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Vice to start offering shows through Pluto TV

(Image: ViacomCBS/Handout)

Pluto TV’s content library will expand thanks to a new distribution agreement with Vice, the companies announced on Thursday.

Under the agreement, the ViacomCBS-owned Pluto TV will stream more than 200 hours of non-scripted television shows that were produced and distributed by Vice Media.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Pluto TV consistently works to bring our audiences the best selection of premium, hand-curated programming, and this partnership with Vice Distribution will add the captivating content that has made Vice a globally-respected brand,” Amy Kuessner, a senior executive in charge of content partnerships, said in a statement.

The deal helps Vice broaden its reach among streaming audiences: While its digital-focused content is published through Vice’s own social media channels, its premium content has largely been relegated to pay television, where Vice operates a number of cable channels in partnership with legacy programmers.

That meant many of Vice’s programs, including “Weediquette” and “Dark Side of the Ring,” have traditionally only been accessible to those whose cable or satellite service carried Vice on TV (formerly known as Viceland) as a channel.

Now, those same programs will be offered to a streaming audience in the United States, all for free. Vice’s various programs are expected to start streaming soon on Spike Pluto TV, Pluto TV True Crime, Pluto TV Live, Food TV, Pluto TV Pro Wrestling and other linear channels offered through the service.

“We’re excited to be joining Pluto TV’s line-up of world-leading content creators and bring Vice’s distinctive and bold programming to new audiences across the U.S.,” Bea Hegedus, the global head of distribution for Vice Media, said on Thursday.

Other Vice on TV content is available to stream on Discovery Plus in the United States, on Hulu in Japan and on SBS Australia.

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About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys covers the business of broadcast and streaming TV, radio broadcasting, social media, technology and telecommunications. A journalist for over 15 years, Matthew previously worked at Thomson Reuters, KGO-TV in San Francisco, KTXL in Sacramento and McNaughton Newspapers. He received 9 California Journalism Awards between 2018 and 2020, and is a member of IRE (Investigative Reporters and Editors).
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