Paramount Shutters Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., and More Channels In Brazil; TeenNick Latin America Also Closes

Paramount is reportedly planning to close six linear TV channels - including Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. - in Brazil.

Paramount is set to shutter its six linear television channels in Brazil. The affected channels are: Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., MTV, MTV Live, Comedy Central, and Paramount Channel. The channels will be removed from subscription television services, with programming also being removed from television providers' on-demand/streaming services.

According to information obtained by NaTelinha, television distributors have already begun receiving notifications that, starting Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Paramount will work solely with Paramount+ under the D2C (direct-to-consumer) model—that is, without partnerships with broadcasters—in addition to maintaining its free Pluto TV streaming service.

According to sources cited by the outlet, the decision is due to a drop in advertising revenue, combined with a decrease in the number of pay-TV subscribers. The company's sports rights, which include broadcasts of tournaments such as the Copa Libertadores, will remain in effect.

In addition, the high costs associated with the Servicio de Acceso Condicionado (SeAC), the regulatory body that governs the distribution of audiovisual content in Brazil through any electronic technology, played a role. Following its merger with Skydance Media in August, Paramount's goal is to become a Big Tech company, hence its strategy of selling content directly to the end consumer, eliminating the need for third parties.

It has not yet been revealed what will happen to these channels in the rest of Latin America, but the outlook does not seem encouraging. Nickelodeon-wise, Nickelodeon lost its independent feeds, and now utilize the pan-regional feed used for Nickelodeon Central and Eastern Europe. Elsewhere, Paramount will also be closing several channels, including TeenNick and NickMusic, in Europe by the end of the year, with Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. also set to sunset in New Zealand.

It is also known that, in order to expedite the acquisition by Skydance, Paramount has also sought to divest its broadcast television channels in Argentina and Chile, Telefe and Chilevisión, respectively. There have even been rumors linking Telefe to businessman Gustavo Scaglione, although no official information has been released yet. In any case, our friends over at TVLaint have already contacted Paramount and are awaiting an official response.

Update (13/11) - Several Paramount channels, including Nickelodeon HD, Nick Jr. HD, TeenNick HD, and NickMusic, are set to leave Claro's satellite and IPTV packages in Costa Rica on Saturday, December 13.

Update (15/11) - SKY Brasil will be removing Comedy Central, Paramount Channel and MTV on December 15.

Update (31/12) - Nickelodeon Brasil has started to display a banner with scrolling text saying that the channel will closedown on Thursday 1st January 2026.

Update (31/12) Part 2: TeenNick Latinoamerica will also closedown on Thursday 1st January 2026.

A Nickelodeon encerrarão suas atividades na quinta-feira. Obrigado por assistir!

Mensaje de Cierre de TeenNick Latino América

TeenNick cerrara el Jueves. Gracias por sintonizar!

TeenNick Latinoamérica - Mensaje de Cierre de Transmisiones (29/12/2025)

Nick Jr. Brasil - Mensagem de Encerramento das Transmissões (30/12/2025)

Encerramento das Transmissões do Nick Jr. Brasil (01/01/2026 - 06:00hs)

Encerramento das Transmissões da Nickelodeon Brasil (01/01/2026 - 06:00hs)

Cierre de transmisiones Teennick Global [Latinoamerica] (1 de enero de 2026)

Cierre de Transmisiones de TeenNick Latinoamérica (1º de enero de 2026)

Subido originalmente en el canal de ‪@nicklatampromos‬

Cierre de Transmisiones de la señal de Nickelodeon Brasil (1º de enero de 2026)

NickMusic - Placa de Ajuste (01/01/2026)

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More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

Originally published: October 08, 2025.

Update H/T: Special thanks to @916786wc!

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Paramount Closes Several Channels In Central and Eastern Europe

Paramount Global is reportedly planning to close nine channels in Poland and Hungary, including TeenNick and NickMusic.

Although currently unannounced by Paramount Global, a spokesperson for Orange Polska has revealed to wirtualnemedia.pl that the media company has told Polish television operators that they're planning to shutter Nickelodeon channels TeenNick and NickMusic, along with MTV channels MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV 00s, MTV Hits, MTV Live, Club MTV, we well as Polsat Comedy Central Extra, in the region by the end of the year. Representatives from Paramount in Poland declined to comment on this information when reached by satkurier.pl.

In Poland, the music channels MTV 90s, MTV 00s, and MTV Live are broadcast via satellite and are available on Polsat Box and CANAL+. The entertainment-focused Polsat Comedy Central Extra, as well as the children's channels TeenNick and NickMusic, are also available in these platforms' packages.

Update (16/7): Paramount will also be closing 10 channels in Hungary on Wednesday 31st December 2025: Teen Nick, Nick Music, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV 00s, MTV Hits, MTV Live HD, and Club MTV. Nickelodeon wise, this will leave Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Nicktoons in the region.

Update (8/8): Paramount is set to close MTV 80s, MTV 00s and Nick Music will be closing in the Benelux region.

Update (29/11): Paramount has reportedly reversed its decision on TeenNick in Hungary, and will keep the channel on-air past December 2025!

Update (31/12): TeenNick and NickMusic channels in select regions, including Romania, have started displaying lower-third banners with scrolling text saying that the channels will shut down on Thursday 1st January 2026.

Last week, zive.sk was the first to report the planned closure of several channels from the Paramount Global portfolio in Slovakia and Hungary, whilst Media Insider reported that Paramount is also planning to close several channels in New Zealand, including Nickelodeon and Nick Jr.

The channel closures come as Paramount is in the midst of cutting operating costs ahead of their merger with Skydance Media, which has also included layoffs and studio closures.

The channels being phased out in Europe have diverse thematic profiles:

TeenNick Polska is aimed at viewers aged 10 to 16, and primarily broadcasts older live-action Nickelodeon series and recent TV movies for tweens and teens. It launched in Poland on September 1, 2021. 

NickMusic Polska, featuring popular music for children and teenagers, launched in Poland in June 2021, replacing MTV Music. This station operated from 2017 to 2021 after replacing Viva Polska. 

Polsat Comedy Central Extra debuted in March 2020, replacing Comedy Central Family. The channel's offerings includes both international series (Friends, Keeping Up Appearances, Allo, Allo!), as well as reruns of shows from the Polsat TV channel (Świat według Kiepskich, Rodzina zastępcza).

Produced in Poland, MTV 80s began broadcasting in December 2005 as VH1 Classic. In October 2020, it changed its name to MTV 80s and broadcasts music videos from the 80s.

MTV 90s, which was also created in Poland, broadcasts songs from the '90s. It was launched in the fall of 2020, replacing MTV Rocks.

Similarly, MTV 00s, also created by the Polish branch of Paramount Global (then ViacomCBS), plays hits from the noughties. It was launched in August 2021, replacing VHF1 Europe.

MTV Hits launched in Europe (initially in the UK) in 2001. It then replaced MTV Extra. It broadcasts new music videos and recent hits from pop, rock, dance, and R&B music. It has a local version, among others, in France.

Club MTV, featuring dance and club music, launched in the UK in 2001 as MTV Dance. In 2008, it replaced MTV Base on Polish cable networks. In June 2020, MTV Dance changed its name to Club MTV.

MTV Live HD began broadcasting on 15 September 2008 in parts of Europe under the name MTVNHD (MTV-Nickelodeon HD). It was the first international station in high definition dedicated to music videos. Initially, the channel’s programming was divided into two blocks: MTV HD and Nickelodeon HD. However, on 1 July 2011, the channel shifted its focus entirely to live music programming. The station broadcasts music videos, concerts, and entertainment programs. Initially managed by MTVNI's Emerging Markets group, the channel was produced and broadcast from its Warsaw hub until 22 April 2012, when operations moved to Paramount's London headquarters in Hawley Crescent in Camden (occupying the former TV-AM studios).

The channels are part of Paramount Networks Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia (EMEAA), a division of Paramount International Networks which is fully owned by Paramount Global. Most of the closing channels are broadcast in standard definition and are commercial-free.

At the time of posting, the following channels from Paramount Global's portfolio are expected to continue broadcasting in Poland: Nickelodeon, NickToons, and Nick Jr. (live-action and animated TV series and movies for preschoolers, children and teenagers); MTV Polska (entertainment programmes, reality, music); Paramount Network (films and TV series); and Comedy Central (comedies and entertainment programmes).

The company is also a co-owner (along with Comcast) of the SkyShowtime streaming service in Europe. It is possible that, following other markets, it will launch the Pluto TV platform with FAST channels in Poland.

Updates (8/8):

- Five Paramount-operated music channels exited the Foxtel platform in Australia on 30 June 2025: MTV Hits (Ch. 801), Nick Music (Ch. 802), MTV Club (Ch. 803), MTV 80s (Ch. 804), and CMT (Ch. 805). Notably, most of the same music-themed channels—or similar variants such as MTV 00s, MTV 90s, and MTV Hits—are still available on Fetch TV. This round of exits also follows the quiet removal of MTV-branded music channels from 10 Play, where a raft of FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) channels had been supported by Paramount’s Pluto TV. Comedy Central has also closed on Fetch TV;

- CMT Australia shuttered on July 31, following its departure from Foxtel in June.

NickMusic Europe - Closedown Notice + Bumpers and Banners (December 29th, 2025)

Nickelodeon Music

#2 

(other playout feed)

TeenNick Romania - Closedown Notice + Continuity (December 29th, 2025)

NickMusic Europe - Closedown Notice + Bumpers and Banners (December 29th, 2025)

Nickelodeon Music

NickMusic Europe - Final Closedown (December 31st, 2025)

TeenNick CEE (Hungarian) - Final Continuity & Closedown (January 1st, 2026; 04:59 CET)

TeenNick Hungary Mid-Show Shut Down 2026 Jan 1

Cierre de transmisiones Teennick Rumania (31 de diciembre 25 /1 de enero 26)

TeenNick and Paramount Network Hungary - Final continuity and closedown (via One HU)(January 1 2026)

TeenNick CEE (Romanian Subfeed) - Final continuity and closedown (January 1, 2026)

Nick Music Closed Down 2025 Dec 31

nickmusic (Global) Shutdown December 31, 2025

Nickelodeon Global Unlimited (English) - Continuity and Feed Merge (January 1st, 2026)

0:05

NickMusic Netherland - Loop After Closed Channel (03.12.2025)

(Prawa Autorskie: Paramount Global)

Nickelodeon CEE (Croatian) - Continuity and Feed Merge (January 1st, 2026)

"merge" at 06:15:

The Global Unlimited feeds connect to air the same content, but don't merge playouts

Nickelodeon CEE (Estonian) - Continuity and Feed Merge (January 1st, 2026)

THANKS! to the man (‪@zQwmy‬)

06:15 is when they merge yup

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More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

Originally published: July 12, 2025.

H/T: Special thanks to RegularCapital, @916786wc, and @darrenzone for the news!; Lead image courtesy of Michael2011.

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I Want My MTV: Paramount Shutters Several MTV Channels in the U.K.

Viewers across the U.K. are about to say "I Want My MTV" as Paramount is about to shutter five MTV channels at end of the year as the broadcaster is hit by rise of streaming.

Credit: Alamy

MTV is set to close all of its music channels around the world — except in the US — as part of massive cuts after a company merger. 

The Sun has revealed the American music brand is set to announce the cull after its parent company, Paramount, merged with Skydance Media earlier this year.

For UK fans, it means the closure of five channels, including MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and Live HD. But the flagship MTV channel, which only airs reality TV shows, will not be affected. 

It marks the end of music videos on telly, with MTV a popular satellite and cable channel in the 1990s and 2000s.

The Sun has confirmed that the music channels will be pulled from air on Wednesday, December 31.

Update (1/2/26): Many MTV channels played 'goodbye'-themed songs as their final music videos, including Spice Girls' "Goodbye", Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music" on Club MTV., "Time to Say Goodbye" by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli on MTV 90s, and "Bye Bye Bye" by N*SYNC on MTV 00s. MTV Music UK signed off with a nod to its past: "Video Killed The Radio Star" by The Buggles, the very first music video that MTV played in the U.S. when the channel launched.

In another blow to the once global music powerhouse, stations in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand are also being axed. The cost-cutting measures are also affecting MTV's sister channel, Nickelodeon, with Nickelodeon-branded channels, including Nickelodeon, TeenNick and NickMusic also set to shutter in many of these regions, although, at the time of posting, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons and Nick Jr. are expected to remain broadcasting in the U.K. and Ireland fo the time being.

A source said: “It’s a dark day for the music industry. 

“MTV was once an industry powerhouse but now is a total shell of its former self. 

“All channels bar the main MTV station are being axed — but even that only airs reality TV shows like Geordie Shore. 

“An official announcement is likely coming but the last air date is New Year’s Eve. 

“The channel is a victim of the rise of streaming.” 

It was revealed in August how MTV UK was axing its UK production arm.

A source said at the time: “To say there has been a bloodbath of cuts would be an understatement.

“Staff are in tears as some have been there for decades.”

Stars including Kelly Brook, Emma Willis, Cat Deeley, Greg James and Joel Dommett all appeared on the station early in their careers. 

MTV told The Sun they had no comment about the closure of the channels.

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More Nick: Paramount and Brigit’s Bakery Launch PAW Patrol-Themed Afternoon Tea Bus Tour of London!

Originally published: October 11, 2025.

H/T: @spongieupdates.

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Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. to Shutter on Sky TV In New Zealand on December 2

Sky launches refreshed comedy, kids and music channels

• Sky Kids launching, replacing Nickelodeon, Nick Jr and Cartoon Network
• Sky Comedy launching, replacing Comedy Central
• Juice and J2 launching, replacing MTV Hits and MTV 80s 
• All changes effective 2 December 2025 

Sky is introducing two new Sky-branded entertainment channels, Sky Comedy and Sky Kids to the Sky Starter package on 2 December 2025. These channels will be largely populated with content from existing channels, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central and Cartoon Network*, which will be removed on the same date. 

These changes are designed to create a destination channel for Sky customers’ favourite kids and comedy content, with less repetition. Sky Comedy and Sky Kids will offer curated schedules that will include programming popular with Sky customer from retiring channels, new content from a range of studios, and locally commissioned New Zealand content.  

In addition, a wide array of the content customers love from the retiring channels will also continue to be available On Demand on the new Sky Experience (new Sky Box and Sky Pod).

Sky Comedy  

Sky Comedy (channel 011) will be the go-to destination for laughs for Sky customers, combining Comedy Central fan favourites, such as all-new South Park, The Daily Show and Beavis and Butt-Head, and classics including Cheers, Reno 911!, Nathan For You, and Key and Peele. We’ll also be bringing back Emmy-award winning The Late Show with Stephen Colbert for its final season, and adding popular titles new to Sky’s offering including ITV’s Schitt’s Creek and Disney’s Arrested Development. 

Sky Kids

Sky Kids (channel 101) is an all-new channel designed for tamariki, offering fun and educational programming for preschoolers through to primary school-aged children, bringing together beloved content from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. as well as a strong slate of local programming. Together with the CBeebies channel, Sky Kids will deliver customers trusted, high-quality content for younger viewers. 

Preschoolers can enjoy the latest episodes of Blaze and the Monster Machines, Dora, and PAW Patrol, with the after-school line-up including audience favourites SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and The Loud House, as well as iconic titles such as CatDog, Angry Beavers, Hey Arnold! and Rugrats. 

In addition to a strong international offering, Sky Kids will also include an impressive line-up of all-new and award-winning local content for tamariki, including Katie’s Kuri and The Last Moa, as well as multiple seasons of homegrown hits such as Kiri & Lou, The Drawing Show, Extreme Cake Sports and Secrets at Red Rocks. 

Fiona Murray, Head of Entertainment at Sky, comments on the changes to Sky’s entertainment channels: “Kids and comedy programming are at the heart of Sky’s entertainment offering. By bringing these important channels ‘in house’, we can choose and curate the content that we know our customers enjoy and engage with, combining Paramount fan favourites with content from other studios.  

“Our customers have also asked us to reduce the number of repeated shows, which is something we’re committed to improving in the new schedules for these channels. 

“We’ve completed the schedules for Sky Kids and Sky Comedy for the first few months, and the line-up is looking really engaging. We think comedy fans will be delighted with the range on offer, while kids will be reassured to find their favourite characters, while also exploring some wonderful Kiwi content. 

“The content our customers love will remain available, on Sky Kids, Sky Comedy – and On Demand.” 

*Cartoon Network content will continue to be available On Demand through the HBO Max hub, via the Sky Entertainment package. 

Changes to Music on Sky

Sky is teaming up with Mood TV to bring two fresh, New Zealand-owned music channels to its channel line-up, Juice TV and J2. MTV Hits and MTV 80s will no longer be available as linear channels in New Zealand. 

Juice TV

Juice TV (channel 25) serves up a vibrant mix of contemporary hits and timeless favourites across every genre — from pop and dance to indie, rock and hip hop. It’s a “chocolate box” of sound and style, curated for today’s audience and proudly Kiwi in spirit, with 40% New Zealand content. 

J2

J2 (channel 26) brings the classics back with a confident, modern twist. Blending iconic songs and videos that defined generations with select contemporary tracks, J2 is a celebration of music that stands the test of time. 

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More Nick: Paramount Australia and LG Electronics Announce Groundbreaking Strategic Partnership, with Connected TV IP Linear Feed Integration!

H/T and lead image: TV Tonight.

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Paramount Executives Tell Staff That Africa Offices and Channels May Close Amid International Strategy Review

Paramount's Africa leads Monde Twala and Craig Paterson told the teams in Johannesburg and Lagos that their roles could be impacted as the firm "evaluates its pay TV strategy and local channel footprint."

Paramount Global headquarters | Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Paramount Global‘s Africa offices may close, local channels may be shuttered, and staffers’ roles could be impacted, company executives told employees in the region on Tuesday, July 22, sources familiar with the situation have told The Hollywood Reporter.

The company has been prioritizing investments in its growing streaming business and core global content as it navigates shifts in audience behavior and the macro-economic environment. As part of that, it is reviewing its international pay TV strategy and considering adjustments to its linear channel portfolio in international markets, with a focus on cable brands. Management has also signaled a focus on businesses and regions with the most opportunity for revenue growth.

As part of the restructuring, several Paramount channels are already known to be closing internationally by the end of the year, including: Nickelodeon channels TeenNick and NickMusic, along with MTV channels MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV 00s, MTV Hits, MTV Live, Club MTV, we well as Polsat Comedy Central Extra in Poland; and Teen Nick, Nick Music, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV 00s, MTV Hits, MTV Live HD, and Club MTV in Hungary. Nickelodeon wise, this will leave Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Nicktoons in these regions. However, in New Zealand, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr., along with MTV 80s, MTV Hits, and Comedy Central, are expected to shutter by the end of the year, as Paramount's programming partnership with Sky TV is set to expire.

In Africa, Nickelodeon channels available include Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., and Nicktoons, the latter of which carries a localised NickMusic programme.

Tuesday’s news comes as Paramount continues to wait for FCC approval of Skydance Media’s deal to acquire it, which has included a $16 million lawsuit settlement with President Trump. THR understands that Paramount has fewer than 100 employees in Africa between its offices in Johannesburg, South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria.

“We are at a point in our journey where we are facing immense industry disruption,” Monde Twala and Craig Paterson, co-general managers of Paramount Africa, said in a staff memo obtained by THR. “Our team is not immune to potential changes as our organization evaluates its pay TV strategy and local channel footprint here in Africa.”

In June, Paramount unveiled further U.S. workforce cuts to the tune of 3.5 percent, following a 15 percent reduction last year. As of the end of 2024, Paramount Global had 18,600 employees worldwide. Co-CEOs George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy and Brian Robbins said in a June memo that the focus was on U.S. headcount but the moves “may also result in some impacts to our workforce outside the U.S. over time.”

Twala and Paterson acknowledged in their staff memo: “Today was incredibly difficult. We want you to know your greatness is seen. We reach out with a heavy heart, but also with immense pride. Your dedication to excellence, creativity and passion for leveraging the power of our content have been the driving force behind our many accomplishments.”

They concluded: “We understand the coming weeks may be tough and feel unsettling. Through it all, please know your efforts are valued beyond measure.”

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More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

Originally published: July 23, 2025.

H/T: Special thanks to @prsdube16 for the news!

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Paramount Set to Shutter Several Channels, Including Nickelodeon and Nick Jr., on Sky TV In New Zealand

New Zealand television provider Sky TV is embarking on a major content shake-up with the pending loss of a number of entertainment channels, including those with specialist music and children’s programmes, The New Zealand Herald's Media Insider reports.

The overhaul has been sparked by the upcoming expiry of Sky’s existing programming deal with U.S. giant Paramount Media Networks, which owns channels such as Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., MTV 80s, MTV Hits, and Comedy Central. All five channels screen on Sky TV as “pass-through” channels.

One source said the channels would come off air this year, but it isn’t clear if that’s a decision being driven by Paramount or Sky itself, however, Paramount is in the midst of cutting operating costs, which has included layoffs and studio closures. Paramount is also said to be mulling closing channels in Europe, with channels such as Club MTV, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV 00s, MTV Hits and MTV Live HD slated to be closing by the end of the year in certain territories, such as Slovakia. Comedy Central and Paramount Network are also slated to be closing down in Hungary in the near future, too.

Paramount has its own streaming service, Paramount+, waiting in the wings, although there are apparently still no plans to launch it in New Zealand. Paramount+ was scheduled to launch in New Zealand in August 2021, but it is understood that move was eclipsed when it renewed its content deal with Sky.

Perhaps wary of how customers might react, Sky has played a perplexing public relations strategy over the past week as it has tried to deflect inquiries about a change in its channels and content strategy.

When Media Insider initially approached the company with information from a source that Sky was about to lose several channels when a major international deal came to an end, a spokeswoman replied with a statement that said the company did not comment on “rumours”.

Within a few days, and following further questions, the company conceded it had undertaken a “significant review of our entertainment strategy”.

This planning had been “under way for many months, including our planning for Sky-curated channels in the place of some of our pass-through channels”.

Sky is painting the upcoming changes in a positive public relations light, saying it plans to retain music and children’s content on new Sky-curated channels. In its statements over the past week, it has been coy about the overhaul and refused initially to even name or confirm the channels impacted, or which programming deals are coming to an end.

Sky, which had a horror run with customers earlier this year over an ailing satellite and a heavily criticised customer communications response, initially said of the channel changes: “Our strategy focuses on investing in the content we know our customers value.

“We don’t comment on rumours, but we review content agreements regularly and if anything was to change in our content line-up, we would always communicate it openly to our customers.”

When Media Insider went back to Sky with more specific information from our source – and reiterated our information was based on more than “rumours” – the company came back with an updated response, confirming changes.

“We are in constant dialogue with our entertainment content providers about how best to serve customer needs,” Sky TV content and product strategy head Fiona Murray said in a statement.

“We’ve been undertaking a significant review of our entertainment strategy, based on our rich viewership data and what our customers are telling us.

“We have been getting feedback from customers that they don’t like repeats on some of our affiliate channels (for your readers’ reference, these are the channels where we pass content straight through from international providers).

“We’ve been listening to that and want to address it. We are working on plans that would see us create new Sky channels that are more tailored for New Zealand audiences and where we can have more control on the titles we serve.

“We will be working with the same content partners, just in a different way. We know how much our customers value their entertainment content, so we want to reassure them any changes would be made with their preferences in mind.”

The company was “still some way off making any changes” and she said customers would be “the first to hear from us, with plenty of advance notice”.

After further questions, Sky issued a third statement last Monday, further articulating its position.

“We are currently in discussions with an international partner around changes to their pass-through channels within our Sky entertainment portfolio,” Murray said.

“The conversation is about changing the way we work with that partner to deliver content – not a wholesale ‘loss’ of content that our customers love. Our commitment is to continue delivering the shows and content our audiences love, likely through new, Sky-curated channels.

“Historically, pass-through channels have been a good way for content providers to package content for linear distribution. But as entertainment models evolve and viewer habits have shifted, other options may make more sense for some of our partners. That’s the discussion we’re having.”

She said that by building channels itself, Sky could choose and curate content “that we know our customers enjoy and engage with” and reduce the number of repeats.

She reiterated nothing would change for some months.

One of the issues facing Sky TV and other TV networks is consumers turning to platforms such as YouTube in increasing numbers to select specific content, such as children’s shows.

Sky will also no doubt be balancing the commercial opportunity of running its own channels and the risk of a consumer backlash if subscription-paying customers suddenly lose access to some of their favourite channels and shows.

In Australia, pay-channel operator Foxtel recently lost a swag of Warner Bros Discovery children’s content, including the Cartoon Network and Boomerang channels. In 2023, Foxtel lost Nickelodeon and Nick Jr., although the former became a free-to-air channel.

Sky still has the Warner Bros Discovery-owned Cartoon Network and it appears this will be retained.

As well as the five Paramount-owned channels that are part of Sky’s menu, Sky’s Neon streaming service also screens shows from Showtime, owned by Paramount.

Showtime owns shows such as Yellowjackets and Billions.

Sky said: “Showtime shows are available on Neon and Sky and will be for the foreseeable future, including Yellowjackets and Billions. We’re actively working to bring new Showtime titles to Sky and Neon customers.

“For instance ... we are announcing that Dexter: Resurrection will launch on Neon ... we expect a new season of Yellowjackets to launch within the next 12 months, and more show announcements will be forthcoming."

Sky has refused to say if Paramount made the call to end the current terms of the existing contract, or if it was Sky itself.

“The planning for Sky’s refreshed entertainment content framework has been under way for many months, including our planning for Sky-curated channels in the place of some of our pass-through channels. The upcoming ending of a contract period between Sky and Paramount created the opportunity to accelerate this initiative.”

Paramount confirmed the end of the “channel supply agreement later this year”.

Other content partnerships remained in place, said a spokeswoman.

“We appreciate the long-standing partnership with Sky TV and remain committed to delivering exceptional content to our viewers in partnership with Sky.”

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More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

Originally published: July 05, 2025.

H/T: Special thanks to RegularCapital and Insidus Television for the news!

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DIRECTV Unveils New MyKids Genre Pack Alongside Expanded Sports, Entertainment, News, and Spanish-Language Lineups

DIRECTV has announced the launch of MyKids, its newest Genre Pack, delivering a complete, family-first viewing experience.

DIRECTV Announces MyKids Genre Pack

Priced at $19.99/month, MyKids features a powerhouse lineup of trusted family content, including Paramount's Nickelodeon suite, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery networks, and several popular independent networks.

The launch is part of a broader expansion of DIRECTV's genre-based offerings, including MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol, resulting from DIRECTV's new licensing agreement with Paramount Global.

MyKids features a custom lineup of beloved family-friendly content, combining streaming giants and top-tier channels into one curated experience. The new MyKids offering includes:

• Paramount's cradle-to-teen Nickelodeon suite: Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., and TeenNick

• Disney's comprehensive family portfolio: Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, and Disney+

• Fan favorites from Warner Bros. Discovery networks: Cartoon Network, Boomerang, and Discovery Family

• Popular independents: BabyFirst TV, LooLooKids TV, and MeTV Toons (Launching 6/30)

• The MyCinema mini pack add-on will also be available to MyKids customers for $9.99/month.

"With MyKids, we're bringing together the most trusted networks and beloved characters from the biggest names in kids' entertainment, including full channel lineups from Disney and Nickelodeon, along with Disney+ —all in one place," said Vince Torres, chief marketing officer at DIRECTV. "And by introducing our most affordable package yet at $19.99 per month, we're making it easier for more families to access the content they care about most. It's about giving families more flexibility, more value, and the confidence that they're getting the very best for their kids."

The launch of MyKids is just one key component of the broader Paramount Global programming expansion. Beginning today, DIRECTV is also enhancing two of its most popular genre packs at no additional cost, MySports and MyEntertainment, with the addition of several Paramount Global networks and local CBS-owned-and-operated broadcast stations serving many of America's largest cities.

• MySports – $69.99/month - MySports now includes 15 CBS-owned and operated stations (O&Os) and CBS Sports Network, further strengthening an already comprehensive lineup. The genre pack currently features more than 25 major sports channels, such as ESPN, ESPN2, ACC Network, FS1, Golf Channel, SEC Network, TBS, TNT, truTV, and USA Network, along with a variety of professional league and collegiate conference networks. In addition, ESPN+ is already included, and the new ESPN streaming service will be available upon its launch.

• MyEntertainment – $34.99/month - MyEntertainment now offers a range of new Paramount Global channels: BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, MTV2, Paramount Network, POP, TV Land, and VH1. These additions complement an already diverse catalog of more than 40 entertainment networks, including A&E, Bravo, Discovery, E!, Food Network, FX, Freeform, FYI, HGTV, Lifetime, Oxygen, Syfy, The HISTORY Channel, TLC, Vice TV and others. The package also includes Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic and Max Basic With Ads.

The expansion continues tomorrow with even more content rolling out across additional DIRECTV genre packs:

• MyNews – $39.99/month - CBS O&Os will join the MyNews pack, enhancing local and national coverage. This addition complements a strong lineup of more than 10 national news channels already included — such as CNN, CNBC, FOX News Channel, and MSNBC — plus select local news stations where available.

• MiEspañol – $34.99/month - Tr3s joins MiEspañol, further enriching an already impressive Spanish-language lineup. Subscribers currently enjoy more than 60 channels including CNN En Español, Discovery En Español, Discovery Familia, ESPN Deportes, FOX Deportes, Hogar de HGTV, Nat Geo Mundo, Telemundo, Univision and others, with plans to incorporate Vix Premium with Ads at no additional cost in the near future.

• MyCinema Mini Pack - The Smithsonian Channel will be added to the MyCinema Mini Pack Add-On, which currently features classic films, romance, and family programming from seven channels, including Great American Family, SONY Movies, and Turner Classic Movies. MyCinema is available to MyKids, MyEntertainment, MyNews and MySports customers for $9.99/month.

These enhancements mark a significant step in DIRECTV's continued strategy to deliver genre-based content bundles that give customers greater choice, value, and a simplified, more personal TV experience. Genre Packs allow customers to choose their channel lineup based on which genre they watch the most. With five options across a variety of genres, consumers get the channels they want and the content they love without filler channel overload. Pricing for Genre Packs starts as low as $19.99 per month + tax. For more information or to subscribe, visit DIRECTV Genre Packs.

Shop your Nickelodeon favorites: https://www.paramountshop.com

Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

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Paramount Reportedly Looking to Sell Its South American Businesses, Including Telefe and Chilevisión

Paramount Global is reportedly seeking buyers for its businesses in Argentina and Chile, which includes Argentinian national television channel Telefe, which Paramount (then Viacom) acquired in 2016, and Chilean free-to-air (FTA) channel Chilevisión, which the company (then ViacomCBS) purchased in 2021. The company is aiming is to obtain between US$100 million from the sale of its local businesses.

The North American company has granted a sales mandate to the consulting firm Quantum Finanzas, led by economist Daniel Marx, to search for a buyer for Argentina's leading broadcast television channel.

The list of candidates is extensive, but like recent major mergers and acquisitions, it is comprised of all local players. Among the interested parties are several groups that bid a few months ago to acquire Telefónica Argentina, such as the Los W group, owned by the Werthein family; Corporación América, owned by Eduardo Eurnekian; and Alpha Media, the media holding company led by Marcelo Fígoli. Sources close to the transaction also confirmed that other businesspeople are closely monitoring the purchase, such as Tomás Yankelevich—the son of Gustavo Yankelevich, Telefe's longtime programming manager—and Martín Kweller, owner of the production company Kuarzo Entertainment.

The Paramount group has already informed the candidates that it intends to obtain US$100 million from the sale of its local businesses. "They are asking for US$100 million, but I wouldn't be surprised if it closes at a lower figure, closer to US$80 million. And they are open to accepting offers for the businesses in Argentina and Chile, or selling Telefe separately," explained a company that reviewed the portfolio.

The figure sought by the sellers is far from the US$345 million that Viacom paid for Telefe in 2016, before ultimately merging with CBS, which gave rise to Paramount Global.

The sale of the assets in South America come as Paramount is in the midst of merging with the American production company Skydance Media. This latest transaction was announced a year ago, but has yet to be fully approved by US antitrust authorities and the FCC.

Rumors of Telefe's sale have been circulating for some time. Darío Turovelzky, executive vice president of Broadcast and Latin American Studies for Paramount Global, spoke to LA NACION about the matter in May of last year. While he did not fully confirm the claim that "Telefe is for sale," he did assure that there were many interested parties in the channel and that he had been in charge of putting them in contact with Paramount executives in the U.S., who are responsible for making this decision.

On the other hand, in the last two years, Telefe has also been reducing its staff through voluntary redundancies and early retirements, and has been changing its business model to make it more profitable and attractive to potential buyers. Other Paramount brands in the region, including Nickelodeon, have also seen big changes in recent years. Nickelodeon Latin America and Nickelodeon Brazil mainly share their programming feeds with Nickelodeon's Central & Eastern pan-regional feed, with only Nickelodeon Mexico retaining a fully-localised feed.

The hiring of the consulting firm Quantum Finanzas earlier this year accelerated what was already an open secret and put the channel's assets on the map. At that point, offers officially began to be received, one of which now appears close to being finalized.

It's currently unknown whether Paramount Global will also be looking to sell 5, the company's British FTA channel.

Shop your favorite Nickelodeon shows at ParamountShop.com

Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

Originally published: June 14, 2025.

Original source: LA NACION; H/T: Special thanks to @916786wc for the news!

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CBS to Present 'MTV Video Music Awards' 2025 For the First Time, Airing Live Sept. 7 From UBS Arena, and Streaming On Paramount+

CBS TO PRESENT MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS (VMAS) FOR THE FIRST TIME, AIRING LIVE SUNDAY, SEPT. 7 FROM UBS ARENA, AND STREAMING ON PARAMOUNT+

Three-Hour CBS Broadcast to Simulcast on MTV; One-Hour Live Pre-Show to Air Across Paramount Media Networks

• CBS to present MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) for the first time, airing LIVE from UBS Arena, Sunday, Sept. 7 (8:00-11:00 PM, ET/5:00-8:00 PM PT), and streaming on Paramount+.
• Three-hour CBS broadcast to simulcast on MTV; one-hour live pre-show to air across Paramount Media Networks.
• The 2024 VMAs delivered its biggest multi-network audience in four years (+25% YOY) and ranked as the most social VMAs in show history, with 66.7 million social interactions.
• For more than four decades, the VMAs have been a pop culture juggernaut, celebrating the best music videos of the year with history-making performances, iconic tributes, culture-defining moments and the biggest surprises from the world’s biggest superstars.
• Nominations, performers and additional details will be announced closer to the show.
• The 2025 VMAs are executive produced by Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic. Barb Bialkowski is co-executive producer. Alicia Portugal and Jackie Barba are executives in charge of production. Wendy Plaut is executive in charge of celebrity talent. Lisa Lauricella is executive in charge of music talent.

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In addition to MTV, the 2024 VMAS was also simulcast on Nickelodeon BET, BET Her, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV2, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land and VH1.

Taylor Swift, who came in with 10 nominations last year, led the pack at the awards show with five wins in total including Artists of the Year and Video of the Year for “Fortnight,” her duet with Post Malone. Other wins came from Ariana Grande, Eminem, Megan Thee Stallion and SZA. Sabrina Carpenter won Song of the Year (“Espresso”) while Chappell Roan won Best New Artist.

Shop your Paramount favorites: https://www.paramountshop.com

Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

Originally published: April 04, 2025.

H/T: Deadline.

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Paramount and YouTube TV Reach Multiyear Distribution Deal for CBS, Nickelodeon and Other Networks, Agreement Includes Option to Bundle Paramount+

Update (2/16) - After several days of intensive negotiations, YouTube TV and Paramount Global have renewed their carriage deal for CBS stations nationwide, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central and 20 other channels on the service, Variety is reporting.

In addition, under the new agreement, YouTube TV has the right to bundle Paramount+ to “qualifying” customers.

The companies announced the multiyear pact Saturday (Feb. 15) evening, after Paramount began warning YouTube TV customers of the standoff and a potential blackout of its channels earlier this week. Talks continued after the previous deal expired Thursday evening and the two sides inked a temporary extension.

The renewal means YouTube TV customers will not miss the NCAA March Madness coverage on CBS or the network’s other programming. Other channels that will remain on YouTube TV include CBS Sports Network, BET, Nick Jr., NickToons, TV Land, Paramount Network, CMT, Smithsonian Channel and VH1.

Financial terms of YouTube TV’s renewal with Paramount weren’t disclosed. Paramount had been seeking a rate hike, while YouTube said it was working to reach a “fair agreement” with Paramount “without passing on additional costs to our subscribers.”

A Paramount rep said Saturday, “We are pleased to announce a renewed Paramount-Google agreement for the continued carriage of Paramount’s leading portfolio of entertainment, news and sports networks across YouTube TV’s platform.” The multiyear deal also features “an expanded streaming relationship,” with the ongoing inclusion of Paramount+ with Showtime and BET+ among YouTube Primetime Channels and giving Google the right to make Paramount+ available to qualifying YouTube TV customers.

A YouTube rep said, “We’re happy to share that we’ve reached a deal to continue carrying Paramount channels, including CBS, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon and more. With this agreement, YouTube TV will continue to offer 100-plus channels and add-ons including Paramount+ and will enable more user choice in the future. To our subscribers, we appreciate your patience while we negotiated on your behalf.”

The keepparamount.com and keepnick.com websites have also been updated to include the message:

RENEWED PARAMOUNT-GOOGLE AGREEMENT

We are pleased to announce a renewed Paramount-Google agreement for the continued carriage of Paramount’s leading portfolio of entertainment, news and sports networks across YouTube TV’s platform. The multi-year deal also features an expanded streaming relationship, with the ongoing inclusion of Paramount+ with Showtime and BET+ among YouTube Primetime Channels and providing Google the right to make Paramount+ available to qualifying YouTube TV customers. We look forward to extending our long-standing partnership and giving audiences greater access to their favorite programming.

Previous updates:

Update (2/14) - YouTube TV and Paramount Global, still haggling over a new distribution deal, have reached a short-term extension to let the internet TV service continue carrying CBS and more than 20 other networks — for now.

The companies are sparring over financial terms, with Paramount seeking a rate hike, Variety reports Their existing deal expired at 11 p.m. ET on Feb. 13.

On Thursday evening shortly after that deadline passed, YouTube TV said in a post on X/Twitter, “We’ve reached a short-term extension with Paramount to keep their content on YouTube TV. Subscribers continue to have access to Paramount channels, including CBS. We appreciate your patience as we continue to negotiate on your behalf.” A Paramount rep confirmed the short-term deal extension with YouTube.

YouTube TV is the largest broadband-delivered subscription TV service in the U.S. with more than 8 million customers, ahead of rivals like Hulu + Live TV and Dish’s Sling TV.

The channels at risk of going dark on YouTube TV include CBS stations nationwide, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., CBS Sports Network, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, TV Land, Paramount Network, CMT and VH1. In addition, YouTube TV customers would lose access to recorded Paramount content as well as add-on subscriptions to Paramount+ with Showtime and BET+ if the companies can’t reach a long-term agreement.

Paramount began alerting customers to the potential blackout on Wednesday. The company says it provides “some of the most-watched programming in YouTube TV households.” In such carriage disputes, programmers will try to gain leverage in negotiations by publicizing the spat and urging viewers to voice their displeasure with the pay-TV service in question — which is what Paramount has done here, setting up a websites keepparamount.com and keepnick.com, which include a link to contact YouTube TV customer support.

Paramount, which is in the midst of closing a $8 billion deal to merge with Skydance Media, has alleged that YouTube TV “is attempting to pressure Paramount to agree to unfavorable and one-sided terms” and that “YouTube TV is prioritizing their own interests over a fair agreement.” The media company claims it has offered renewal terms to YouTube TV to continue carrying its broadcast and cable networks “at a fair price.”

YouTube, for its part, said it was “working hard to reach a fair agreement with Paramount that allows us to keep their channels, including CBS and CBS Sports, on YouTube TV without passing on additional costs to our subscribers.”

YouTube TV has told customers that if Paramount’s content is “unavailable for an extended period of time,” they will be able to claim an $8 credit at tv.youtube.com. YouTube also pointed out that users can watch Paramount shows and movies by signing up for Paramount+, which starts at $7.99/month.

YouTube TV hiked its baseline price by $10 per month effective Jan. 13, 2025, rising from $72.99 to $82.99 per month.

Such programming standoffs have been a feature of the pay-TV biz for years, but YouTube TV has largely managed to steer clear of blackouts. In 2021, YouTube TV had a two-day blackout of ESPN and other Disney channels before the parties reached an agreement.

Within the past year, Paramount cut new multiyear deals with the two biggest U.S. cable operators — Comcast in January, and Charter Communications last May — with both encompassing rights to offer Paramount+ as part of their services.

Original post (2/13):