MTVNI Inks Eastern European Deals for SpongeBob

LONDON/BUDAPEST, June 20: MTV
Networks International (MTVNI) has extended the reach of the hit Nickelodeon
property SpongeBob SquarePants
in Central and Eastern Europe by closing several new deals with key commercial
broadcasters in the region.

Top Channel in Albania and
A1 in Macedonia have both picked up all 90 episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants, marking the debut of the series in these
territories. In addition, TV2 in Hungary has signed an agreement with MTVNI to
renew and extend its current license to include new episodes of the show. The
new deals bring the total number of syndicated countries for the property to
173, in 27 languages.

After debuting on
Nickelodeon’s U.S. channel in 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has become the most widely distributed property in
MTVNI’s history. SpongeBob SquarePants has generated more than US$6.3 billion in retail sales. There are
currently consumer products programs in 22 territories. SpongeBob
SquarePants currently airs
throughout Central and Eastern Europe, including in Estonia on TV3; Lithuania
on TV3; Croatia on RTL; Serbia on B92; Slovenia on TV3; Turkey on CNBC; and
Russia on TNT.

“These deals reflect the
phenomenal global success that has made SpongeBob SquarePants the animated icon it is today, as well as
underlining our recognition of Central and Eastern Europe as an increasingly
important market representing the biggest growth potential in the region,”
commented Nicolas Bonard, the VP of program sales and co-productions at MTVNI.
“It’s fantastic to see our Nickelodeon properties extending into these new
territories and we’re looking forward to the next exciting growth phase.”