Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) is to assume control of MTV in the Czech Republic and Slovakia from the beginning of 2014.
Parabola reports that this will be following the expiry of contracts that have allowed CET 21, the licence holder of CME stations in the two countries, to distribute the channel.
Significantly, it adds that Bartosz Witak, VIMN’s MD for CEE and Israel, said that the company is open to future cooperation with CET 21, if such a collaboration opportunity arises.
Speculation is now mounting that financially-troubled CME may start disposing of some of its assets, with the Czech film distributor Bontonfilm being possibly put up for sale.
It is certainly reducing its activities, with TV Markiza in Slovakia recently confirming the closure of Fooor, a thematic channel it launched in only February this year.
