Viacom takes branded apps to Virgin Media

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has agreed a new multi-year distribution deal with Virgin Media spanning TV channels, on-demand rights and a range of new streaming applications. 

The deal will provide Virgin Media customers with continued access to MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Paramount Network, as well as associated catch up rights and box sets.

Virgin Media will also add three more of Viacom’s branded apps – My5, Pluto TV and MTV Play – to the app section of its user interface for the first time, making significant additional hours of content accessible to Virgin Media’s TV customers.

In addition to offering catch-up and extended on-demand access to a range of Channel 5 content, My5 also offers content from third-party partners including A+E and PBS America and a range of exclusive content including scripted series from the US, Australia and Israel.

Pluto TV, the ad-supported streaming platform acquired by Viacom earlier this year, features more than 60 channels in the UK including Pluto TV Drama, Pluto TV Romance and Pluto TV Crime, plus movies and series on-demand.

For the first time, Virgin Media’s Player TV and Mixit TV customers will be able to access MTV’s content through the MTV Play app which will also be available on Virgin Media’s TV service, offering box set content as well as the MTV channel and catch up services.

Virgin Media subscribers to the MTV channel will continue to be able to enjoy catch up and Box Set content as part of their existing subscription in addition to access to the standalone MTV Play app for no additional fee.

Arran Tindall, SVP, commercial and content distribution, for Viacom International Media Networks, said: “This renewed and broadened partnership with Virgin Media speaks to the strength of our brands and content, as well as our investment in new streaming apps, which will allow Virgin Media customers to access their favourite Viacom content in new ways. Virgin Media has a great track record of innovation as a platform and as a partner and we’re delighted to have reached agreement with them to deliver further innovation for the benefit of their customers.”

David Bouchier, Chief Digital Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media, added: “This is great news for our customers who can continue to enjoy Viacom’s diverse range of channels and content. The inclusion of three brand new apps will give our customers greater flexibility to watch their favourite shows at a time that suits them.”