BT today announced three new video-on-demand agreements with MTV, Paramount Comedy and Nickelodeon in the UK to supply some of their most popular entertainment content for BT's next-generation TV service, BT Vision, set to launch in autumn 2006.
BT Vision users will have on-demand access to titles including Punk'd , Pimp My Ride, and Dirty Sanchez from MTV; SpongeBob Squarepants, Rugrats and Drake and Josh from Nickelodeon and Comedy Central’s South Park, Comedy Store, Jongleurs Unleashed and The World Stands Up from Paramount Comedy.
Michiel Bakker, EVP MD, MTV Networks UK & Ireland commented: "This deal with BT Vision further reinforces our commitment to be available however, whenever and through whatever medium our audience want to connect with MTV, Paramount Comedy and Nickelodeon. Working together with BT Vision to harness the power of broadband complements our own advances in digital and ensures that our great content will be available for even more people to enjoy."
Dan Marks, CEO of BT Vision, said: "We are delighted to announce these deals with MTV, Paramount Comedy and Nickelodeon. Through them, BT Vision viewers will have on-demand access to some of the most popular TV brands and programming in the UK.
"This deal builds on our already-strong relationship with the Viacom companies Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks. BT very much values the relationship with Viacom and looks forward to developing digital entertainment opportunities together in the future"
At launch, BT Vision customers will be able to enjoy a vast range of film, music and television programming available on-demand as well as interactive services and all the Freeview channels, all available on the TV, with no compulsory subscription. This unique combination, delivered on a software platform powered by Microsoft and through a set-top box made by Philips, will allow customers choice, control and convenience.
BT Vision has already announced content deals with a range of leading entertainment companies including Dreamworks, i-concerts, Eagle Rock, BBC Worldwide, Paramount, Warner Music Group, National Geographic Channel, HIT Entertainment, Momentum, Universal, Nelvana, SONY BMG and Turner Broadcasting; as well as with independents including Lionsgate, Entertainment Rights plc, NBD Television and Wall to Wall Television. BT Vision has also announced 'near-live' FA Premier League matches from the 2007/08 season.
ENDS
About MTV Networks UK & Ireland:
MTV Networks is the largest television network in the world and a leading creator of programming and content across all media platforms, with 111 channels and 94 websites reaching more than 440 million households in 167 countries worldwide.
MTV Networks UK & Ireland operates 3 channel groups - Comedy, Kids and Music.
Our 9 branded music channels comprise of MTV, VH1, MTV Hits, MTV Base, MTV Dance, MTV2, MTV Flux, VH1 Classic and TMF. They feature the best in music alongside popular shows such as Pimp My Ride, Newlyweds, Punk'd, Dirty Sanchez and Cribs. MTV Network's music channels are available on Sky, Cable (through ntl & Telewest) and Freeview, reaching larger audiences than at any time in UK history, with an average of over 17 million viewers each month according to BARB research.
Paramount and Nickelodeon in the UK are part of the MTV Networks International portfolio of channels through joint ventures with BSKYB.
In addition, MTV Networks is a pioneer in the new and exciting world of digital media, winning awards for its interactive and online services, as well as being the first media company to offer made-for-mobile 3G video content. Since 2005 MTV Networks UK & Ireland has offered mobile distribution of four TV channels (MTV Snax, MTV Trax, Paramount and Nickelodeon). MTV Networks UK & Ireland recently launched MTV Overdrive, an on-demand, broadband entertainment and music service where users can view the best of MTV shows free and create and build their own playlists, and MTV Flux, a brand new social network community stretching across online mobile and television.
MTV Networks is a unit of Viacom
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, in its 27th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for eleven consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B).
About Paramount Comedy
The comedy portfolio comprises of three channels - Paramount Comedy, Paramount Comedy +1 and Paramount Comedy 2. Paramount Comedy is the international channel brand of MTV Networks International. The channel appears on all Pay TV platforms including cable, satellite and DSL and reaches more than 9 million homes. Paramount Comedy is targeted at a young, upmarket audience aged16-44, with a vibrant schedule including brand new series of Two and A Half Men, Stacked and South Park alongside top stand-up and audience approved comedy. Paramount Comedy is 75% owned by Paramount British Pictures (Viacom), with 25% owned by BskyB.
About BT
BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in 170 countries. Its principal activities include networked IT services, local, national and international telecommunications services, and higher-value broadband and internet products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.
In the year ended 31 March 2006, BT Group’s revenue was £19,514 million with profit before taxation of £2,040 million.
British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.
For more information, visit www.bt.com/aboutbt
