Comedy Central Launches in Germany

LONDON/BERLIN, January
16: MTV Networks International launched Comedy Central in Germany yesterday as
a free-to-air service featuring a mix of local content and international
programming.

“The launch of Comedy
Central is an important milestone in the development of MTV Networks’ offering
in Germany,” said Catherine Mühlemann, the MD of MTV Networks Central &
Emerging Markets. “With Nickelodeon, MTV, VIVA and now Comedy Central, we offer
a diverse entertainment line-up in Germany for kid, youth and adult
demographics.”

“Germany is a critical
market for MTV Networks International,” added Bill Roedy, the vice-chairman of
MTV Networks. “Comedy Central Germany is our seventh comedy channel outside the
U.S. and its launch is a significant development in the roll-out of MTVN’s
entertainment brands not only in Germany but throughout Europe.”

MTVNI operates comedy
networks in the U.K., Italy, Spain and Poland. The German ad-supported service
reaches 34.1 million homes and targets viewers aged 14 to 49. International
content includes Ricky Gervais’s Extras and
The Office, as well as Little Britain, Arrested
Development, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Suburban
Shootout. After 10 p.m. the channel
will feature six new German comedy shows including Comedy Central’s version of NightWash where Knacki Deuser presents established and
up-and-coming stand-up comedians. Other productions include Para-Comedy, where handicapped comedians are the protagonists,
and 'u.A.w.g, an unrehearsed comedy talk show. In total, the
channel will show 30 new series to German audiences.