ViacomCBS Networks Australia and Foxtel Media have announced their advertising representation partnership will be concluding in mid-April.
Foxtel Media has represented MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., MTV Music and MTV Dance branded subscription television channels and digital platforms in Australia since July 2014 initially as MCN before rebranding last year as Foxtel Media.
The two companies will collaborate on a disengagement process, with business continuing as usual during the transition period.
Ben Richardson, General Manager and SVP of ViacomCBS Pay Networks said: “Foxtel Media have been great advocates of the ViacomCBS subscription channels over the past five years and I’d like to thank them for their partnership and commitment over this time.”
Foxtel Media CEO Mark Frain said: “We have enjoyed a successful sales partnership with ViacomCBS over the years and wish them only the very best in their future efforts.”
Following this announcement ViacomCBS Networks International announced the merger of its Australian sales teams, including Network 10, the ViacomCBS subscription brands MTV, MTV Dance, MTV Music, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., and their related digital and event properties, effective mid-April once the agreement with Foxtel Media comes to an end.
The merged sales team will be led by Rod Prosser who becomes chief sales officer, Network 10 and ViacomCBS. ViacomCBS’ senior director ad sales & brand partnerships Australia & New Zealand Vanessa Winley will report to Prosser, joining his leadership team.
ViacomCBS’ executive vice president Australia and New Zealand Paul Anderson said: “Today’s announcement is a great step in realising the benefits of merging the ViacomCBS businesses in Australia and New Zealand.
“By aligning the sales strategy across our free-to-air and subscription TV brands, we are in the best possible position to monetise the power of our great assets.”
Prosser said: “The ViacomCBS subscription brands including MTV, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr., have incredibly strong, young and loyal audiences. When you combine these brands with the strengths of Network 10’s brands and platforms, the collective offering will engage every age and every stage under 50.
“Together, we have brands, shows and events that share a sense of irreverence, a passion to immerse, inspire and engage through moments that define popular culture.”
The merged sales team will see one team represent some of Australia’s most loved brands such as MasterChef Australia, Australian Survivor, The Bachelor Australia, The Bachelorette Australia, Bachelor In Paradise, SpongeBob SquarePants, Henry Danger, PAW Patrol, Ridiculousness, Geordie Shore, Teen Mom and The Veronicas: Blood is for Life, plus branded live events.