MUMBAI: MTV Networks Europe (MTVNE) has announced that it will launch kids' channel and web site Nickelodeon in Germany on 12 September 2005. This will be 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 the channels. Additional investments will include the launch of new programming on both Viva and MTV in Germany.
MTV Networks Europe CEO Somon Guild says, "We are committed to offering a broad range of programming to German audiences through diverse, complementary channels. 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. It will feature 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. 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.
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. 17 new VIVA and MTV shows will premiere over the coming months. New MTV shows include Pimp My Bicycle (a local take on the international hit Pimp My Ride). New Viva shows include Shibuya (a 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).
