Nick Gets Kappa Mikey Rights

MTV Networks announced its first-ever global program acquisition Tuesday.

The Viacom Inc. unit reached a deal for the worldwide broadcast rights to Animation Collective's animated action-comedy, Kappa Mikey, for Nicktoons in the United States and Nickelodeon's international channels.

Also as part of the agreement, MTVN International secured international distribution rights for third-party broadcast sales of the series.

The pact covered 26 half-hour episodes, which will debut on the Nick channels in 2006.

“MTV Networks' global acquisition of Kappa Mikey for Nicktoons and Nickelodeon internationally is a significant move forward in our strategic plans to leverage the strength and resources of our global networks to deliver our audiences everywhere the very best, cutting-edge entertainment available,” Nicktoons vice president and general manager Keith Dawkins said in a prepared statement.

MTVN International senior VP of program sales Debbie Back added, “MTV Networks' acquisition of Kappa Mikey is part of our strategic direction to seek out international distribution and investment opportunities to add to our kid and youth libraries.”