MTV Networks International has announced a major expansion in its HD output, launching a dedicated Nickelodeon HD channel in the UK on October 5, and extending the brand internationally from next year.
MTV already has an HD channel in the UK market, MTVNHD, which has taken content both from the youth network and kids channel Nickelodeon. During the summer it launched Comedy Central HD.
The new Nickelodeon HD is slated for launch in Poland, Russia, Israel and Brazil during 2011. Following the launch of Nickelodeon HD the weekend block on MTVNHD will cease.
“With the successful launch and expansion of MTVNHD in less than two years, we are committed to further investment in the high definition medium across our industry leading brands,” commented Bob Bakish, President of MTVNI. “These new HD services will create stronger bonds with our kid, youth and adult audiences, as well as provide innovative new products to cable and satellite operators as demand continues to grow. HD will help fuel our long-term creative and business growth as we continue to leverage our global scale and expertise to develop, package and deliver quality content across all platforms.”
Launched in 2008, MTVNHD is expected to be available in 30 countries by the year-end. It is currently available in 7 million households including recent launches Bulgaria and Malta.
