France Says Bonjour to Jersey Shore

Nickelodeon - April 2012
 

 
Viacom International Media Networks Closes Series and Format Option Deal with TF1 for MTV’s Jersey Shore

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), has reached an agreement with leading French national broadcaster and long-time partner, TF1, that will see MTV’s global hit series, Jersey Shore, air on TF1 Group’s DTT channel, NT1, from this month. NT1 have also acquired the format option granting them the rights to adapt and localise the series for broadcast across France and its territories. The news was announced today at MIP-TV by Caroline Beaton, Senior Vice President, International Programme Sales, VIMN.

Since debuting in 2009, Jersey Shore has set global ratings records, tapping the millennial zeitgeist so successfully that the show’s stars have become household names. Now seen in +150 territories around the world via MTV’s network of +60 international channels, the iconic show is the number one rating series in countries as far flung as Australia, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, the UK and the US.

“Jersey Shore is a true cultural phenomenon and its incredible global success once again demonstrates MTV’s unique ability to pioneer innovative programming for young people,” commented Beaton. “With consistently strong ratings success across MTV channels around the world, and a clear connection with young audiences, I’m confident that the series will be just as successful for our third party broadcast partners. Furthermore, I’m extremely excited that a localised version through NT1’s format option will enable French audiences to connect even more deeply with their favourite programme in their own language and through their own local personalities.”

In addition, VIMN has inked Jersey Shore finished series deals with Musique Plus (Canada), Telenica (Nicaragua) and TV5 (Finland) through three separate brand new agreements. In Canada, Jersey Shore: From the First Pump and Jersey Shore season four have been acquired by French language speciality channel Musique Plus while TV5, Finland’s fastest growing channel, began airing Jersey Shore seasons one and two from December 2011 and terrestrial channel Telenica in Nicaragua has recently picked up seasons one and two along with specials, Before the Shore and Afterhours.