Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Nickelodeon Unveils New Generation Of Content For New Generation Of Kids At Nickelodeon Upfront 2013

Nickelodeon today (Tuesday 26th February 2013) previewed the brands 2013-2014 season and strategy to serve the new generation of post-millennial kids; introduced a line-up of brand-new animated and live-action comedy series from new creative voices; outlined plans for new, innovative content development platforms; and presented a new slate of educational preschool programming at its annual upfront (Nickelodeon Upfront 2013) presentation, which was hosted by Nickelodeon Group President Cyma Zarghami, and held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City! Full details below in Nickelodeon's official Upfront Press Release, from PRNewswire, and don't forget to let NickALive! know what your most looking forward to on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, and/or Facebook!:

Via Press Release

Nickelodeon Unveils New Generation Of Content For New Generation Of Kids At Annual Upfront Presentation

Joining Nick's Content Portfolio This Season Are: Animated Series Sanjay & Craig and Breadwinners; New Live-Action Series The Haunted Hathaways and The Thundermans; and Robust Preschool Lineup Including New Dora the Explorer Spin-Off

Presentation Featured First Research Findings on New Generation of Post-Millennials and Announcements of Innovative New Content Development Platforms

Presentation Punctuated with Appearance by Josh Duhamel, Host of Nickelodeon's 26th Annual Kids' Choice Awards, and Musical Performance by OneRepublic

NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2013 /Nickelodeon Press Release via PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon today at its annual upfront previewed its strategy to serve the new generation of post-millennial kids; introduced a line-up of brand-new animated and live-action comedy series from new creative voices; outlined plans for new, innovative content development platforms; and presented a new slate of educational preschool programming. Hosted by Nickelodeon Group President Cyma Zarghami, the presentation was held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

(Download image - Raving Rabbids Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130226/NY66995-a )

(Download image - Wallykazam Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130226/NY66995-b )

(Download image - Sanjay & Craig Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130226/NY66995-c )

Among the new animated projects introduced were: Sanjay & Craig, an animated series about a boy and his best friend--a snake--whose creative team combines two first-generation Nickelodeon creators Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi (The Adventures of Pete & Pete) with first-time Nickelodeon creators and co-executive producers Jim Dirschberger , Jay Howell and Andreas Trolf ; and Breadwinners, whose creative team (animator Gary "Doodles" DiRaffaele and writer Steve Borst ) came from Nickelodeon's Animation Shorts Program and features two booty-shaking ducks who operate a bread delivery service out of their awesome, jet-fueled rocket van. Additional new animated projects include the previously announced Rabbids and Monsters vs. Aliens. Nickelodeon is also picking up a third season of its hit animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which bowed in 2012 as the number-one new animated series with boys 2-11.

In live-action, two new family comedy series were announced, including The Haunted Hathaways, created by veteran comedy writer-producer Robert Peacock (Reba, The Jeff Foxworthy Show) in his first Nickelodeon show, about a family who moves into a house in New Orleans, LA, only to learn it's already occupied by a family of ghosts; and The Thundermans, from Jed Spingarn , who most recently served as co-executive producer of the hit Nickelodeon series Big Time Rush, about the sibling rivalry between twins in a family of superheroes. These series join the previously announced live-action series Sam & Cat and the recently launched Wendell & Vinnie.

A robust slate of original new educational programs for preschoolers was also introduced, including Wallykazam! --Nickelodeon's first literacy show for preschoolers that embeds the curriculum into a rich narrative story with the goal of helping and inspiring kids to read; Blaze and the Monster Machines, which is the first-ever preschool series that features a curriculum dedicated to all areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and follows the adventures of an 8-year-old boy and his monster truck; and Dora and Friends, a spin-off from the original creative team behind megahit Dora the Explorer, which stars the Latina heroine as a 10-year-old who goes on adventures in the big city with a group of new friends.

In addition, Zarghami outlined Nick's commitment to researching the newest generation of kids, the post-millennials, born between 2005 to present, as well as how the network is reinventing its development process and pipeline and innovating on new platforms. The presentation also included a look at Nickelodeon's just-launched Nick App – which now ranks as the number-one title on the Entertainment App list and the number-two title on the Free App list in the iTunes Store, approaching 400K downloads. Also detailed were: a new live afternoon daypart, Nick Studio 10; announcements about new sketch-comedy workshops for live-action development; and a partnership with Brian Robbins' AwesomenessTV online site.

"We have reorganized our development process in a way that allows us to make content smarter and faster than ever before, tailored specifically for this first generation of post-millennial kids," Zarghami said. "Our research tells us that for them funny is a badge of honor, and because funny is in Nickelodeon's core DNA, we believe our position will ensure our success with them."

In a surprise appearance, actor Josh Duhamel took the stage to highlight his role as host of Nickelodeon's 26th Annual Kids' Choice Awards, which will air Saturday, March 23, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT). Duhamel was later joined by Viacom President and CEO Philippe Dauman ; and the presentation was capped off with a musical performance by Interscope recording artists OneRepublic, who performed their latest hit single, "If I Lose Myself."
Details of Nickelodeon's new content slates include:

ANIMATION:

Sanjay & Craig – The 20-episode series tells the story of two best friends--one of whom is a snake--and the true adventures of being a kid. Voice actors include: Maulik Pancholy (30 Rock) as Sanjay; Chris Hardwick (Nerdist, Back at the Barnyard) as Craig; Tony Hale (Arrested Development) as Mr. Noodman; Linda Cardellini (Freaks and Geeks) as Megan; Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) as Vijay; and Grey DeLisle (Fairly Odd Parents) as Darlene. Sanjay & Craig is created and co-executive produced by Jim Dirschberger , Jay Howell (character design for Bob's Burgers) and Andreas Trolf, and executive produced by Nickelodeon alumni Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi (The Adventures of Pete & Pete, Alvin and the Chipmunks).

Monsters vs. Aliens – Inspired by DreamWorks Animation's 2009 blockbuster feature film ($383 million worldwide gross), this new series follows the further adventures of the beloved monsters -- B.O.B., the gelatinous blob without a brain; Link, the prehistoric fish-man; Dr. Cockroach, the half-man/half-insect mad scientist; and Susan (aka Ginormica), the incredible growing woman — as they learn to adapt to a new world filled with bizarre aliens. This series, which is greenlit for 26 episodes, marks the third partnership between Nickelodeon and DreamWorks Animation.

Rabbids – This series brings to television the hysterical physical comedy that is the hallmark in Ubisoft's wildly successful Rabbids video games. Irreverent, unpredictable and silly, the Rabbids are a mysterious breed of rabbit-like creatures that explore, and often wreak havoc, in the human world. Everything is a source of wonder and amusement, and these indestructible and uncontrollable creatures have absolutely no respect for the social rules that govern society. For them, there are no laws, no rules of the road. It's all about having fun and saying "Bwaaaaaah!" Nickelodeon has secured global broadcast rights for 26 new half-hour CG episodes of Rabbids, which will be produced by Ubisoft.

Breadwinners – Created by Gary "Doodles" DiRaffaele (MAD, Metalocalypse), who was discovered from Nick's 2012 Animated Shorts Program, and Steve Borst (Teen Titans Go!, MAD), Breadwinners follows two booty-shaking ducks as they operate a bread delivery service out of their awesome, jet-fueled rocket van. The series was picked up for 20 full-length episodes.

Nickelodeon has renewed its Animated Shorts Program, as a further commitment to produce hit animated content for kids. Last year, more than 600 pitches were collected during Nickelodeon's inaugural program. From the pitches, 12 were created and five are in series development. All 12 shorts will air on the network, or appear on www.nick.com or on Nickelodeon's new app, which launched Feb. 21.

Nickelodeon also announced a third season pick up of its hit Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, which was 2012's number-one new animated program with boys 2-11 across all TV. Season two is currently in production.

For the 2013-14 season, the network will also roll out new episodes of returning hit animated series, including season two of The Legend of Korra, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents, Winx Club, T.U.F.F. Puppy, Kung Fu Panda : Legends of Awesomeness and Robot and Monster.

LIVE ACTION:

The Haunted Hathaways – Life in The Big Easy gets a little more complicated and way more spirited when the Hathaway siblings (Amber Montana, Breanna Yde) and their mom (Ginifer King) move into a house already occupied by a dad ( Chico Benymon ) and his sons ( Curtis Harris , Benjamin "Lil P-Nut" Flores Jr.) who happen to be ghosts. Created by veteran comedy writer-producer Robert Peacock (Reba, The Jeff Foxworthy Show), The Haunted Hathaways is executive produced by Boyce Bugliari & Jamie McLaughlin (Bucket & Skinner's Epic Adventures). The series will begin production on 20 episodes this spring.

Wendell & Vinnie – A brand-new, live-action family comedy featuring Jerry Trainor (iCarly) in his first starring and producing role, this series follows 30-year-old Vinnie Bassett (Trainor) living the life of a carefree bachelor, when he suddenly becomes the legal guardian of his precocious, wise-beyond-his-years nephew, Wendell ( Buddy Handleson , Shake It Up) forming a hysterical odd-couple family dynamic. Nicole Sullivan ( Rita Rocks , MadTV) also stars as Vinnie's older unlucky-in-love sister, Wilma, with Haley Strode (Gangster Squad) as Vinnie's newly divorced neighbor and love interest, Taryn. Wendell & Vinnie, which has received has received a 20 episode order. The series airs regularly on Saturdays at 8p.m. (ET/PT).

Sam & Cat – In this comedic spin-off from award-winning creator and executive producer Dan Schneider (iCarly, Victorious, Drake & Josh, Zoey 101), Sam & Cat stars Jennette McCurdy (iCarly's Sam Puckett ) and Ariana Grande (Victorious' Cat Valentine) reprising their roles from their respective hit shows. The series features the pair as unlikely roommates and best friends who become teen entrepreneurs by starting their own after-school babysitting business. Sam & Cat is currently in production on 20 episodes in Los Angeles and will premiere this fall.

The Thundermans – The Thundermans are a typical suburban family who happen to have astounding superpowers. At the center of the action are the 14-year-old Thunderman twins, Max ( Jack Griffo ) and Phoebe ( Kira Kosarin ), who share the same bathroom, the same school and the same annoying younger siblings. Their only difference? Phoebe is a super student with a super sunny disposition who super looks forward to being a superhero someday, and Max aspires to become a super villain. The 13-episode series will commence production this spring and is written by longtime Nickelodeon producer Jed Spingarn , who most recently served as co-executive producer of the hit series Big Time Rush and prior to that, produced on The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and Johnny Bravo .

Nick Studio 10 – This live, daily afternoon daypart features four friends who make and share outrageously funny content in real time. Beginning this spring, content created on the show will also migrate from on-air to the recently launched Nick App , and content from the app will also be featured on the series.

Awesomeness (working title) – Nickelodeon is partnering with Brian Robbins (Smallville, One Tree Hill, Coach Carter) to co-develop a new half-hour sketch comedy show that features a mix of new and existing content from the extremely popular online site AwesomenessTV.

Nickelodeon will also premiere more new episodes of its hit live-action series, including Big Time Rush, Marvin Marvin and See Dad Run.

PRESCHOOL:

Dora and Friends – An original, animated Dora the Explorer spin-off, Dora and Friends: Into the City stars Latina heroine Dora as a 10-year-old who goes on city adventures with a group of new friends. Fantastical twists and turns abound as the stories take Dora and her friends into exotic magical worlds waiting to be explored. Dora and Friends features a curriculum that fosters a child's understanding of Spanish, teamwork, music and community service. The series has been picked up for 20 episodes and will launch on Nickelodeon in 2014.

Wallykazam – This new animated series is Nickelodeon's first literacy show for preschoolers that embeds the curriculum into a rich narrative story, with the goal of helping kids fall in love with words and inspiring them to read. The original comedy follows the adventures of a boy named Wally Trollman and his pet dragon, Norville. Wally has a magic stick that makes words come to life and playfully transforms the world around him. Wallykazam! is currently in production on 26 episodes that will premiere on Nickelodeon in 2014.

Blaze and the Monster Machines – This original CG-animated series introduces preschoolers to the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This is the first preschool show that features a curriculum dedicated to all areas of STEM. Viewers will join an eight-year-old boy named AJ and his incredible monster truck Blaze on super-sized adventures. AJ and the viewer help Blaze as they explore the physics of how things move, master mathematics and discover how everyday technologies work. The series, which received a 20-episode order, will debut on Nickelodeon in 2014.

Peter Rabbit – This new CG-animated series is a reimagining of the popular Beatrix Potter children's books based on the beloved Peter Rabbit character, which have sold over 250 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 35 languages. The series follows the adventures of Peter Rabbit and his best friends Benjamin Bunny and Lily Bobtail. Peter Rabbit features educational goals that encourage preschoolers to learn problem-solving and interpersonal skills, self-efficacy, resilience, positive re-framing and fosters an interest in nature. The series, which received a 26-episode order, launched on Feb. 19 and posted double-digit gains and won its time period across all cable with kids 2-5, adults 18-49 and total viewers.

During the presentation, Nickelodeon highlighted original research into the newest generation of kids, the post-millennials. The network's early profile of them reveals some of their unique connections to friends, family and funny, including:

Post-millennial kids are part of a Velcro family – The post-millennials' parents are the Gen-Xers who are striving to right those perceived wrongs from their own neglected childhoods. Their kids, the post-millennials, are therefore more protected and sheltered than any generation before. No one is more important to these kids than mom and dad: 90% of them say their parents are their heroes; 80% say they want to spend more time with their parents; and the majority of the next generation says that family time is the first choice for how to spend free time.

Post-millennials view friendship differently than their predecessors – Unlike millennials before them, friendship is not a game of numbers but is about shared trust among a small circle of people. While the post-millennials may have limitless cyber connections, they choose to have only 2 or 3 real friends in their lives.

This new generation of kids speaks fluent "Grown-Up" – Post-millennials are included in the adult world, and they influence adult decisions. They understand how to keep the adults in their lives happy, and it makes them feel good about themselves. They speak fluent "Grown-Up."

The post-millennial generation cares deeply about community – This new generation of kids has been exposed at a very early age to war, climate change and a poor economy, which has made their sense of compassion and desire to improve the world particularly pronounced. They genuinely want to make positive contributions and participate alongside one another in making the world a better place.

Post-millennials have a strong affinity for comedy–Humor plays a pivotal role in the lives of post-millennials, uniting them with friends and family and playing a key role in how they view themselves. A majority of post-millennials (74%) describe themselves as funny, and as a descriptor, that rates as highly as being smart. Additionally, when it comes to spending time together as a family, this current generation of kids ranks laughing together higher than vacations, having a meal together and holidays. Post-millennials also consider being funny as a badge of honor, a commodity to be traded with friends, which brings them social currency.

Nickelodeon, now in its 33rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

SOURCE Nickelodeon

RELATED LINKS
http://www.nick.com

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Click the more link below (or scroll down) to read NickALive!'s in-depth coverage of Nickelodeon unveiling their 2013-2014 programming slate:

Wolf Trap Announces New Set Of Summer 2013 Performances; To Include Performance By Nickelodeon Star Victoria Justice

The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts has announced the news in the following Press Release, from PRNewswire, that Nickelodeon Star Victoria Justice ("Victorious", "Zoey 101") will be one of the special guest performers who will be performing as part of the performing arts foundations 2013 summer schedule at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts!:

Wolf Trap Announces New Set of Summer 2013 Performances featuring Josh Groban, Juanes, She & Him, La traviata with the National Symphony Orchestra, Victoria Justice, Melissa Etheridge, The Tenors, Widespread Panic, Anita Baker, and Many More

** TICKETS ON SALE TO GENERAL PUBLIC MARCH 16 AT 10 AM**
ON SALE TO SELECT MEMBERS NOW

All Summer Performances at the Filene Center at
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
(Unless Otherwise Noted)

VIENNA, Va., Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announced today 34 additions to its 2013 summer schedule at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. In a wide-ranging season that features opera, theatre, comedy, dance, symphony, international and contemporary music, Wolf Trap continues to strengthen its commitment to the presentation of high quality, accessible and affordable arts experiences for the broadest possible audience. Tickets to the newly announced shows go on sale Saturday, March 16 at 10 am, with more performances to be announced later this spring.

(Download image - Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110414/MM83739LOGO)

Wolf Trap Debuts

Each summer, Wolf Trap is proud to welcome a fresh roster of in-demand acts. Artists making their first appearance at the Filene Center this season include classical-pop singer Josh Groban ; hip indie-rock duo She & Him with special guest Camera Obscura; Nickelodeon star and teen-pop sensation Victoria Justice ; iconic comedian turned bluegrass star Steve Martin with this year's GRAMMY Award-winning Steep Canyon Rangers, featuring Edie Brickell ; celebrated Canadian vocal foursome The Tenors; and the good vibes and powerful instrumentation of Widespread Panic. Also making his Wolf Trap debut will be D.C.-born acoustic-pop singer Eric Hutchinson , appearing as a special guest in a program headlined by Melissa Etheridge .

Evenings of Folk, Pop & Rock; Returning Wolf Trap Favorites

From May through September, the Filene Center stage will come alive almost every night with performances by top-quality artists and touring acts making their way to Northern Virginia for memorable evenings under the stars. The folk acts in place for the upcoming season include acclaimed folk-rock duo Indigo Girls, in a co-bill with singer and GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Joan Baez ; the 50 Years on the Carefree Highway Tour with Canadian folk legend Gordon Lightfoot ; and folk icons Don McLean and Judy Collins . The diverse rock 'n' roll line-up to date features GRAMMY Award winner and international Latin superstar Juanes; all-female rock pioneers The Go-Go's; celebrated pop-rockers the Doobie Brothers ; '80s chart-toppers Huey Lewis & The News; Mexican-American roots-rock bands Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys; and a stream of popular hits with GRAMMY winner Pat Benatar , Neil Giraldo , and Cheap Trick. Other notable performances include a showcase of unparalleled guitar skills by Peter Frampton and B.B. King ; and the vocal and instrumental talents of Ian Anderson in his classic progressive masterpiece and its sequel Thick as a Brick 1 & 2.

Wolf Trap also welcomes back GRAMMY-winning R&B/soul diva Anita Baker ; legendary singer Michael McDonald , on tour with jazz-rock singer/songwriter and guitarist Boz Scaggs ; rock-pop pioneers Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons; flamenco fusion idols the Gipsy Kings; country-folk beloved singer/songwriters Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin in a duo performance;'70s "rock 'n' roll band with horns" Chicago; bluesy-classic rock leaders the Steve Miller Band; and veteran alt-country music singer/songwriter Lyle Lovett and His Large Band.

Performances of great entertainment value for families include Sing-A-Long Grease, featuring the re-mastered 1978 film on huge screens; and the Golden Dragon Acrobats from China, the world's premier Chinese acrobatic touring company.

NSO@Wolf Trap: Visual Explorations, Musical Celebrations, Opera & More!

Today's announcement includes six additions to the highly anticipated summer schedule of the National Symphony Orchestra at Wolf Trap with Festival Conductor Emil de Cou . NSO@Wolf Trap highlights include a new Operascape production of Verdi's La traviata with the Wolf Trap Opera Company, conducted by L.A. Opera resident conductor Grant Gershon ; Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration, featuring blues-rock singer and guitarist Warren Haynes ; Orff's Carmina Burana , featuring The Choral Arts Society of Washington and soloists from the Wolf Trap Opera Company; and Wicked Divas, a concert of show-stopping Broadway and film hits, featuring vocalists Julia Murney and Stephanie J. Block , and conducted by NSO Principal Pops conductor Steven Reineke .

Newly announced performances pairing imagery with live music are Frozen Planet in Concert, a visual and musical exploration of the Earth's great frozen wilderness led by composer and conductor George Fenton ; and America the Beautiful, including " Ansel Adams : America," composed by Chris and Dave Brubeck and featuring over a hundred striking images of or by Ansel Adams .

Wolf Trap Opera Company Presents Finest Emerging Talent in Three New Productions

The GRAMMY-nominated, nationally acclaimed Wolf Trap Opera Company will showcase the exceptional talent of its Filene Young Artists in three full-length opera productions as part of the summer schedule. The 2013 repertoire will include Verdi's La traviata with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Filene Center and Rossini's The Journey to Reims and Verdi's Falstaff at The Barns at Wolf Trap.

In addition, the Filene Young Artists and Studio Artists will offer recitals and concerts, including two performances of Wonders To Wander To: Songs and Stories of Faraway Lands, with Steven Blier , and Aria Jukebox, both held at The Barns at Wolf Trap; and Vocal Colors, in the Music Room of The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C.

For information on the full Wolf Trap Opera Company season, see the latest 2013 WTOC press release.

For the full summer 2013 calendar to date, visit http://www.wolftrap.org/Filene_Center.aspx.

Tickets for Wolf Trap's 2013 performances can be purchased online at www.wolftrap.org, by phone at 1(877)WOLFTRAP, or at the Wolf Trap Box Office located at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts at 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, Virginia. For more information, please call Wolf Trap at (703) 255-1868.

Members buy tickets before the general public for all summer 2013 shows. Join now to get early tickets, while supporting Wolf Trap's renowned arts and education programs.

About Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded by Catherine Filene Shouse (1896-1994), produces and presents a full range of performance and education programs in the Greater Washington area, as well as nationally and internationally. Wolf Trap features three performance venues, the outdoor Filene Center and Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods, both located at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and The Barns at Wolf Trap, located down the road from the national park and adjacent to the Center for Education at Wolf Trap. The 7,028-seat Filene Center is operated in partnership with the National Park Service and annually showcases an extensive array of diverse artists, ranging from pop, country, folk, and blues to classical music, dance, and theatre, as well as multimedia presentations, from May through September. The Barns is operated by the Foundation year round, and during the summer months is home to the GRAMMY-nominated Wolf Trap Opera Company, one of America's outstanding resident ensemble programs for young opera singers. Wolf Trap's education programs include the nationally acclaimed Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods, a diverse array of arts education classes, grants, and a nationally recognized internship program that was included in Bloomberg BusinessWeek's2009 List of "Best Places to Intern." As part of its ongoing commitment to protect and preserve the environment, Wolf Trap offers metro access and is a founding member of the Green Music Group.

Visit the Wolf Trap website at www.wolftrap.org for more information.

SOURCE Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts

RELATED LINKS
http://www.wolftrap.org.

Viacom Issues Official Statement Regarding North American Media And Telecommunications Company Cablevision's Antitrust Lawsuit Against Viacom

In response to the US media and telecommunications company Cablevision Systems Corporation announcing the news that they have filed an antitrust lawsuit today against Viacom (NYSE: VIA), in the federal court in Manhattan, for allegedly "illegally forcing Cablevision to carry and pay for 14 lesser-watched ancillary networks its customers do not want, such as Palladia, MTV Hits and VH1 Classic, in order to carry must-have networks such as Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central", Viacom has released the following statement today (Tuesday 26th February 2013) on their official blog, Blog.Viacom, regarding the antitrust lawsuit Cablevision filed against the company:
Statement from Viacom on Cablevision Antitrust Lawsuit

Viacom released the following statement today regarding the antitrust lawsuit Cablevision filed against the Company:

“At the request of distributors, Viacom and other programmers have long offered discounts to those who agree to provide additional network distribution. Many distributors take advantage of these win-win and pro-consumer arrangements. Reflecting the highly competitive cable programming business, these arrangements have been upheld by a number of federal courts and on appeal. Viacom will vigorously defend this transparent attempt by Cablevision to use the courts to renegotiate our existing two month old agreement.”

Tags: Cablevision, Cablevision antitrust lawsuit, Viacom Cablevision lawsuit
Below is Cablevision Systems Corporation's original press release, from PRNewswire, announcing the news:
Cablevision Files Federal Antitrust Lawsuit Against Viacom For Illegally Forcing Purchase Of Programming Services

BETHPAGE, N.Y., Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC) filed an antitrust lawsuit today against Viacom (NYSE: VIA), in federal court in Manhattan, for illegally forcing Cablevision to carry and pay for 14 lesser-watched ancillary networks its customers do not want, such as Palladia, MTV Hits and VH1 Classic, in order to carry must-have networks such as Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central.

Commenting on the lawsuit and Viacom, Cablevision offered the following statement:
"The manner in which Viacom sells its programming is illegal, anti-consumer, and wrong. Viacom effectively forces Cablevision's customers to pay for and receive little-watched channels in order to get the channels they actually want. Viacom's abuse of its market power is not only illegal, but also prevents Cablevision from delivering the programming that its customers want and that competes with Viacom's less popular channels."
Cablevision's suit contends that:

* Viacom abused its market power over commercially critical networks, including must-have networks such as Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and MTV, to coerce Cablevision into carrying the 14 far less popular ancillary channels.

* Viacom coerced Cablevision by threatening to impose massive financial penalties unless Cablevision complied with Viacom's demands.

* Viacom's conduct harms Cablevision and its customers, and impairs competition by making Cablevision pay for and carry networks that many subscribers do not want to watch, while other networks are excluded from distribution, preventing Cablevision from being able to differentiate its services and harming subscribers.

Cablevision's complaint asserts that Viacom engaged in a "per se" illegal tying arrangement in violation of the federal antitrust laws. Cablevision's antitrust lawsuit also asserts that Viacom has engaged in unlawful "block booking," which is a form of tying that conditions the sale of a package of rights on the purchaser's taking of other rights. Viacom's conduct also violates the Donnelly Act in New York State Law, which parallels federal anti-trust laws.

The complaint was filed under seal and a public version is not yet available.

Cablevision is seeking a number of remedies including:

* Declaratory relief voiding the December 2012 carriage agreement.

* A permanent injunction barring Viacom from conditioning carriage of any or all of its core networks on Cablevision's licensing any or all of Viacom's ancillary networks.

* To effectuate the permanent relief, a requirement that Viacom permit Cablevision to carry the core networks and ancillary products on terms pending negotiation of a new, lawful agreement

* Treble damages and legal fees.

Viacom's eight core networks:

MTV
MTV2
Nickelodeon
VH1
Spike
TV Land
Comedy Central
BET

Viacom's 14 ancillary networks:

Centric
CMT
MTV Hits
MTV Tr3s
Nick Jr.
Nicktoons
Palladia
Teen Nick
VH1 Classic
VH1 Soul
Logo*
CMT Pure Country**
Nick 2**
MTV Jams**

*Optimum East Only
**Optimum West Only

Antitrust Legal Background

* Federal antitrust laws protect competition. By protecting competition, antitrust laws secure lower prices, higher quality, and other benefits for consumers.

* The antitrust laws prohibit tying, where a powerful firm wields its leverage from a product in one market, called the "tying" product, to compel a customer to take another product, called the "tied" product, when that customer would have preferred instead to take a product that competes with the "tied" product.

* The reason antitrust law prohibits such tie-ins is to protect competition and consumers. If powerful firms can leverage their power from one market to another, they can insulate the tied product from competition. Forcing customers such as Cablevision to take Viacom networks instead of competing networks, in turn, hurts consumers because they get less for what they pay for video services.

Cablevision officials indicated that there would be no immediate disruption in programming offerings pending the resolution of this matter.

About Cablevision Systems Corporation

Cablevision Systems Corporation is one of the nation's leading media and telecommunications companies. In addition to delivering its Optimum-branded cable, Internet, and voice offerings throughout the New York area, the Company owns and operates cable systems serving homes in four Western states. Cablevision's local media properties include News 12 Networks, MSG Varsity and Newsday Media Group. Cablevision also owns and operates Clearview Cinemas. Additional information about Cablevision is available on the Web at www.cablevision.com

SOURCE Cablevision Systems Corporation

RELATED LINKS
http://www.cablevision.com.
Also, from C21Media:
Cablevision acts to unbundle Viacom

US cableco Cablevision has filed a lawsuit against Viacom in an attempt to drop some of the latter’s channels it claims are unpopular with customers.

Cablevision said that as part of the carriage agreement it signed with Viacom in December, it was illegally forced to carry and pay for “14 lesser-watched ancillary networks its customers do not want,” in order to carry “must-have networks” such as Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central.

Viacom has “abused” the market power its popular channels provide, according to Cablevision, which names some of the “lesser-watched” channels as Palladia, MTV Hits and VH1 Classic. The cableco accused Viacom of selling its programming in a manner that is “illegal, anti-consumer and wrong.”

Viacom has dismissed the claims, saying it will “vigorously defend this transparent attempt by Cablevision to use the courts to renegotiate our existing two-month-old agreement.”

The company said in a statement: “At the request of distributors, Viacom and other programmers have long offered discounts to those who agree to provide additional network distribution. Many distributors take advantage of these win-win and pro-consumer arrangements.

“Reflecting the highly competitive cable programming business, these arrangements have been upheld by a number of federal courts and on appeal.”

If Cablevision’s lawsuit is successful, it would set a precedent in which cable providers would be able to cherry-pick the channels they carry, rather than having to take on bundles of networks.

Cablevision’s full complaint is available here.

Nico Franks
27-02-2013
©C21Media

Nickelodeon Channels Around The World, Including NickToons USA, To Debut "Monsuno Combat Chaos", Later This Year; Jakks Pacific Announce New "Monsuno" Merchandise For Season 2

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen is reporting the Nickelodeon News in the following article that Nick USA's animation and action network, Nicktoons, and Nickelodeon's international channels (Planet Nickelodeon / Nickelodeon International) will start to premiere and show season two of the popular animated series "Monsuno", titled "Monsuno Combat Chaos", later this year (2013).

The second season continues the adventures of a group of heroic kids wrestling with the power to command and battle creatures called Monsuno, while fending off larger threats including new villains and catastrophic events. "Monsuno" is co-produced by Pacific Animation Partners, a joint-venture between Jakks Pacific and Dentsu Entertainment USA, with FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment and The Topps Company.

Kidscreen is also reporting in the same article that Jakks Pacific will release new Monsuno toys, including brand new larger transforming action figures, cores, accessories and battle sets that complement the existing Monsuno products on sale, and an all-new "Monsuno" battle action game to complement the second season of the action-packed adventure show:
Jakks Pacific takes on Monsuno second season

A new toy line based on the action-adventure series Monsuno Combat Chaos will make its way to US and global stores this year.


Jakks Pacific will release new Monsuno toys and an all-new battle action game. The toys include new larger transforming action figures, cores, accessories and battle sets that complement the existing Monsuno products.

The new line reflects season two of the animated series that will debut in the US later this year on NickToons and internationally on Nickelodeon international channels and free-to-air networks.

The second season continues the adventures of a group of heroic kids wrestling with the power to command and battle creatures called Monsuno, while fending off larger threats including new villains and catastrophic events. The series is co-produced by Pacific Animation Partners, a joint-venture between Jakks Pacific and Dentsu Entertainment USA, with FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment and The Topps Company.

Tags: Jakks Pacific, Monsuno Combat Chao, Nickelodeon, NickToons, toys

Diversity Stars Jordan And Perri Looking For Entrants To Take Part in Nickelodeon UK And Sky 1's Brand New Street Dance Show, "Jordan & Perri's Ultimate Block Party"!

To celebrate Nickelodeon UK and Sky's brand new street dance-themed reality entertainment show, "Jordan & Perri's Ultimate Block Party", Sky 1 (also known as Sky One) has announced on their official "Got To Dance" website that Princess Productions, the production company who will be making the series, are currently looking for applicants to nominate themselves and their friends to take part in Nick UK's brand new series, "Jordan & Perri's Ultimate Block Party"!


Jordan & Perri are having a party - and you're invited, so if you are aged between 9 and 13, love to dance and want the chance throw the ultimate party for your friends, Diversity stars Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely want to hear from you now!

They will help you to plan your very own event and teach you and your friends a slick dance routine so that YOU can become the headline act at your very own party!

For more information on how to nominate yourself and your friends to take part in an episode of Jordan & Perri's Ultimate Block Party, potential entrants should contact Princess Productions via email: jordanandperri@princesstv.com. The deadline for entry's to apply to be on the show is Sunday 31st March 2013. So get in touch - this is one block party you don't want to miss out on!

Production on "Jordan & Perri's Ultimate Block Party" will take place during Spring 2013, and will be shown on Nickelodeon UK & Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK during Summer 2013, before launching on Sky 1 later in the year!

Good luck to everybody who enters to be on "Jordan & Perri's Ultimate Block Party"!

Are you auditioned or are planning to apply to be the star of your very own block party as part of "Jordan & Perri's Ultimate Block Party"? Let NickALive! know on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, and/or Facebook!

Remember, there ain't no party like a Jordan & Perri Ultimate Block Party!

Extra tags: How to be on Jordan & Perri's Ultimate Block Party, Be on Nickelodeon,