The streaming service Pluto TV, which is operated by ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), will make its debut in Italy on October 28.
It will be the country’s first Free ad-supported television (FAST) service and complement Paramount+ when the premium streaming service launches in Italy in 2022.
Commenting on the development, Olivier Jollet, senior VP and general manager of Pluto TV, said: “ViacomCBS is rapidly expanding its global streaming footprint, connecting consumers with a vast library of great content across free and pay platforms worldwide.
“With Pluto TV and soon Paramount+, our diversified eco-system will transform the Italian streaming market”.
Pluto TV will be available for free everywhere Italians stream, with no registration required. The service will launch on mobile via iOS and Android, desktop and Connected TV (CTV) devices, such as Samsung Tizen, LG Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Chromecast, and select channels on Samsung TV Plus. Sky Media will serve as Pluto TV’s conventional advertising sales partner in Italy.
Evelyn Rothblum, executive VP advertising, partnerships and distribution Sky in Italy and Germany, said: “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with ViacomCBS, extending our bouquet of innovative advertising solutions to Pluto TV. This further strengthens Sky Media’s portfolio in terms of digital platforms, audience and content”.
Jollet continued: “As our ad sales partner, our longstanding relationship with Sky in Italy will continue. The launch will provide Italian audiences with a robust offering while also positioning ViacomCBS to drive significant growth in our global streaming and content strategies”.
Pluto TV will launch with 40 thematic and curated original channels across multiple genres, including movies, TV series, reality, kids’ IP, lifestyle, crime, and comedy. Content will include iconic titles from ViacomCBS’ library, in addition to titles from 50+ third-party content partners, such as Paramount, Lionsgate, Minerva, KidsMe, Banijay Rights and Cineflix. Additional partners will be announced soon.
Curated channels available at launch will include Pluto TV Azione, Pluto TV Cinema Italiano, Pluto TV Drama, and Pluto TV Real Life. Viewers will also be offered kids content and comedy, gaming, and extreme sports channels. The offer will continue to expand with more channels added every month.
Pluto TV has over 52 million global monthly active users spanning 25 countries on three continents.
