ViacomCBS’s Pluto TV to launch in Italy

ViacomCBS-owned free streaming service Pluto TV is to launch in Italy on October 28.  

According to ViacomCBS, PlutoTV will be Italy’s first Free ad-supported television (FAST) service and will complement Paramount+ when the premium streaming service launches in Italy next year.

Pluto TV will launch on mobile via iOS and Android, desktop and Connected TV (CTV) devices, such as Samsung Tizen, LG Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Chromecast, and select channels on Samsung TV Plus. Sky Media will serve as Pluto TV’s conventional advertising sales partner in Italy.

Pluto TV in Italy will offer 40 thematic channels across genres including movies, TV series, reality, kids’ IP, lifestyle, crime, and comedy.

Content includes titles from ViacomCBS’ library, in addition to titles from around 50 third-party content partners such as Paramount, Lionsgate, Minerva, KidsMe, Banijay Rights and Cineflix Rights. Additional partners will be announced soon.

Curated channels available at launch include Pluto TV Azione, Pluto TV Cinema Italiano, Pluto TV Drama, and Pluto TV Real Life. Viewers will also be offered kids content and comedy, gaming, and extreme sports channels. This offer will continue to expand with more channels added every month, said the media group.

Pluto TV is currently available in the US, the U.K., Europe and Latin America

“ViacomCBS is rapidly expanding its global streaming footprint, connecting consumers with a vast library of great content across free and pay platforms worldwide. With Pluto TV and soon Paramount+, our diversified eco-system will transform the Italian streaming market,” said Olivier Jollet, SVP and general manager of Pluto TV.

“As our ad sales partner, our longstanding relationship with Sky in Italy will continue. The launch will provide Italian audiences with a robust offering while also positioning ViacomCBS to drive significant growth in our global streaming and content strategies.”

Evelyn Rothblum, EVP advertising, partnerships and distribution, Sky in Italy and Germany, said: “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with ViacomCBS, extending our bouquet of innovative advertising solutions to Pluto TV. This further strengthens Sky Media’s portfolio in terms of digital platforms, audience and content.”