MTV Networks International Expands into Pakistan

KARACHI, November 21: MTV
Networks International announced plans to extend two of its most popular
brands—MTV and Nickelodeon—into Pakistan.

MTV and Nickelodeon, two
Viacom-owned brands, will extend into Pakistan through licensing agreements
with Indus Media Group (IMG) and ARY Digital Network, respectively. Both
24-hour advertiser-supported channels will benefit from locally tailored
programming, scheduling, on-air promos and presenters.

“The launches of MTV and
Nickelodeon in Pakistan reflect our continued commitment to pioneering the
localization strategy in music and kids' entertainment,” says Bill Roedy, the
president of MTV Networks International. “These new channels enable us to
showcase Pakistan's unique and vibrant culture, while celebrating the diversity
of music and common experiences among kids and young people.”

MTV Pakistan, which
launches today, is available in 3.5 million cable and satellite households and
is MTV's 57th localized channel across the globe. As part of the agreement, the
current Indus Music channel becomes the all-new MTV Pakistan, reflecting the
tastes and interests of Pakistani youth through a combination of local and
international music videos and entertainment packaged in a fresh and
contemporary on-air environment.

“Indus Media Group is
proud to play a role in this momentous occasion of putting Pakistan on the
global map of youth entertainment,” said Ghazanafar Ali, the chairman of Indus
Media Group, who also serves as MTV Pakistan's Chief Executive Officer. “The
last few years have been phenomenally good for music in Pakistan, and MTV's
arrival will help in the development of the local music scene even more.”

Nickelodeon is now
available in 2.5 million cable and satellite households in Pakistan, in
partnership with ARY Digital Network, and targets kids aged 2-12 years old.

“Pakistan is a growing
market in every aspect and the same goes for the kids television domain,
spurring ARY Digital Network to enter this segment with full force through the
launch of Nickelodeon,” said Salman Iqbal, the global CEO and president of ARY
Digital Network. “I am very confident that Nick will bring international
quality entertainment and infotainment to one of the most important and
significant segments of television viewers in the country.”