MTV Re-Launches in Russia

LONDON/MOSCOW: Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has launched its newest fully owned and operated service in Russia with the re-launch of the youth entertainment channel MTV.

MTV has secured distribution for Rostelecom, NTV Plus and Megafon. The channel will be available via basic tier packages to more than 2.3 million households across Russia. The service will feature a mix of local content, including a flagship music show MTV Top 20, alongside hits dubbed in Russian such as Catfish: The TV Show, Jersey Shore, Pimp My Ride and Beavis & Butt-head.

“Russia is a high growth market and key investment priority for VIMN, and the launch of our first-ever owned and operated MTV main channel, together with the success of Nickelodeon and Paramount Comedy, not only demonstrates our commitment to the market, but is also testament to our Moscow and London-based team’s vision and dedication,” commented David Lynn, the executive VP and managing director at VIMN UK. “It’s fitting that as we celebrate 15 years in the market, Russian audiences are able to enjoy our three powerhouse global brands—MTV, Nickelodeon and Paramount Comedy—as truly authentic, globally aligned channels.”