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Vice, A+E nearing channel launch

Channels operator A+E Networks and youth-skewing multimedia outfit Vice Media are close to unveiling a joint-venture cable network to replace A+E’s H2.

Shane Smith

Shane Smith

H2 will be rebranded as Vice and will feature Vice Media’s lifestyle-themed documentary programming, as previously reported in April.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the new channel is now expected to launch by February 29, 2016 with more details due this week.

The deal for H2 comes after last year’s US$250m investment led by A+E Network’s Nancy Dubuc, with the company taking a 10% stake in Vice Media.

Run by Shane Smith, Vice currently operates in 36 countries and claims to reach more than 150 million people per month across all platforms, which include a suite of YouTube channels. It also produces a self-titled current affairs series for premium cablenet HBO.

H2 will be the second channel to receive a makeover since Dubuc took over as president and CEO of A+E Networks, following the rebranding of Bio as FYI.

Last week Vice confirmed it is talking to the likes of Netflix, ITV and Discovery Communications about plans to launch a dozen TV networks across Europe.

C21 later revealed it is also in the process of expanding its Eastern European venture with Greece’s Antenna Group into new territories.

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