Germany Getting Nickelodeon

MTV Networks Europe said Thursday that it will launch Nickelodeon in Germany Sept. 12.

The programmer said it will also launch new programming on both VIVA and MTV in Germany. And it has created a new cross-brand advertising sales house, Viacom Brand Solutions, to market its channels in the country.

The German version of Nickelodeon will be a locally managed and programmed channel and Web site seen in 28.6 million German households, and it will feature animated series such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Danny Phantom, Avatar and Jimmy Neutron, as well as Emmy Award-nominated preschool series Dora the Explorer and Blue's Clues.

“We are committed to offering a broad range of programming to German audiences through diverse, complementary channels," MTVN Europe chief executive Simon Guild said in a prepared statement.

“The launch of Nickelodeon as a dedicated channel created specifically for German kids is a significant development in the overall expansion of the brand across Europe,” he added. “By launching Viacom Brand Solutions, we will offer clients unparalleled flexibility through customized, multiplatform sponsorship opportunities targeting kid, youth and adult audiences in Germany.”