Bell Media and VICE Media have struck a long-term programming deal that will see VICE content air and stream across Bell television, mobile, and digital platforms.
The arrangement will also see the two companies develop a new media sales relationship.
Bell Media will become the exclusive Canadian broadcast home to new original programming from VICE’s U.S. linear network VICELAND, along with 650 hours of previously-produced VICE programming, set to debut this fall on Much, MTV Canada, Bell’s CraveTV streaming service, mobile app SnackableTV, and the yet to launch CTV digital SuperHub, among other platforms.
“With its new leadership, re-energized programming slate, and U.S. deal with Hulu, we are thrilled to welcome VICE to Bell Media in Canada,” Bell Media president Randy Lennox stated in a press release. “We see great opportunity with this new partnership and are very motivated for an exciting future with VICE.”
New VICE programming includes the upcoming The Hunt For The Trump Tapes with Tom Arnold and Munchies Guide To, while VICE library titles include the Emmy-nominated Gaycation, What Would Diplo Do? starring James Van Der Beek, Most Expensivest with 2 Chainz, Slutever, and F*ck That’s Delicious with Action Bronson.
Both companies will also explore co-production opportunities for Bell Media platforms in Canada and VICE platforms around the world. It was announced that The Movie Network (TMN) has commissioned the sequel to acclaimed VICE doc Dopesick, entitled Dopesick2: The Future of Addiction.
“We are thrilled to announce such a multi-faceted, far-reaching deal with Bell Media,” said Naveen Prasad, president of VICE Canada. “They share a similar vision and have the added platforms and reach to enhance VICE’s various lines of business in Canada, whether it be our studio, digital media or creative agency.”
In January, Rogers Media ended its $100 million joint venture with VICE, pulling the plug on the Canadian VICELAND channel, which ceased broadcasting at the end of March, and transferring its interest in Toronto’s Vice Studios back to VICE Canada.
CRTC data indicates VICELAND had 1,509,000 subscribers in 2016 and recorded $5.4 million in revenue that year, however the channel’s operating expenses ran $7.9 million.
