MCOT, APPLETOOL AND VIACOM INTERNATIONAL MEDIA NETWORKS ASIA ENTER INTO A GROUND-BREAKING STRATEGIC ALLIANCE IN THAILAND
MTV THAILAND IS BACK
MODERNINE CLINCHES NICKELODEON BRANDED BLOCK DEAL
THAILAND, 26 April 2013 – MCOT Public Company Limited today announced that it has entered into a strategic alliance with Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Asia, a division of Viacom Inc., a leading provider of entertainment content, and appleTool Co. Ltd, a local general entertainment content provider and subsidiary of VR1 Media Group, to collaborate on production, licensing, distribution and live events for MTV Thailand. This follows an announcement just last week on an exclusive licensing agreement between VIMN and appleTool to bring back MTV Thailand to its Thai fans. At a signing ceremony in front of Thai media and trade partners today, MCOT also announced a licensing agreement with VR1 Media Group to offer a Nickelodeon branded block on MCOT’s Modernine that will launch on June 22nd.
The MTV Thailand channel will officially launch on May 1st and reach over 10 million households (approximately fifty percent of total TV households in the country). The channel will be distributed on C-band satellite and on Ku-band satellite, which provides access to True Visions’ 2 million Pay-TV subscriber base through its Freeview Pack on Channel 59, and on C-band satellite. Plans for MTV Thailand include local productions, on-ground events and an enhanced range of programs specially catered for the Thai youth market, including the “MTV VJ Hunt” for Thailand. The selected MTV VJs will become the extension of the brand’s personality in Thailand, present MTV Thailand’s original productions, and introduce viewers to the hottest local and international talents. The plan is to fully localize MTV Thailand – made in Thailand for Thai viewers.
“I am delighted we are joining hands with appleTool, a strong local content producer, who will be responsible for the localization of MTV Thailand. This is a ground-breaking alliance that has not been done in the Thai media industry and will really bring us to the forefront of local content production. Look out for more to come, including a move towards digitization. VIMN brings expertise in creating youth-oriented programming, brand strength and production expertise into the mix. Furthermore, we will be bringing Nickelodeon to Modernine. I am confident of the success of this strategic alliance that really strengthens our channels’ line-up for our audiences,” said Dr. Anek Permvongseni, President of MCOT Public Company Limited.
“This strategic alliance will give our content a presence that no other non-Thai channel has today. We will be the widest distributed international channel in Thailand as we will be across all major platforms, including True Visions, PSI C-band, and DTV. MCOT’s over 60-year history and dominance in the Thai media market makes them a logical and strong partner and we have certainly fulfilled our on-going strategy to extend the coverage of both MTV and Nickelodeon brands across Asia, especially in a fast-growing market like Thailand,” said VIMN Asia’s executive vice president and managing director, Indra Suharjono. “We are just as thrilled that we can bring the Nickelodeon experience onto Modernine, where Thai kids can now undoubtedly connect with their beloved characters on Nickelodeon.”
“We look to build an exceptional platform for the creation and delivery of great music and entertainment for the Thai youth. Our collaboration with such an iconic youth entertainment brand like MTV represents an opportunity for local talents and youths to engage each other as we create a channel that features some of the very best of MTV for Thai millennials,” said Byrd Kulpong Bunnag, chief executive officer, VR1 Media Group.
The launch of MTV Thailand and the Nickelodeon branded block represent a significant opportunity for the three parties’ business partners, including advertisers, record labels, the talent community and multiplatform distributors.
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About MCOT
The core businesses operated by MCOT Public Company Limited include Modernine TV Station, MCOT radio stations, and The Thai News Agency. MCOT Plc. has 2 subsidiaries; namely, Panorama Worldwide Company Limited and SeedMCOT Company Limited. MCOT Plc. has also carried out the business with other private companies under joint operation agreements such as Bangkok Entertainment Company Limited, operator of TV Channel 3, and TrueVisions Public Company Limited, operator of the subscription TV.
About MTV
MTV is the world’s premier youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. Outside of the United States, MTV is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. For information about MTV in Southeast Asia, visit www.mtvasia.com.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 34th year globally and 15th year in Asia, is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family. The company has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does with a portfolio that extends across television, music, publishing, digital media, mobile and consumer products. Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. are seen in more than 60 million households throughout North and Southeast Asia region with 24-hour programming services including Nickelodeon Southeast Asia, Nickelodeon Korea, as well as Nickelodeon branded programme blocks and syndications. For information about Nickelodeon in Asia, visit www.nick-asia.com.
About Viacom International Media Networks
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is comprised of many of the world’s most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel, VH1, VIVA, COLORS, Game One and Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más. Viacom brands are seen globally in more than 600 million households in 170 territories and 37 languages via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties. For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com. Keep up with Viacom news by following Viacom’s blog at blog.viacom.com and Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom.
About VR1 Media Group
VR1 Media Group has been influential in teens music movement in Thailand through its Fat Radio station and Fat Festival event. The Group also operates 101 FM, a leading news radio station in Bangkok. VR1 has recently launched Apple One, a satellite TV station, offering a variety of unique and entertaining programs.
Media Contacts:
MCOT Public Company Limited
Patsarocha Charoenpruksachart (Janny)
t: 089 011 5785/ 088 902 6294
e: jannypikky@hotmail.com/ patsarocha@gmail.com
Viacom International Media Networks
Adeline Ong, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Asia
t: (65) 6420 7240 m: (65) 9366 7323
e: adeline.ong@vimn.com
Twitter: @VIMNAsia_PR
VR1 Media Group
Watson Homsangpradit
m: (66) 81 901 7228
e: watsonhomeboy@gmail.com