Viacom reveals digital projects

Viacom has unveiled a raft of programming set to emerge from its new Digital Studios division during its first presentation at the Digital Content NewFronts.

Kelly Day

Viacom Digital Studios aims to deliver hundreds of hours of original content across online platforms, featuring stars from its networks such as BET, Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon.

The media giant’s appearance at the Digital Content NewFronts, designed to entice advertisers to new digital-first programming, marks a shift in strategy for Viacom.

Kelly Day, who joined from Awesomeness TV to become president of Viacom Digital Studios, said the launch of the division “is an amazing opportunity to reimagine our iconic brands for a new generation of young, mobile-first audiences.”

The content slate includes The Majah Hype Show, a sketch comedy by Majah Hype for BET’s YouTube site that addresses the hottest trending topics in the news, and daily morning show You Up? with Nikki Glaser, which is being produced for Facebook Watch and highlights celebrity news.

Elsewhere, Cooking in the Crib with Snooki builds on the MTV Cribs franchise and will become available on the network’s YouTube page, while shortform comedy series Girl Code will be available via Snapchat.

Animated series The JoJo & BowBow Show Show, meanwhile, will be available via Viacom’s children’s network Nickelodeon and its YouTube site, as will eSports show Super League Gaming Minecraft City Champs.

Viacom, which has been exploring a potential merger with CBS over recent months, is also planning to expand the reach of its video creator conference VidCon, which was acquired earlier this year. The event will be held in London between February 14 and 17 next year.