New York - Media conglomerate Viacom announced on Tuesday that it has created a joint venture with India-based TV18Group, which will distribute TV, film and digital media content across numerous brands in India.

The venture, Viacom-18, will launch a new Hindi-language cable and satellite channel in India within the next year, featuring Viacom programming from MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon India.

It also plans a suite of niche channels featuring MTV Networks programming, and will distribute digital media content across all of the TV brands online.

For its part, TV18 Group will contribute the Hindi-language movies it produces, acquires and distributes. Viacom said its Paramount and DreamWorks studios will also explore opportunities for collaboration with Viacom-18.

"MTV Networks is a pioneer in creating locally customized channels around the world, and this alliance continues that tradition and accelerates our long-term growth in India," said Judy McGrath, chairman and CEO of MTV Networks.

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http://www.tv18online.com