MTV Russia currently operates as a joint venture between VIMN and ProfMedia. However, this partnership comes to an end as of Friday 31st May 2013.
It will then be replaced by a new, ProfMedia-owned net targeting 14-44s, called Friday and branded locally as Pyatnitsa, which is scheduled to start transmiting on Saturday 1st June 2013. Local reports suggest that ProfMedia is aiming to spend US$100m on the entertainment channel over the next two years.
Meanwhile, MTV Russia will return with a brand new "new look" and feel as a wholly-owned and operated VIMN channel on Tuesday 1st October 2013 for the first time since the networks launch in 1998.
The channel will air local content alongside MTV programmes such as "Jersey Shore" and "The Hills", dubbed into Russian.
VIMN also operates localised MTV Hits, MTV Dance, MTV Rocks and MTV HD channels in Russia, in addition to Russian versions of Nickelodeon and Paramount Comedy:
MTV returns to Russia
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) will relaunch MTV Russia later this year as a rival to the entertainment channel that is to replace it next month.
MTV Russia currently operates as a joint venture between VIMN and ProfMedia. However, this partnership comes to an end as of May 31.
It will then be replaced by a new, ProfMedia-owned net targeting 14-44s, called Friday and branded locally as Pyatnitsa, which is scheduled to start transmiting June 1.
Local reports suggest that ProfMedia is aiming to spend US$100m on the entertainment channel over the next two years.
Meanwhile, MTV Russia will return with a “new look” as a wholly-owned and operated VIMN channel on October 1 for the first time since its launch 15 years ago.
The channel will air local content alongside MTV programmes such as Jersey Shore and The Hills, dubbed into Russian.
“By taking full editorial and management control of MTV, we aim to strengthen its presence in the Russian market, which is a global priority for Viacom,” said David Lynn, executive VP and MD of VIMN UK.
VIMN also operates MTV Hits, MTV Dance, MTV Rocks and MTV HD in Russia, in addition to Nickelodeon and Paramount Comedy.
Nico Franks
30-05-2013
©C21Media
GENRES: Drama, Factual
SHOWS: Jersey Shore, The Hills
COMPANIES: MTV Russia, ProfMedia, Pyatnitsa, Viacom International Media Networks
COUNTRIES: Russia, US
