"We need to engage consumers by creating content that considers social media and allows people to connect with each other," he said. "We have never had such a strong technical platform that enables us to distribute content."
Annecchino added during his speech that Viacom now developed TV content with a digital strategy in place from the outset. He pointed to the launch of Mon Nickelodeon Junior, a French video on demand service which allows users to create a profile before being served a stream of relevant shows based on their interests across multiple platforms. "Kids today are completely connected, consume content on any device and are addicted to social media," he said.
Now in its fourth year, the Abu Dhabi Media Summit is the world's most important gathering of the leaders and companies driving the transition to a fully digital future - with a special emphasis on the digital frontiers of the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, East Asia & China. Simultaneously eclectic, wide reaching and exclusive, the Abu Dhabi Media Summit has become an essential stop on the global media leadership calendar.
Raffaele Annecchino is Executive Vice President and Managing Director for Viacom International Media Networks' (VIMN) South Europe, Middle East & Africa. In this role Annecchino works to expand VIMN's business and awareness of its brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, VH1, Game One and a suite of digital media services, across Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, the Middle East, Africa, Malta and Turkey.
Most recently, Annecchino oversaw the launch of the world's first Paramount Channel on free-to-air TV in Spain. Set to roll out across several other markets in the coming years, Paramount Channel is a 24-hour movie channel drawing content from the libraries of several Hollywood film studios, including that of Viacom’s Paramount Pictures.
Before joining VIMN, Annecchino held positions with Turner International, Cartoon Network and CNN. Annecchino currently resides in Madrid. Annecchino holds a Bachelor of Economics from European Business School, London, UK and an MBA Executive from Istututo de Impresa International, Madrid, Spain.
Viacom targets Generation C
Generation C, the group of youngsters who love to create, curate and comment online, are the next demographic in the sights of Viacom International Media Networks.
Speaking at the Abu Dhabi Media Summit, Viacom’s managing director of south Europe and MEA Raffaele Annecchino said broadcasters must target the emerging generation of millenials across multiple platforms.
"We need to engage consumers by creating content that considers social media and allows people to connect with each other,” he said. “We have never had such a strong technical platform that enables us to distribute content."
Annecchino added that Viacom now developed TV content with a digital strategy in place from the outset.
He pointed to the launch of Mon Nickelodeon Junior a French VoD service which allows users to create a profile before being served a stream of relevant shows based on their interests across multiple platforms.
"Kids today are completely connected, consume content on any device and are addicted to social media," he said.
United Talent Agency's head of digital Eric Kuhn said Generation C had ‘crossed the Rubicon’ in terms of shifting to their consumption of content cross-platform.
"Growing up today, kids ask their parents if they can watch YouTube rather than television," he said. "And the content is stronger for it."
"It's all up for grabs – devices, distribution, advertising, social and content. It’s no longer just about 30 or 60 minute shows or two hour films. A piece of content can be six seconds long."
He added that he expects there to be a renewed push from broadcasters to support TV shows on Facebook, following Twitter's dominance, after the social network opened up its platform to third parties.
But Chris Vollmer, a partner for media consultancy Booz & Company, warned that Facebook may not have the same draw as it did several years ago.
"Teens are starting to realise that Facebook looks a lot like the family picnic. What they want is a private party," he said. "So if they want to express themselves they may go to Tumblr or to Instagram to post photos. They are figuring out where to go to be more specific."
Kuhn added that it was vital to tailor the message to the platform.
"You can't use technology for technology's sake. You need a specific strategy for each service to cut through the clutter and reach your audience."
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