Viacom Media Networks, is a division of media conglomerate Viacom that oversees
the operations of many television channels and Internet brands, including
the original MTV channel in the United States. Sibling to Viacom Media Networks
is Viacom International Media Networks. The company was established in 1984
after Warner Communications and American Express decided to divest the basic
cable assets of Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment, renaming it MTV Networks,
Inc. Warner-Amex originally created and owned Nickelodeon, MTV, VH1 and The
Movie Channel. Viacom acquired 66% of the company in
1985, and then acquired the remaining interest in 1986. It was then folded
into Viacom International Inc., a subsidiary of Viacom Inc., and is no
longer a distinct legal entity. Cable channels owned by Viacom Media
Networks Viacom Media Networks' family of brands
is divided into three sections, based on the type of television programming and
audiences they serve. = Music and Entertainment Group =
MTV1MTV2 MTV Hits
mtvU MTV Tres
VH1 VH1 Classic
VH1 Soul CMT2CMT Pure Country3
Logo TV4 Palladia
Comedy Central7 Spike2 8
TV Land Epix9
= Kids & Family Group = Nickelodeon1 11Nick 2, Nickelodeon's
alternate East/West feed Nick HD, Nickelodeon's high-definition
feed Nick at Nite, evening programming block
on Nickelodeon Nick Jr.5Nick Jr. HD, Nick Jr.'s
high-definition feed NickMom, night-time programming block on
Nick Jr. TeenNick6
Nicktoons10Nicktoons HD, Nicktoons' high-definition feed
= BET Networks = BET
BET Gospel BET Jams
BET Hip-Hop Centric
= Former channels = MTVX
Nick Gas Tempo Networks
VH1 Uno = Notes =
1Channel created by Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment prior to
1984.2Channel originally owned by CBS, became part of MTV Networks when CBS
merged with Viacom.3Created as VH1 Country prior to Viacom/CBS
merger.4Channel was originally known as VH1 MegaHits before being discontinued
in July 2005 to facilitate Logo launch.5Channel was originally known as
Noggin before being rebranded as Nick Jr. in 2009. Co-owned with Sesame
Workshop from 1999 to 2002.6Channel was originally known as The N before being
rebranded as TeenNick in 2009.7Channel started as Ha!, merged with HBO's The
Comedy Channel the following year, became fully owned by Viacom in
2003.8Channel originally known as The Nashville Network until 2000 and The
National Network until 2003.9Co-owned with sister company Paramount, Lionsgate
and MGM. Viacom Media Networks handles operations.10Channel was originally
known as Nicktoons TV until 2003 when it was rebranded as Nicktoons which was
rebranded again as Nicktoons Network in 2005 and finally rebranded yet again as
Nicktoons once more in 2009.11Channel was originally known Pinwheel until 1979
when it was rebranded as Nickelodeon. Internet properties
The company also owns internet properties, such as Atom Films,
Addicting Games, MTV News, MTV International, Rhapsody, LyricsMode.com,
iFilm, GoCityKids, Jokes.com, GameTrailers, Xfire, 365gay.com,
Shockwave.com, and Quizilla. MTV Networks has also made a partnership
with Nexon to promote its Neopets service.
The company ran a virtual world system, Virtual MTV in the late 2000s.
Game properties Viacom had a game division called MTV
Games, which used to publish the Rock Band and Dance Central series by
Harmonix Music Systems, its former subsidiary. Dance Central was the last
game from MTV Games before its closure, but will be resurrected in 2012 and will
not publish the Rock Band and Dance Central series, as it will focus on
other games, starting with The Age of Decadence by Iron Tower Studio. MTV
Networks opened another game division called 345 Games in New York City and it
will start to publish future games. The Rock Band series and the Dance Central
series will be published by Warner Bros. Games. The first game published by 345
Games was Ugly Americans: Apocalypsegaddeon based on the Comedy
Central TV series, Ugly Americans. Recently, 345 games has announced a
video game based on the popular MMA franchise, Bellator Fighting
Championships. Viacom International Media Networks
Viacom International Media Networks is a division of Viacom International. Its
headquarters are based in New York, London, Warsaw and Buenos Aires. It
consists of 64 localized MTV channels, MTV Live HD, VH1, Nickelodeon, TMF,
VIVA, Comedy Central, Game One, Neopets, GameTrailers, Nitrome Limited,
Shockwave, Addicting Games, Atom Films and Xfire. MTV Networks' brands are seen
globally in 560 million households in 162 countries and 33 languages via more
than 150 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 350 digital
media properties. The Viacom International Media Networks
network consists of: Viacom International Media Networks
Europe Viacom International Media Networks UK,
Ireland Viacom International Media Networks
Northern Europe Viacom International Media Networks
Southern Europe Viacom International Media Networks Asia
Viacom International Media Networks The Americas
Viacom Media Networks Rating Issues In Fall 2012, media analysts began to
report that ratings amongst some of MTV Networks leading brands in the U.S.
including MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon are experiencing falls in
viewership unlike other US broadcasters. It has been reported that MTV Networks
portfolio of channels fourteen of the 16 channels in the MTV and Nickelodeon
families had viewership declines in September, according to Sanford C.
Bernstein analyst Todd Jeunger, citing Nielsen data. MTV, Comedy Central and
Nickelodeon are of most concern to investors. The three account for roughly
50% of Viacom's operating profit, estimates David Bank of RBC Capital
Markets. See also
List of MTV channels Viacom International Media Networks
Europe Viacom International Media Networks
Latin America Viacom International Media Networks
Africa MTV Networks Asia Pacific
References External links
Viacom brands webpage Viacom Media Networks Affiliate B2B web
site http:www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com
http:www.laweekly.comnews