Nickelodeon Set for OTT Rollout in Japan

Viacom is launching an OTT and mobile Nickelodeon linear channel in Japan via a pact with NTT DOCOMO.

The deal brings the Nickelodeon-branded subscription TV service to OTT platform dTV-Channel, delivering shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Nickelodeon does not have a linear presence in Japan on cable or satellite platforms.

Viacom had previously launched two other OTT channels in Japan, MTV HITS on AbemaTV and MTV MIX on Hulu Japan.

“Over-the-top and mobile offer an important growth path for Nickelodeon and our other flagship brands in mature subscription TV markets like Japan,” said Mark Whitehead, the president and managing director for the Asia Pacific at Viacom International Media Networks. “This is another strong example of Viacom forging deep and innovative partnerships with OTT and mobile distributors, like NTT DOCOMO’s dTV-Channel in Japan, to make our ‘must-see’ content available when, where and how consumers want to view it.”