MTV
Networks International (MTVNI), owned by Viacom Inc (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B),
today announced the launch of the first ever international high definition
service dedicated to music and kids, MTVNHD (MTV Networks High Definition).
The channel will premiere on Monday, 15 September 2008 and will be
available in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Poland and Sweden. The
24-hour English language service will debut at 12 noon (CET) with 30
Seconds to Mars' video A Beautiful Lie.
This state-of-the-art channel underlines MTVNI's on-going commitment to
providing its global audience with innovative premium content. Over 300
hours of bespoke programming has been commissioned over two years,
providing viewers with an enhanced music and kids' entertainment experience
across MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon among other MTVNI brands.
MTVNI intends to extend the MTVNHD service to France, Germany, the
Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, the UK, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia,
Mexico and Venezuela by the end of 2008.
In making the announcement Robert Bakish, President, MTVNI commented:
"Entering the high-def universe is a natural next step in our growth as a
premier global media company. MTVNHD further deepens our audience
connection as we continue to refine and expand the way we develop, package
and deliver quality content. This initiative strengthens our global
portfolio of assets across our brands as we cater to our targeted audience
in a format we are confident they will embrace."
MTVNHD will be operated by MTVNI's Emerging Markets Group, who will
produce and broadcast the channel 24-hours a day from its Warsaw hub. The
service will also leverage MTVNI's global creative talent pool with
programming produced by other international MTV Networks production units
in Southern Europe, the UK and Latin America.
"MTVNHD is a great example of how we can leverage the strengths of our
global network," added Bhavneet Singh, Managing Director and Executive Vice
President, Emerging Markets, MTVNI. "Basing the new HD channel in Poland
recognises Central and Eastern Europe as an increasingly important region
that is at the forefront of technological and creative innovation."
The channel's line-up will consist of music based and kids' programming
that is original, acquired and from MTVNI's multi-branded library. Music
content will include a variety of iconic series such as MTV Unplugged and
VH1 Storytellers as well as high profile live music events including Isle
of MTV, Roskilde, the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV Europe Music
Awards. In addition, a Nickelodeon programming block, broadcasting on
Saturday and Sunday mornings, will play host to the network's stable of hit
shows such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Legend of Aang, Jimmy
Neutron: Boy Genius, Tak & the Power of Juju and Mr. Meaty.
MTVNHD will be hosted by a number of personalities including MTV Latin
America's Francisco Ortiz and English newcomer, Amy Perfect, selected from
thousands of hopefuls from around the world.
Examples of MTVNHD's original HD programming include:
- Chartblast - an hour long weekday countdown show
- HD Extreme - a 30 minute, extreme sports magazine show
- MTV Top 20 - a weekly 90 minute show that takes a look back at the best
of ... hosted by Ortiz
- Uncompressed - a weekly hour long show that explores different themes
in music hosted by Perfect
Acquired HD titles include:
- Eric Clapton, Crossroads (120 mins)
- Godsmack Live (103 mins)
- Matchbox Twenty - Live in Atlanta (95 mins)
- Nickelback Live (60 mins)
- Meatloaf Live (60 mins)
- White Snake (90 mins)
The channel will be supported by a dedicated website (http://www.mtvnhd.com),
which will provide users with information about the channel, schedules and
much more.
About MTV Networks International - MTV Networks International includes
the premier multimedia entertainment brands MTV: Music Television, VH1,
Nickelodeon, TMF (The Music Factory), VIVA, Flux, Paramount Comedy, Comedy
Central, Game One, and digital properties Gametrailers, Shockwave, XFire,
Neopets, AtomFilms and AddictingGames. MTV Networks' brands are seen
globally in 560.1 million households in 162 countries and 33 languages via
165 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 300 digital
media properties. The company's diverse holdings also include interests in
television syndication, digital media, publishing, home video, radio,
recorded music, licensing & merchandising and two feature film divisions,
MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. MTV Networks is a unit of Viacom Inc.
(NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).
SOURCE MTV Networks International
Digg
Reddit
Slashdot