TORONTO – Bell Media has signed a long-term content licensing agreement with Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) for exclusive rights to Comedy Central content in Canada.
The agreement, an expansion of Bell Media's previous agreement with VIMN, encompasses Comedy Central's first-run original programming as well as its library of scripted and unscripted series and specials, including rights to international Comedy Central original productions for platforms including broadcast, digital, and SVoD. In addition, Bell Media has retained rights to Comedy Central's branded app Comedy Central Play which offers clips, full episodes, and exclusive content from its hit programming and stand-up specials.
Bell Media already stocks ample Comedy Central on its Comedy Network and Much linear services, such as popular fare like The Daily Show With Trevor Noah (pictured), @Midnight With Chris Hardwick, South Park, Tosh.O, and Broad City. A Comedy Central branded programming block will debut on The Comedy Network later this year, and expect other funny titles to join CraveTV’s lineup.
"VIMN continues to be a valued partner for Bell Media, and we were thrilled to work with them to extend our relationship with Comedy Central," said Bell Media’s SVP specialty and pay Tracey Pearce, in Friday’s news release. "Comedy Central sets the bar for relevant, sticky, comedy content, and we're happy to bring that to audiences via The Comedy Network, Much, and CraveTV."
"We are very excited to finalize this deal with Bell Media, one of our long-term partners in delivering VIMN's high quality content in Canada," added VIMN Americas president Pierluigi Gazzolo. "We will now be able to further expand our presence in this important market and provide our audiences with even more ways to access Comedy Central's renowned programming."
