Virgin Media customers are going to be the first to access the new Play apps released by Viacom for its MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr and Comedy Centra channels.
The new multiyear agreement with Virgin Media in the UK and Ireland includes the networks, alongside new channels, catch up and boxed sets. Channel 5’s Milkshake will make its debut in November, while entertainment channel Spike will also be made available for the first time.
David Bouchier, Chief Digital Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media said: “This agreement with Viacom means our customers will not just continue to have access to some of the very best TV from MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon or the newly launched Spike, but can now enjoy even more programmes on demand – whether on TV or mobile. We continue to give our customers the very best TV to watch when and how they want and it’s fantastic to work with partners who really understand this.”
Viacom’s most-watched TV channels will now also be available on Virgin Media’s TV Anywhere platform. This means Virgin Media customers can continue to enjoy programmes from MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon on their mobile devices.
Arran Tindall, SVP, Commercial and Content Distribution, for Viacom International Media Networks, added: “This deal gives Virgin Media’s customers even greater choice and control over what, when and where they watch the broad array of quality content that Viacom has to offer. We’re delighted to be partnering with Virgin Media to make content from all our branded networks available on every screen and both on-demand and on-the-go.”
The release of the Play channels follows a model often seen in the United States where a programmer’s content is tied to a cable subscription.