FremantleMedia International Continues Youku Pact

CANNES: FremantleMedia International (FMI) has extended its multi-year digital deal with China’s Youku, originally signed in 2013, for another three years.

The agreement will see a variety of FMI’s entertainment and drama programming continue to be available to online audiences in China, averaging 130 million unique users on a daily basis. Global hits such as America’s Got Talent and Project Runway will remain on the platform, which boasts 240 million mobile users.

Ganesh Rajaram, FMI’s executive VP for Asia, said: “We have been working with Youku for three years now and are thrilled to extend our agreement with this fantastic partner. While local content is a big thing in China, Youku has managed to build a loyal base of video enthusiasts who will be able to enjoy some of our best known shows for another three years, once again demonstrating their mass appeal around the world.”

Yang Weidong, president of Heyi Group (Youku Tudou) and CEO of Alibaba Music Group, added: “We feel honored to work with such renowned company like FremantleMedia. We will make joint efforts to bring high-quality content to young users in China through constant collaboration and Youku will endeavor to introduce successful series to China from the world.”