3/31/2015
Corus Entertainment Secures all Programming Rights to Nickelodeon Content in Canada
* Deal includes exclusive rights to Nickelodeon's globally renowned programming across digital and linear platforms
* Long-term deal includes new rights to Nickelodeon's French-language content
Corus Entertainment, (TSX: CJR.B) a leading media and entertainment company and Nickelodeon, a division of Viacom International Media Networks (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), announced today that they are broadening their partnership with a new long-term agreement that grants Corus exclusive rights to all of Nickelodeon's English and French-language content across existing and emerging digital platforms as well as linear services in Canada.
Under the terms of the new licensing deal, Corus is the sole distributor and rights holder of Nickelodeon's robust catalogue of current content and library titles in Canada. The all-encompassing agreement gives Corus the ability to exploit Nickelodeon's content across linear and non-linear platforms including OTT, SVOD, electronic sell-through, games and mobile apps. In addition to English-language rights, this new deal includes rights to Nickelodeon's French-language programming.
"This marks a new phase of our enhanced partnership with Nickelodeon and builds on Corus' 10-year history as a trusted steward for the brand," said Doug Murphy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Corus Entertainment. "We are excited to leverage Nickelodeon's high quality content in new and innovative ways, giving Corus a competitive edge in this evolving media landscape; while offering Canada's young, savvy digital consumers and their families full access to Nickelodeon's brands."
"We have a well-established track record of success with Corus. We're thrilled to extend and deepen our partnership, which marries the power of our brand and award-winning kids' content with the leading children's media company in Canada," said Pierluigi Gazzolo, President of VIMN Americas and Executive Vice President of Nickelodeon International. "Expanding our long-term relationship with additional rights will ensure Canadian kids and families can access our content across all relevant platforms."
Canadian audiences have been enjoying Nickelodeon content on Corus' kids and family networks YTV and Treehouse since 2005, when Corus signed its first output deal with Nickelodeon. Subsequently, in 2009, Corus launched Nickelodeon (Canada) offering Canadians a stand-alone channel dedicated to the Nickelodeon brand and its properties. Nickelodeon's iconic hits include SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and iCarly, as well as favourite Nick Jr. series Dora and Friends, Team Umizoomi and Bubble Guppies among others.
About Corus Entertainment Inc.
Corus Entertainment Inc. is a Canadian-based media and entertainment company that creates, broadcasts and licenses content across a variety of platforms for audiences around the world. The Company's portfolio of multimedia offerings encompasses specialty television and radio with additional assets in pay television, television broadcasting, children's book publishing, children's animation and animation software. Corus' brands include YTV, TELETOON, ABC Spark, W Network, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network (Canada), HBO Canada, Historia and Séries+, as well as Nelvana, Kids Can Press, Toon Boom and 39 radio stations including CKNW AM 980, Rock 101, Country 105, 630 CHED, Fresh Radio, JUMP! 106.9, Q107 and 102.1 the Edge. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (CJR.B). Experience Corus on the web at http://www.corusent.com/.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company's portfolio includes television programming and production around the world, plus special events, consumer products, digital offerings, recreation, books, feature films and pro-social initiatives. Nickelodeon's brands reach 1.1 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 160 countries and territories, via more than 80+ locally programmed channels and branded blocks. Outside of the United States, Nickelodeon is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.
Viacom International Media Networks The Americas
Viacom International Media Networks The Americas, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), owns and operates the company's portfolio of entertainment brands, which include MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, VH1 and their respective properties in Latin America (including Brazil). Additionally, the portfolio includes Tr3 in the US, which targets a broad US Hispanic audience, and VIMN's programming partnerships in Canada with Corus Entertainment for Nickelodeon, and Bell Media for MTV and Comedy Central. The company's emerging multiplatform businesses include MTVNHD and Red Viacom in Latin America as well as VH1HD in Brazil. VIMN in Latin America, US Hispanic and Canada also serve the growing number of digitally connected millennials via its websites: mtvla.com, mtv.com.br, mundonick.com, comedycentral.la, comedycentral.com.br, paramountchannel.la, paramountchannel.com.br, vh1la.com, vh1Brazil.com.br, tr3s.com, mtv.ca and nickcanada.com as well as through its broadband and community sites: mtvrevolution.com, mundonick.com/nickturbo, mtvmusica.com, neopets.com and mtvdemo.com, among others.
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