VICE will have a branded channel on HBO’s upcoming stand-alone streaming service, as part of an expanded content deal between the two announced today.
In what is being hailed as its “most expansive programming deal ever,” HBO will dramatically increase the network’s current events coverage. Notably, a VICE daily newscast will see five half-hour shows per week, 48 weeks a year, airing on HBO. Also, a four-year extension has been made for the Emmy-winning VICE documentary show on HBO, with an increase from 14 to 35 episodes a year. There is also a four-year commitment for an increased number of VICE-produced specials, totaling 32 through 2018. Additionally, a VICE-branded channel on the HBO NOW streaming service will provide instant access to VICE content for all HBO subscribers.
Richard Plepler, CEO of HBO, and Michael Lombardo, president of HBO Programming, commented: “Shane and the VICE team have produced some of the most groundbreaking and dynamic journalism anywhere. From the front lines in the Ukraine, to the icebergs of Antarctica and the streets of Ferguson, VICE news has helped illuminate and expand our understanding of an increasingly complex world. This extension of the HBO/VICE relationship, which will include more shows, more documentaries and even a VICE daily newscast is a natural evolution of our partnership. All of us at HBO couldn’t be more excited working with the VICE team and helping to tell the stories which define our world.”
Shane Smith, founder and CEO of VICE, said: “I think the first thing, perhaps the hardest thing, I learned about journalism over the past 20 years is that maintaining any type of independence, any type of freedom, is difficult as you scale up. This deal, simply put, allows VICE the freedom to go after any story, anywhere we find it—and to do so with complete independence. This deal is a tremendous gift and a tremendous opportunity, and we at VICE realize this.
“Together with HBO, we will expand our news offerings to viewers everywhere, creating HBO’s first-ever daily newscast, producing hard-hitting specials, like our recent Special Report on cancer, and expanding our weekly news round-ups from around the world.
“Over the the last few years, our relationship with HBO has morphed from a great business partnership into a transformative brand-builder. This groundbreaking deal will create a new voice in news.”
