ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) has begun production on Balcony Stories, a series of short-form shows that celebrates the “positive and creative ways” people are coping with the current global lockdown. The series, co-produced by VIS and Fremantle, is based on content generated by both audiences and talent, and will premiere tomorrow – 22 April – […]
ViacomCBS and Sky Italia have announced a multi-year extension of their deal in Italy. The arrangement will see Paramount Network, Spike and VH1 added to Sky, bringing the total number of ViacomCBS-branded channels on Sky platforms in Italy to 12. This includes localised versions of MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, Comedy Central and Italian kids’ channel […]
Netherlands-based Spike agrees DRG deal Viacom-owned Spike in the Netherlands has struck a deal with UK-based distributor DRG for almost 200 hours of programming from British producers. The majority of the 196-hour package is taken from the Nordic Entertainment Group-backed sales firm’s ‘blue light’ catalogue, with Spike picking up six seasons (60 hours) of Brown […]
Viacom International Media Networks has handed oversight on international programme and affiliate sales to BET and Spike’s non-US chief, Michael D. Armstrong. He will remain in command of the development of the BET, Spike and Paramount Channels internationally in his new post as executive VP and general manager, revenue and emerging brands for Viacom’s international […]
TV Land development executive Brad Gardner has landed a promotion, and will work on original programming for upcoming US general entertainment channel Paramount Network. Gardner is currently senior VP of development and original programming at second tier Viacom cable channel TV Land, and has now added the soon-to-launch Paramount Network to his duties. His boss, […]
Bob Bakish’s restructuring of US media giant Viacom has continued with appointment of a music programming chief, general managers for Comedy Central and TV Land, and an original series producer at VH1. Bakish has been marking his stamp on the troubled company since becoming president and CEO, focusing efforts around core brands, and building bridges […]
Media giant Viacom has unveiled a five-point plan to get its business back on track, with flagship brands and digital centre stage. As part of the focus on the big channel brands the Spike channel will be replaced by Paramount Network, which also signifies Viacom’s commitment to keeping the Paramount studio. New Viacom CEO Bob […]
Viacom CEO Bob Bakish has delivered on his promise to move the CMT and TV Land channels from their home within the kids and family unit to the entertainment division. Both networks are now part of Viacom Global Entertainment Group, with their managers now reporting to Spike president Kevin Kay. Bakish drew up the plan […]
The US drama division of ITV Studios has hired Dwayne Shattuck as its executive VP, production. Shattuck joins the ITV team from Endemol Shine Studios, where he was senior VP. He will report to Philippe Maigret, the former Endemol Studios boss who runs ITV Studios America. The new recruit will oversee production of the division’s […]
Bob Bakish has said Viacom must focus on expanding the international reach of the Comedy Central and Paramount Channel brands. Bakish is replacing Tom Dooley as interim president and CEO of Viacom on Tuesday (November 15). He is tasked with providing strategy for the company as it explores merger possibilities with CBS Corp., which shares […]
