Deal Marks Major Programming Agreement for Sony's Forthcoming
Cloud-Based TV Service in the United States
Twenty-Two Viacom Networks, including Comedy Central, MTV, Spike,
VH1, Nickelodeon to be Available on New Service at Launch
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Viacom (NASDAQ:VIAB)(NASDAQ:VIA) and Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE) today
announced a landmark agreement for Sony's forthcoming cloud-based TV
service to carry 22 Viacom networks at launch. The deal marks Viacom's
first-ever agreement to provide its networks for an Internet-based live
TV and video on demand service.
"Viacom always strives to create transformational opportunities that
combine consumer value and technological innovation," said Philippe
Dauman, President and CEO, Viacom. "Given our young, tech-savvy
audiences, our networks are essential for any new distribution platform,
and we're excited to be among the many programmers that will help power
Sony's new service and advance a new era for television."
"Our new cloud-based TV service will combine the live TV content people
love most about cable with the dynamic experience they have come to
expect from our network," said Andrew House, Group Executive, Network
Entertainment Business, Sony Corporation. "Viacom's award-winning
networks are a perfect match for our new service, ensuring that our
customers will be able to access the shows they love on their favorite
devices, when and how they choose."
The partnership unites Sony's rapidly growing network and more than 75
million Internet-enabled Sony devices in U.S. living rooms with Viacom's
content portfolio, all of which have deep connections with today's young
adults. Viacom owns and operates the largest basic cable portfolio in
the United States by audience share, including 25.9% share of basic
cable viewership among young people aged 2 to 34*.
Sony's cloud-based TV service will offer subscribers Internet-based live
TV and video on demand from major programmers, including the following
content from Viacom:
-
At least 22 Viacom linear networks at launch, including BET, CMT,
Comedy Central, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Nicktoons, Spike, TV
Land and VH1, BET Gospel, Centric, Logo, CMT Pure Country, MTV Hits,
MTV James, mtvU, Palladia, TeenNick, Vh1 Classic and Vh1 Soul and all
available HD.
-
Authenticated access to hundreds of hours of programming on Viacom's
TV Everywhere websites and apps. Viacom currently offers TV Everywhere
apps from Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, VH1, CMT and Logo.
-
Viacom's full video-on-demand package.
Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Sony will announce more details about its new cloud-based TV service in
the near future.
*Nielsen Media Research, July 2014
About Viacom
Viacom is home to premier global media brands that create compelling
television programs, motion pictures, short-form video, apps, games,
consumer products, social media and other entertainment content for
audiences in more than 160 countries and territories. Viacom's media
networks, including MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick
Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, Comedy Central, TV Land, SPIKE,
Channel 5 (UK), Tr3s, Paramount Channel and VIVA, reach approximately
700 million television subscribers worldwide. Paramount Pictures,
America's oldest film studio, is a major global producer and distributor
of filmed entertainment.
For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com.
Keep up with Viacom news by following Viacom's blog at blog.viacom.com
and Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/viacom.
Sony Network Entertainment International
Sony Network Entertainment International LLC (SNEI), a subsidiary of
Sony Corporation of America, is the premier provider of digital
entertainment. Through the Sony Entertainment Network portal, consumers
around the world are able to access their favorite digital entertainment
conveniently and instantly on their favorite connected devices. SNEI
offers the latest and highest quality music, video, and game content
through Sony Entertainment Network as well as PlayStation Network while
also delivering third-party services. In addition, SNEI provides a
compelling consumer experience through innovative content discovery
features and a simple user interface that is globally consistent, yet
locally relevant.
Viacom
Mark Jafar
mark.jafar@viacom.com
or
Sony
Network Entertainment International
Sean Yoneda
Sean.Yoneda@am.sony.com
Source: Viacom
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