Vice’s first non-English channel rolls next week

The French version of Viceland will launch on November 23, marking the first time the hipster brand has launched a non-English-language linear channel.

The French channel will reach six million viewers and be carried exclusively as part of the Canal+ Group’s pay TV offerings. The launch was announced at MIPTV, with full details emerging this week.

The ‘total exclusivity’ deal Vice Media has signed with Canal+ Group covers three segments: besides TV distribution, Canal+ will handle advertising sales, while sister company Havas will work on the publicity campaign for next January.

“For the last 20 years, Canalsat (now rebranded Canal) has led the launch of all major channels and technical innovation [in France],” said content director and director of Canal+ theme channels Jean-Marc Juramie. “Viceland’s launch is another innovation. This is an editorial project we haven’t seen in the international market, and it corresponds with our aim of addressing all generations and addresses a lack of programming we have for the Millenials.”

The French Viceland is focused on news and culture and all issues interesting to the young generation in the country.

“It is a new TV channel, a new brand, a place for original French content and international programming as well,” said Viceland France brand Dolorès Emile. She added Vice will approach and work with new talent, producers and directors.

The new channel stands as the first non-English speaking version of the net, which launched last February in the US, in association with A+E Television Networks, in Canada with Rogers Communications, and at the end of September on Sky platform in the UK. Viceland has been introduced this week in Australia, and the international rollout plan is to cover around 50 countries by 2017.

About the move from an OTT offering to a linear TV channel, CEO Shane Smith said: “Television is another platform and we want to be carried on all services. What is important is the message the channel brings.”

Besides international content such as Gaycation, Black Market, Vice News, or Noisey, 30% of the programs shown on Viceland in France will be French and produced by the Parisian team.

“Our goal is not to make French content specifically for France,” said creative director Spike Jonze. “But [French-produced] content we can show worldwide.”