A+E to sell Viceland shows worldwide

A+E Networks has extended its relationship with Vice Media by taking on international distribution of programming from the pair’s US joint venture channel, Viceland.

The deal hands A+E more than 300 hours of original shows to sell across select territories, and comes as Viceland rapidly expands internationally.

A+E already sells programming from Vice-owned Pulse Films and its Abot Hamieri joint venture East Entertainment.

Among the shows added to the A+E catalogue are Ellen Page-fronted 8x60mins Gaycation, marijuana-themed 8x60mins / 26x30mins Weediquette, 30x22mins Desus & Mero, and 6x30mins Michael K. Williams doc series Black Market.

A+E and Vice first came together to launch millennials-focused linear channel Viceland last year. Though its ratings have been average, it has been one of the most rapidly distributed networks on the international market in recent years.

“As we continue to expand our presence worldwide and bring our multiplatform content to dozens of new territories, this partnership with A+E Networks is an important aspect of our growth strategy,” said James Rosenstock, president of Viceland International and chief corporate development officer. “This expanded partnership will bring our innovative Viceland content to even more young viewers across the globe, and also create an additional revenue stream for our growing television business.”

“Vice’s content delivers a compelling and unique voice to our diverse library of exceptional programming that reaches sought-after young and upscale audiences,” said Edward Sabin, executive managing director, international, who spearheaded the deal on behalf of A+E Networks.

“This deal furthers our relationship with Vice and underscores our ambition to strengthen and grow the content offerings brought to market by our best-in-class sales team.”