Drawn out negotiations continue as FOXTEL seeks to lock in critical Kids programming

Foxtel is continuing negotiations in the hope of securing a new long-term deal for some of the world’s most popular children’s content including Spongebob SquarePants, Mystic Mayhem and Paw Patrol.

On Monday, the Sydney Morning Herald reported Foxtel had secured a new deal for ViacomCBS content; TV Blackbox understands this deal was for a temporary extension of existing contracts and that negotiations are continuing for a new long-term arrangement.

ViacomCBS supplies a mix of popular channels to Foxtel including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, MTV, MTV Music, and MTV Dance. The children’s programming is considered particularly crucial to the future success of Foxtel after the pay-tv business recently lost broadcast rights to three Disney channels.

Foxtel is looking to finalise a new long-term agreement with ViacomCBS, with increased access to streaming rights before it launches its new standalone, entertainment focused SVOD platform currently codenamed ‘Project Ares’ in the next few months.

It’s understood the recent surprise departure of 10 CEO and ViacomCBS ANZ VP Paul Anderson, has further delayed the negotiation process. The business is now in the process of installing a new management structure to manage its Australian and New Zealand operations, while also seeking to cut costs dramatically.

Potentially, ViacomCBS could also seek to hold back some content from Foxtel as it looks to further strengthen its own businesses in Australia including free-to-air broadcaster 10, and SVOD service 10AllAccess.