paramount Channel; with content available on the On Demand and OSN Play services and the NickPlay App and dual-language localized websites.
The launch of Paramount Channel (ch 34), Nick Toons (ch 358), and Teen Nick (OSN Play, OSN On Demand) expands VIMN’s portfolio with OSN to eight channels, alongside Nickelodeon HD (ch 355), Nick Jr (ch 356), Comedy Central (ch 207) with a Spike branded block, Vh1 (ch 303) and MTV Live HD (ch 300).
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About Viacom International Media Networks:
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), is comprised of many of the world’s most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel, Channel 5 in the UK, VH1, VIVA, COLORS, Spike, Game One and Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más. Viacom brands are seen globally in more than 3.2 billion households in approximately 170 territories and 40 languages via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties. Keep up with VIMN news by visiting the VIMN PR Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/VIMN_PR. For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com blog.viacom.com and the Viacom Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom
About OSN:
OSN is the region’s leading entertainment network with the rights to broadcast into 24 countries across the MENA. The company is owned and operated by Panther Media Group, registered in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and has two shareholders, KIPCO and the Mawarid Group Limited.
OSN has a history of providing exceptional value for customers with its focus on exclusive and in-demand content, and innovative digital platforms for anywhere, anytime access.
With over 150 channels, OSN’s strength is its unbeatable range of exclusive programming led by its long-term partnerships with studio majors including Disney, HBO, NBC Universal, Fox, Paramount, MGM, Sony, DreamWorks and Warner Brothers.
65 HD channels mean OSN is the home for premium and nowhere-else content in Arabic, English, Filipino and South Asian languages. OSN broadcasts the latest content at the same minute as in the US, including popular series, blockbuster movies, and the best sports events. In addition, OSN also provides entertainment content for devices such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones via its OSN Play and Go online TV service, offering movies, series and sports on the go.
OSN has been at the forefront of digital technology innovation in the Middle East introducing the first Digital Video Recorder HD, OSN Play, an online TV platform, an internet-enabled satellite receiver and recorder and OSN on Demand, the region's first VOD service.
OSN also expanded its language services when it acquired Pehla Media & Entertainment, offering around forty channels in a variety of South Asian languages in the MENA region, with content such as Bollywood movies and cricket, including the ICC Cricket World Cup.
OSN’s ambition is to deliver entertainment everywhere for everyone, which is informed by the company’s three key pillars: A customer-first approach, unrivalled exclusive content and unbeatable value.
CONTACT
Claudia Loda, VP COMMS,
VIMN SWEMEA
Claudia.loda@vimn.com
+3902762117218
© Press Release 2017
