VIMN Lands Rights for Channel 5 Portfolio

LONDON: Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has scored the international distribution rights for the portfolio of content from 5Production, Channel 5’s in-house production arm.

The exclusive agreement follows Viacom’s acquisition of Channel 5 in 2014. It will add a significant volume of U.K. content to VIMN’s catalogue, which houses the brands MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Spike, TV Land, BET, CMT and VH1.

The new arrangement also extends to third-party commissions where Channel 5 controls the rights, such as the Viacom-owned format Lip Sync Battle UK. The deal covers all international territories outside of the U.K. and Ireland.

Channel 5 content was previously distributed by DRG.

Caroline Beaton, VIMN’s senior VP of international program sales, said: “We are incredibly excited to add the Channel 5 portfolio of quality content to our slate ahead of MIPTV 2016. This agreement sees us cementing our productive collaboration with our colleagues at Channel 5, with both camps equally excited to bring these latest hit shows from the U.K. down to Cannes. With a vast range of captivating, creative and beautifully-produced programs, we look forward to bringing these shows to screens all around the world.”