Paramount Skydance has inked an agreement with V, the streaming-focused company formerly known as VIDAA, to add live streaming simulcasts of its national network channels to smart TVs powered by VIDAA OS.
The agreement will bring national networks like 10, 10 Drama, 10 Comedy and Nickelodeon to new VIDAA-powered smart TVs from Hisense, Toshiba and other manufacturers in Australia, the companies confirmed late Tuesday evening (Wednesday morning local time).
The integration allows viewers to access the live channels over an internet connection through the VIDAA operating system, reflecting the growing shift toward IP-based television distribution as connected TV adoption continues to increase.
Lachlan Roach, Paramount Australia’s Vice President of Partner Management and Business Development, aid the partnership supports the company’s broader strategy of expanding linear television distribution beyond traditional broadcast delivery.
“We are pleased to be partnering with VIDAA to integrate our 10 linear channels via IP into the VIDAA channels environment, giving audiences greater and easier access to live and scheduled broadcast through their connected TV experience,” Roach said in a statement.
The agreement strengthens Paramount Australia’s efforts to scale distribution of its linear channels across multiple connected TV platforms while creating additional commercial opportunities, Roach noted.
Australia has emerged as one of the world’s largest connected TV markets, with VIDAA powering millions of smart televisions nationwide. The companies said the partnership is designed to make local broadcast programming easier to discover through a content-focused interface that blends live streaming channels with on-demand services.
V CEO Guy Edri said the collaboration combines established broadcast brands with a streamlined connected TV experience.
“The way users in Australia watch live television is evolving rapidly,” Edri said. “By bringing Network 10’s streaming channels to VIDAA, we’re combining the strength of trusted broadcast brands with the simplicity of the connected TV experience.”
VIDAA OS allows television viewers to move seamlessly between broadcast and streaming content, without having to switch between apps. V is also focused on developing integrated advertising opportunities for broadcasters, streamers and marketers alike. It wasn’t clear if the company’s arrangement with Paramount Australia includes support for broadcast or connected TV advertising campaigns now or in the future.
Network 10’s live streams join a growing line-up of premium streaming platforms and channels supported by VIDAA OS in Australia. Other apps supported in the country include Netflix, Amazon’s Prime Video, Disney Plus, Apple TV, YouTube, Stan, 7 Plus, Nine Now, HBO Max, ABC iView and SBS.
