Vice has expanded its broadcasting network to include a further 44 countries in a rapid expansion that will sees its content become available to audiences across 51 territories.
The move is part of a push to broaden the reach of the youth brand’s television network, referred to as Viceland, spearheaded by Vice founder and chief executive Shane Smith.
Vice made the announcement at the Cannes Lions Festival yesterday, revealing deals across digital, mobile and TV.
They include market entries in India and the Middle East, 24-hour TV channels across Australia and New Zealand, a stand-alone TV channel across Southeast Asia and a new venture in Africa.
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Vice News partners range from the Times of India Group to Sky New Zealand.
Shane Smith, CEO and founder of VICE ,said: “People don’t like to believe me. Maybe it’s because I drink too much. Mebbe cuz [sic] I’m a story teller. But today I have something to confess; I am a liar. I lied.
“Earlier this year it was widely reported that I announced that we would launch Viceland in 12 countries in 12 months and that is not true. We will in fact be launching in 44 countries (for those keeping score that’s less than four months in). Making Viceland the fastest growing television network in history. Forgive me my sins I love you all.”
Vice News recently laid off 20 journalists, including five in the UK and 15 in the US. The cuts were made under newly appointed global news operations director Josh Tyrangiel, formerly Bloomberg’s chief content officer, who is heading up the youth brand’s nightly news broadcast on HBO.
Former BBC Newsnight deputy editor Neil Breakwell was appointed as London bureau chief for Vice News last month.
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