SINGAPORE/THAILAND – Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) today announced the launch of one of its global anchor brands PARAMOUNT CHANNEL in Asia. Building on the network’s international success in Spain, France, Russia, Romania, Hungary, Latin America and Italy (to be launched in February 2016), VIMN has secured its first distribution deal in Asia with CTH, a major Pay-TV operator in Thailand. The high-definition 24-hour movie channel is set to launch first in Thailand on CTH’s traditional satellite and over-the-top (OTT) streaming service in May, giving it linear OTT and linear TV Everywhere streaming rights in Thailand. The agreement also includes a new licensing deal for MTV Thailand to be officially moved over to CTH, which was effective from 15 January 2016.
“The introduction of Paramount Channel in Asia is a key, strategic step in deepening our presence both in Thailand and in Asia, while expanding our portfolio of adult-targeted brands. We’re thrilled CTH has come on board for this highly anticipated launch in Asia and look forward to seeing Paramount Channel expand further in the coming months,” said Mark Whitehead, Executive Vice President and Managing Director for VIMN Asia.
“We’re proud to be the first to offer Paramount Channel in Asia and to make it the first 24-hour movie channel available to our subscribers across multiple screens. We continue to be single-minded in giving our subscribers the best viewing experience and high quality content,” said Amarit Sukhavanij, CEO of CTH.
PARAMOUNT Channel is a contemporary entertainment destination where audiences of all ages can experience and celebrate years of films and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. The 24-hour network will offer Thai audiences a unique mix of blockbusters, movie hits, cult favorites and some of the most award-winning films in the history of cinema from PARAMOUNT Pictures’ monumental film library.
“Paramount Channel meets the growing entertainment demands for more curated movie experiences in Asia, delivering an optimal mix of Academy-Award® winners, action hits, classics, romances, horror movies, dramas, and family films,” said Paras Sharma, Senior Vice President of MTV, Comedy Central & Paramount Brands and Digital Media, VIMN Asia. “Our library is home to the biggest stars and this will shape our programming as audiences relive the unforgettable moments and great film franchises in the comfort of their own homes.”
Sharma will lead the new channel in Asia, while continuing in his current role as Senior Vice President of MTV & Comedy Central brands and Digital Media in the region.
Paramount Channel is one of the most widely distributed ad-supported movie channels in the world. The launch of Paramount Channel in Thailand will bring the total international reach of the channel to more than 90 million households. PARAMOUNT CHANNEL will join its sister channels MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, MTV Live and MTV China in the region.
Under the agreement, CTH will also manage advertising sales together with VIMN Asia for both PARAMOUNT Channel and MTV Thailand. Under CTH, MTV Thailand will continue to operate as a fully localized channel – made in Thailand for Thai viewers.
Mr Sukhavanij continued, “Having worked with MTV Thailand, I am delighted to have the channel back under my watch and look forward to continuing to build an exceptional platform that features some of the very best of MTV for Thai youth.”
NOTE: This is a press release from VIMN.
