Viacom and Sony Reach Landmark Internet Distribution Agreement
Viacom and Sony announced a landmark agreement for Sonys forthcoming cloud-based TV service to carry 22 Viacom networks at launch. The deal marks Viacoms first-ever agreement to provide its networks for an Internet-based live TV and video on demand service. Viacom always strives to create transformational opportunities that combine consumer value and technological innovation, said Philippe Dauman, President and CEO, Viacom. Given our young, tech-savvy audiences, our networks are essential for any new distribution platform, and were excited to be among the many programmers that will help power Sonys new service and advance a new era for television.
Our new cloud-based TV service will combine the live TV content people love most about cable with the dynamic experience they have come to expect from our network, said Andrew House, Group Executive, Network Entertainment Business, Sony Corporation. Viacoms award-winning networks are a perfect match for our new service, ensuring that our customers will be able to access the shows they love on their favorite devices, when and how they choose.
The partnership unites Sonys rapidly growing network and more than 75 million Internet-enabled Sony devices in U.S. living rooms with Viacoms content portfolio, all of which have deep connections with todays young adults. Viacom owns and operates the largest basic cable portfolio in the United States by audience share, including 25.9% share of basic cable viewership among young people aged 2 to 34*. Sonys cloud-based TV service will offer subscribers Internet-based live TV and video on demand from major programmers, including the following content from Viacom:
At least 22 Viacom linear networks at launch, including BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Nicktoons, Spike, TV Land and VH1, BET Gospel, Centric, Logo, CMT Pure Country, MTV Hits, MTV James, mtvU, Palladia, TeenNick, Vh1 Classic and Vh1 Soul and all available HD. Authenticated access to hundreds of hours of programming on Viacoms TV Everywhere websites and apps. Viacom currently offers TV Everywhere apps from Nickelodeo , MTV, Comedy Central, BET, VH1, CMT and Logo.Viacoms full video-on-demand package.