MUMBAI: On Music Network, a joint venture between MTV Networks Asia and On*Media, today announced that it would launch a second entertainment brand dedicated exclusively to kids – Nickelodeon Korea – in the third quarter of 2005.
On Music Network which currently operates the 24-hours MTV Korea channel, will launch Nickelodeon Korea in a new 24-hour format targeting children aged 2 to 14 years old.
Nickelodeon Korea will showcase a diverse range of programmes adapted from the US along with locally produced programming genres, including animation, live-action, comedy, game shows, and pre-school programmes in the Nick Jr. block, aimed at kids in Korea.
MTV Networks Asia executive vice president Asia Pacific corporate strategy and business development Charles Chau said, "I‘m very pleased with the business progress of MTV Networks Korea and this is undoubtedly the right time for us to bring Nickelodeon to Korea. We are delighted to keep on working with On*Media and believe that the new venture signifies the continuation of a good and long lasting partnership. I am confident that the collective strength of MTV Korea and Nickelodeon Korea will be a major force in the music and kids entertainment space."
On*Media Corporation executive vice president, MPP business head and COO Sung Su Kim , "On*Media is Korea‘s premier cable TV operation, offering an extensive variety of interesting and locally relevant content; and we always seek to add further value to cater to our viewers. We have been extremely pleased about the partnership with MTV Networks Asia and are excited about the addition of Nickelodeon Korea which will provide compelling kids programming and greater choice of quality content for kids in Korea that is entertaining, engaging, enriching and fun."
MTV Korea general manager Choi Hong Kyung will manage Nickelodeon Korea. He has been nominated as representative director of the Board of On Music Network to focus on the strategic development of the newly launched channel and to further establish the MTV business.
"We have enjoyed great success with MTV in Korea and we are excited about applying our knowledge of the youth market to the Nick brand. Nick’s great strength lies in reflecting kids lives, and with the launch of the local channel Korean kids voices will finally be heard. The channel will be a great mix of local content with already proven international hits such as Spongebob Squarepants and new programming never before seen in the Korean market," said Choi.
MTV Korea, in partnership with On*Media, was launched as a 24-hour channel in Korea in July 2001. MTV Networks Asia remains committed to the joint venture and will take on a more active role in driving the joint venture’s business forward. The joint venture operation will be moving from its existing office in Bundang-gu to Seoul, creating an administrative center for both MTV Korea and Nickelodeon Korea.
