Vice has announced a number of digital, mobile ands linear deals that will make its multiscreen programming to over 50 territories.
In a statement, it says that the deals range from three-screen market entries in India and the Middle East, to 24-hour TV channels across Australia and New Zealand (to complement existing local digital and mobile businesses), to a stand-alone TV channel across Southeast Asia, and a linear-first venture in Africa.
Its partners will include The Times of India Group (ToI) for India market entry across digital, mobile, and TV; The Moby Group for the Middle East market entry across digital, mobile, TV; SBS Australia to launch Viceland across Australia; Sky New Zealand to launch Viceland across New Zealand on Sky TV and Sky Mobile; Multi Channels Asia to launch Viceland across Southeast Asia; Econet Media to launch Viceland across digital and linear throughout Africa; and Groupe V Media to launch Viceland in Quebec and throughout French speaking Canada.
Commenting on the development, Shane Smith, CEO and founder of Vice, said: “People don’t like to believe me. Maybe it’s because I drink too much. Mebbe cuz I’m a story teller. But today I have something to confess; I am a liar. I lied. Earlier this year it was widely reported that I announced that we would launch Viceland in 12 countries in 12 months and that is not true. We will in fact be launching in 44 countries (for those keeping score that’s less than 4 months in). Making Viceland the fastest growing television network in history. Forgive me my sins I love you all.”
