MTV Networks To Launch Nick Jr. In New Zealand

MTV Networks To Launch Nick Jr. In New Zealand

International network to connect New Zealand operation with Australia

Auckland, New Zealand & Sydney, Australia, 28 September 2010: MTV Networks Australia & New Zealand is set to launch Nick Jr. on SKY NZ on 24 December 2010.

Nick Jr., aimed at pre-schoolers, builds on Nickelodeon’s reputation as the world’s leading entertainment brand for kids. With a commitment to stimulate, educate, involve, excite and develop enquiring minds, Nick Jr.’s philosophy is to ‘play along and learn’ through award-winning and exclusive international franchises including Dora the Explorer and Go Diego Go! which are designed to engage and encourage early childhood development.

The news comes as MTV Networks New Zealand – now SKY NZ’s largest external channel provider with a portfolio including MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and the upcoming Nick Jr. – evolves its relationship with SKY NZ by combining its New Zealand channel brands with those in Australia to create single, streamlined TV propositions that will run across both territories directly from MTV Networks Australia’s offices in Sydney from 1 December 2010.

MTV’s raft of exclusive international programming popular with audiences in New Zealand and Australia – including MTV’s Jersey Shore 2, 16 & Pregnant and major music events including EMAs - will continue to be showcased. In addition, Nickelodeon smash hit franchises including SpongeBob, iCarly and The Penguins of Madagascar and iconic Comedy Central shows most loved by Kiwi audiences including Comedy Central Presents and Saturday Night Live will continue to be broadcast in New Zealand via the multi-territory channels.

In line with MTV UK & Ireland’s Ad Sales approach, as part of this new agreement, MTV Networks New Zealand’s in-house Ad Sales business will be undertaken by SKY NZ from 1 December 2010.

Commented Dave Sibley, Executive Vice President & MD, Viacom Brand Solutions, MTV Networks International: “The launch of Nick Jr. will allow us to super-serve audiences across demographics from pre-schoolers through to comedy-loving adults whilst underscoring MTV Networks’ ongoing commitment to the NZ marketplace. This move is another step in our long-term partnership with SKY NZ, which, by leveraging today’s broadcast technologies will enable us to deliver a streamlined, connected and efficient bouquet of single channels across Australia and New Zealand enabling greater opportunities for long-term growth.”

"Nick Jr. has entertained and informed pre-school audiences globally for a number of years", says SKY's Director of Entertainment, Travis Dunbar. "Nick Jr. is the perfect addition to of our expanding line-up of family and children's channels, consolidating SKY as THE place for family entertainment".

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