The combined sales house will represent on air and online MTV Networks
Australia brands including
MTV, MTV Classic, TMF,
Nickelodeon and
Nick Jr,
mtv.com.au,
neopets.com and
shockwave.com (all currently represented internally
by MTV Networks Australia) – as well as channels including
TV1,
SCI FI Channel,
Movie One and Two,
Movie Extra,
Movie Greats,
Family Movie Channel,
World Movies,
Stvdio,
CNBC,
Starpics 1, Starpics 2, Starpics HD and
Aurora (all
currently represented by
Full Circle Media, a JV between TV1 and Full Circle
Holdings).
The sales house will have access to a greater share of Australian TV and
premium online advertising markets through its increased portfolio of channels
spanning the full spectrum of adult, youth and kid audiences, major online
destinations and world-class digital and creative expertise.
TV1 has agreed with Full Circle Media co-owner Full Circle Holdings to merge
Full Circle Media into the sales house. The joint team will be located at MTV's
offices in Sydney and Melbourne.
Full Circle Media founder and long-time industry executive Brian Gallagher has
been appointed CEO of the new company.
Sharb Farjami, formerly VP, Ad
Sales, MTV Networks Australia & New Zealand will become National Sales
Director, reporting directly in to Gallagher.
The joint venture, said Gallagher, redefines and lifts subscription TV advertising
sales.
"This gives us an even more competitive position against free-to-air networks.
It's an era of evolving media and with our new structure we are uniquely
positioned to make a real impact in the new world of marketing," he said.
"And by ramping up our offering with deeper resources, our advertisers and
brand partners will have greater access to even more creative ideas and
individual solutions".
Dave Sibley, MD, MTV Networks Australia & New Zealand said that the joint
venture's stakeholders including Viacom, CBS Studios International, NBC
Universal and Sony Pictures Television would give the company enormous depth.
He commented: "Whilst the company was borne out of being nimble and responding
to advertiser needs in a changing landscape, it will also benefit from having
direct access to some of the world's largest media organisations."
"This is a dynamic partnership that will leverage content heritage, brand value
and increased scale for advertisers and drive more attention - and dollars -
into the subscription TV environment."
Commented TV1 CEO Peter Hudson:
"It's a landmark move and everyone involved is
incredibly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead."
The joint venture sales house will be operational from Monday May 24 with the
company trading from July 1.
A formal name for the joint venture
will be announced in due course.
About MTV Networks Australia
MTV Networks Australia is a 24 hour music and entertainment network. In
Australia, the multi-platform operation comprises
MTV,
MTV Classic and
TMF (The
Music Factory).
The network also operates kids' brands Nickelodeon (also
Astra 'Channel of the Year') and Nick Jnr. MTV Networks Australia is broadcast via Foxtel, AUSTAR (basic) and Optus: MTV
– channel 124/MTV Classic – channel 810/TMF – channel 812 /Nickelodeon –
channel 701/ Nick Jr – channel 703.
In addition to showcasing local and international artists, the network also
houses a portfolio of 22 digital brands and is the home of first-run
international content including The Hills, The City and Nitro Circus.
MTV
is also Australia's leading provider of mobile video content.
MTV Networks is the largest television network in the world and a leading
creator of content across all platforms. MTV Networks is a unit of
Viacom Inc.
(NYSE: VIA, VIA.B)
About the TV1 General Entertainment Partnership
The TV1 General Entertainment Partnership is owned by CBS STUDIOS
INTERNATIONAL, NBC Universal and Sony Pictures International Television
and
operates TV1 and the SCI FI Channel in Australia.
TV1TV1 is the home of television's greatest hits and one of Australia's favourite
destinations on subscription TV. Its line-up of critically acclaimed,
award winning shows include 30 Rock, The Office, Seinfeld, Frasier and House.
Add to
this the
powerhouse dramas of NCIS and Law & Order, along with all your
favourites – Bewitched, The A Team, The Nanny and more. TV1 mixes the current
and the iconic, giving viewers the perfect combination of the most loved,
funny, clever and dramatic shows on television.
SCI FI
Where imagination lives. The
SCI FI channel is at the forefront of cutting-edge
programming, delivering the latest, exclusive Australian premieres, as well as
much loved sci-fi greats.
Stargate Universe,
Warehouse 13, Eureka, Sanctuary
and
in the QUBE will keep you wanting more, as will the original Star Treks and
Stargates and popular sci-fi including Buffy, Charmed and Medium.
Your
SCI FI adventure will be bolder, stronger, faster and more intense than you've
ever experienced before.