ViacomCBS and NENT Group partner for Pluto TV's launch in the Nordics

Rhea-AI Summary

ViacomCBS Networks International (NASDAQ: VIAC, VIACA) and NENT Group have announced a partnership to launch a new Pluto TV service in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway in 2022. This service will merge ViacomCBS' free ad-supported streaming with NENT's Viafree AVOD platform. The partnership aims to enhance advertising propositions while phasing out Viafree as a standalone service. The collaboration is expected to strengthen Pluto TV's international footprint, promising curated channels and on-demand content to viewers.

Positive

• Partnership with NENT Group expected to boost Pluto TV's growth in the Nordics.
• Combines ViacomCBS' global content pipeline with NENT's local offerings, enhancing overall content variety.
• Strategic shift expected to create significant value for advertisers.

Negative

• Phasing out of Viafree as a standalone platform may alienate existing users.

NEW YORK and STOCKHOLM, Nov. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), a division of ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIAC, VIACA), and Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT Group) today announced a ground-breaking partnership for a new Pluto TV service across Sweden, Denmark and Norway in 2022. The service combines ViacomCBS' world-leading free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service with the biggest pan-Nordic AVOD platform Viafree. NENT Group will serve as the platform's leading advertising sales partner.

Executive Headshots and content images can be downloaded HERE

Pluto TV will introduce the new FAST/AVOD platform with curated channels and on-demand programming featuring international and local content. Viewers will be able to enjoy Viafree local favorite shows such as 'Paradise,' 'Luxury Trap' and 'Familien fra Bryggen', alongside global content from ViacomCBS' library such as 'The Hills,' 'Awkward,' 'MTV Unplugged' and 'Catfish', and content from multiple partners packaged in thematic channels like Pluto TV Movie, Pluto TV Crime, Pluto TV History, and Pluto TV Comedy, among others.

"Continuing to expand Pluto TV as the world-leading free ad-supported streaming TV service is a critical element of our streaming strategy, and we are delighted to partner with NENT Group to create this new and expanded version of Pluto TV. The combination of our global content pipeline and Pluto TV's best-in-class tech global platform, with NENT Group's ad sales scale and powerful local Viafree content, will position Pluto TV as the leading player in the growing FAST/AVOD space," said Raffaele Annecchino, President and CEO of VCNI. "Overall, this transformational partnership will boost Pluto TV's growth internationally, and we expect to replicate this strategic model across key international markets."

Anders Jensen, NENT Group President and CEO: "We are happy to have found a new and stronger way forward for Viafree through this innovative partnership that creates significant value for all parties. Viewers can enjoy Viafree's most loved formats as part of Pluto TV's broad FAST and AVOD offering, while we are able to offer advertisers an even more attractive proposition. With this, we are taking an important further step to sharpen our focus on our fast-growing Viaplay SVOD service, which we expect to have at least twelve million subscribers in 2025."

Following the launch of Pluto TV, Viafree will be phased out as a stand-alone platform.

Pluto TV is available in 26 markets globally, including the US, Latin America, and Europe.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About NENT Group
Nordic Entertainment Group AB (publ) (NENT Group) 's Viaplay streaming service is available in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Viaplay will launch in the US in 2021 and the Netherlands and the UK in 2022, followed by Canada, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland by the end of 2023. We operate streaming services, TV channels, radio stations, and production companies, and our purpose is to tell stories, touch lives and expand worlds. Headquartered in Stockholm with a global perspective, NENT Group is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm ('NENT B').

About ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) 
ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), a unit of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAC, VIACA), comprises many of the world's most iconic consumer brands. Its portfolio includes Channel 5, Telefe, Chilevisión, Network 10, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Network, streaming services Paramount+ and Pluto TV, and ViacomCBS International Studios, among others. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, ViacomCBS Networks International provides robust production, distribution, and advertising solutions for partners on five continents and across more than 180 countries.

About Pluto TV
Pluto TV, a ViacomCBS Company, is the leading free streaming television service delivering hundreds of live linear channels and thousands of titles on-demand to a global audience of over 54 million monthly active users. The Emmy® award winning service curates a diverse lineup of channels, in partnership with nearly 400 international media companies, offering a wide array of genres, languages and categories featuring movies, television series, sports, news, lifestyle, kids and much more. Pluto TV can be easily accessed and streamed across mobile, web and connected TV devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Pluto TV's growing international footprint extends across three continents and 26 countries.

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SOURCE ViacomCBS Inc.

FAQ

What is the nature of the partnership between ViacomCBS and NENT Group?

The partnership focuses on launching a new Pluto TV service in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, merging ad-supported streaming platforms.

When is Pluto TV set to launch in the Nordic region?

The new Pluto TV service is scheduled for launch in 2022.

What content will be available on the new Pluto TV service?

The service will feature curated channels and on-demand programming, including local shows and global content from ViacomCBS.

How will this partnership affect Viafree's service?

Viafree will be phased out as a standalone service following the launch of Pluto TV.

What impact does the partnership have on ad sales for Pluto TV?

NENT Group will lead advertising sales, enhancing the appeal for advertisers through a combined service offering.