MTV Networks Europe to Launch Nickelodeon as a 24-Hour Channel & Web Site in Germany

MTV Networks Europe to Launch Nickelodeon as a 24-Hour Channel & Web Site in Germany

Additional Investments in Germany to Include Viacom Brand Solutions Sales House Plus New Programming on VIVA & MTV

BERLIN and LONDON and NEW YORK, April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV Networks Europe (MTVNE) announced today that it will launch leading kids' channel and Web site Nickelodeon in Germany on 12 September as part of the company's commitment to providing high quality, complementary programming on its four channels in the market. A new cross-brand advertising sales house, Viacom Brand Solutions, has been created to market the portfolio of channels. Additional investments announced today include the launch of new programming on both VIVA and MTV in Germany.

"We are committed to offering a broad range of programming to German audiences through diverse, complementary channels," commented Simon Guild, Chief Executive, MTV Networks Europe. "The launch of Nickelodeon as a dedicated channel created specifically for German kids is a significant development in the overall expansion of the brand across Europe. By launching Viacom Brand Solutions, we will offer clients unparalleled flexibility through customised, multi-platform sponsorship opportunities targeting kid, youth and adult audiences in Germany."

Nickelodeon will be a locally managed and programmed channel and Web site seen in 28.6 million German households featuring hit animated series such as the global phenomenon, SpongeBob SquarePants, Danny Phantom, Avatar and Jimmy Neutron, as well as the Emmy nominated preschool series, Dora the Explorer and Blue's Clues. SpongeBob SquarePants is among the top 5 rated kids' shows in Germany through syndication, and Blue's Clues has been #1 in its timeslot in Germany for the past three years. Live-action series will include Drake and Josh and Unfabulous, starring Julia Roberts' niece Emma Roberts. In the evening Nickelodeon will switch to series for a 14+ demo. Local productions and acquisitions will be announced shortly. Nickelodeon will replace the music channel MTV2 Pop in the market, broadcasting alongside MTVNE's other German channel offerings that include VIVA, VIVA PLUS and MTV.

The newly launched Viacom Brand Solutions sales house will market MTVNE's new German channel family. A one-stop shop, Viacom Brand Solutions (VBS) will plan and develop creative, as well as deliver airtime, sponsorships, promotions, events and digital media opportunities for clients. With successful launches in the UK, Ireland and Spain, VBS will work with German agencies and clients to deliver results driven solutions based around its kid and youth entertainment brands.

"With Nickelodeon joining our portfolio of channels, MTV Networks Central offers viewers and clients distinct, specialised channels which are a more effective alternative to the existing offerings in the German television landscape," said Catherine Muhlemann, Executive Vice President, Managing Director, MTV Networks Central & Emerging Markets.

VIVA and MTV's complementary positioning will provide German youth audiences with greater music and programming diversity. VIVA will address viewers with mostly German artists, chart-oriented pop music and a quirky programming schedule. MTV will skew towards edgier programming mixed with international and trend setting music play lists. Seventeen new VIVA and MTV shows will premiere over the coming months. New MTV shows include Pimp My Bicycle (a decidedly local take on the international hit Pimp My Ride), and new VIVA shows include Shibuya (a hilarious, new karaoke challenge), Liebe, Sex & Videos (a music and talk show offering advice on relationships) and Mein Block (a real life soap about family, friends and hip-hop). VIVA PLUS will maintain its current position as an interactive channel, giving audiences the ability to programme the network via phone and Internet.

MTV Networks International includes the premier multimedia entertainment brands MTV: Music Television, VH1, Nickelodeon, TMF (The Music Factory), Paramount Comedy and Game One seen in 416.9 million households in 164 countries and 18 languages via 102 locally programmed and operated TV channels and 90 Web sites. 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 International Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:VIA.B).

Source: MTV Networks; Nickelodeon

CONTACT: Rob Hooper, MTV Networks International, London, +44-20-7478-6520, hooper.rob@mtvne.com; or AnneMarie Kane, MTV Networks International, New York, +1-212-258-7581, or annemarie.kane@mtvn.com

Web site: http://www.nick.com/

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