VIMN Strengthens Presence in Europe & Africa

Viacom International Media Networks Southern and Western Europe, Middle East and Africa (VIMN SWEMEA) has inked a number of linear, SVOD and multiplatform distribution deals spanning multiple brands in the region.

In the kids’ space, Nick Jr. recently launched on Spain’s Orange. Over in sub-Saharan Africa, an existing 2015 pact with Showmax was expanded to include 500 hours of Nickelodeon programming, including such series as PAW Patrol, Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants. VIMN signed an agreement with iflix, which will carry such Nickelodeon shows as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and iCarly in Africa.

MTV also became available on Orange in Spain. VIMN launched VOD app MTV Play in Germany and Austria, replacing MTV’s previous app with the MTV brand of the company’s international flagship VOD service PlayPlex. The suite of mobile apps, which work on iOS and Android devices, offers live streams of Viacom’s branded TV channels, as well as a library of VOD content.

The Showmax deal also includes 150 hours of new international and local content from other brands, including MTV Base’s MTV Base Meets… and MTV Shuga; Comedy Central’s South Park, Key & Peele and Roast Battle Africa; and BET’s Being Mary Jane and Real Husbands of Hollywood. The iflix agreement also comprises Comedy Central’s Broad City and Comedy Central Presents… Live at Parkers; MTV’s Pimp My Ride and Awkward; VH1’s The Fabulous Life of…; MTV Base’s Behind the Story…; and BET’s Nellyville and Punk’d.

In addition, VIMN collaborated with Snapchat in France for the first fully localized MTV Discover channel outside of the U.S. The version features some international content dubbed in French and includes a localized editorial offering designed specifically for French audiences and produced in the country.

“I am very pleased to be confirming these deals across the cluster,” said Raffaele Annecchino, the president and managing director of VIMN SWEMEA. “Our strategies vary market by market based on the opportunities available, and we remain flexible and committed to working with the best affiliates in each region. This month, we’ve closed deals for linear and nonlinear distribution for multiple brands in our portfolio across a range of countries and platforms. I am proud of our success and I look forward to announcing additional agreements shortly.”