Vice plots expansion across Asia for TV shows, web videos

VICE Media Inc., one of the most highly valued US media startups, is expanding in Asia with new offices and partnerships with leading media companies and advertisers as it seeks a larger piece of the region’s US$ 18 billion market for online video.

In Malaysia, it will license TV shows and create multi-platform programming for Media Prima

The producer of provocative shows about youth culture and global politics is opening an Asia-Pacific base of operations in Singapore. Vice will also expand its subscription videoondemand service into at least six new markets, including India and Thailand, according to a statement.

The company has earned a valuation in excess of US$ 5 billion by convincing advertisers, media companies and investors of its unique ability to make videos that appeal to young viewers. HBO commissioned Vice to produce a daily news show, along with a weekly news magazine. Walt Disney has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the company.

Under pressure to keep growing ahead of a potential initial public offering, Vice is striking deals with some of the largest media companies in Asia, which has a large and growing youth population. In Malaysia, Vice will license TV shows and create multi-platform programming for Media Prima. In Indonesia, Jawa Pos TV will air episodes from Vice’s cable network and news show, as well as digital programmes.

Home to more than half of the world’s population, Asia tantalises the world’s largest media companies. 21st Century Fox, Sony and Viacom have chased movie riches in China, the second-largest market in terms of box- office sales, while buying up TV networks in India. With a new generation of consumers watching video on their phones, analysts estimate the market for online video will expand to US$ 46 billion by 2022.

“We believe there is a huge opportunity for Vice to build out a deeply relevant, highly local, youth media company across the Asia Pacific region,” Hosi Simon, Vice’s new chief executive officer for the region, said in a statement.

The most visible star on Viceland, the company’s cable network, is Action Bronson, a flame-haired rapper with a passion for food. Bronson, who hosts two different shows on Viceland, is often photographed smoking marijuana and drops rhymes about blunts (marijuana rolled up in cigar leaves). — Bloomberg