Viacom International Japan today (Oct. 23) launched a broadband version of its “Flux” mobile entertainment community.
Flux, initially launched as a mobile-based service in June 2005, is a free, advertiser-supported entertainment service that combines video content from Viacom brands such as MTV, Nickelodeon and Black Entertainment Television (BET), with music videos, Japanese animation, movie previews and content created by users.
The service is currently available via Japan’s three major telecoms.
“Flux revolutionizes the way audiences view and use video content — putting them in complete control,” said MTV Networks chairman/CEO Judy McGrath in a statement. “This innovative service significantly expands MTVN’s digital media presence in Japan, enabling us to deliver our leading MTV, Nickelodeon and BET content to audiences in new ways. Through our global network, we are uniquely positioned to share Flux innovations from Japan with more than 150 MTVN digital media properties worldwide.”
Tony Elison, Viacom International Japan senior VP/GM of digital media, also commented in a statement: “Flux presents an entirely new way of interacting with entertainment — it’s 21st century television on the Web.
Flux currently has licensing deals with Japanese labels such as Warner Music Japan, Universal Music K.K. and Toshiba-EMI. Viacom says additional licensing agreements with other Japanese music companies will be announced soon.
