Viacom Launches Nick Jr. and MTVN HD in Singapore & Malaysia
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), owned by Viacom Inc (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today announced the launch of two of its channels in Asia, NICK JR. and MTVN HD. These 24-hour channels will be available on StarHub in Singapore beginning 18 May 2011 and on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s (TM) HyppTV in Malaysia from 01 June 2011 in groundbreaking deals involving cross-platform broadcast of NICK JR. and VOD programs included in the agreements.
NICK JR., aimed at pre-schoolers and parents, builds on Nickelodeon’s reputation as one of the world’s leading multi-platform entertainment brand for kids. With a commitment to stimulate, educate, involve, excite and develop enquiring minds, NICK JR.’s philosophy is to ‘play-to-learn’ through award-winning and exclusive international properties including Dora The Explorer and Go, Diego, Go! which are designed to engage and encourage early childhood development.
MTVNHD — VIMN’s first international high definition service – is a return to MTV’s roots, where the best live music, best music videos, best music documentaries and original productions are found on a 24/7 music channel. Broadcast in 1080i High-Definition and Dolby Surround 5.1, the state-of-the-art channel offers premium content that captivates thrill-seeking viewers with an enhanced music entertainment experience. MTVNHD is targeted to a largely male audience aged 25 years old and above.
“The launch of NICK JR. and MTVNHD in Asia shows our commitment to deliver high-quality programming to our audiences in Asia,” said Indra Suharjono, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks North and Southeast Asia. “NICK JR.’s strong Play-to-Learn philosophy promotes social and thinking skills through playful entertainment and connected learning.  NICK JR. is a highly recognized channel having won multiple Peabody Awards and Parent’s Choice Awards. MTVNHD, on the other hand, raises the music experience to a new level on Asia’s Pay TV offerings. Discerning music lovers in this region now have a place where they can find rich content. We will be launching the channels aggressively to the rest of Southeast Asia.”
MTVNHD’s programming line up consists of music-based programming that is original, acquired and from the vast MTV library, such as music festivals, live performances, music documentaries and original link and clip shows. Key shows include MTVNHD Live Vibrations, 360 Sessions, Music Alphabet, Making the Performance and Uncompressed, among others.
Aside from Dora The Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!, NICK JR. will bring playful entertainment and connected learning with shows Little Bill, Ni Hao, Kai-Lan, Blue’s Clues, Wonder Pets!, Team Umizoomi, Bubble Guppies, Fifi and the Flower Tots, and Max & Ruby among others.
NICK JR. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group. TM will offer the two channels à la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest Pay TV service.