Why Viacom Is Closing Its Viva Channel in Germany
Viacom (VIA) (VIAB) is shutting down its music video channel Viva in Germany, ending the channel’s 25-year run. Axing Viva is expected to create room and free up time for Viacom’s Comedy Central channel to expand in German-speaking markets. Comedy Central and Viva currently share the same channel in Germany, where Comedy Central broadcasts for 12 hours from 2 PM to 2 AM and Viva broadcasts the rest of the time. Beginning in January next year, the Comedy Central channel will expand to 24-hour programming in Germany.