HBO is entering the daily news business via an expanded relationship with Vice Media.
Under a four-year pact that HBO calls its “most expansive programming deal ever,” the premium service will present five, 30-minute, Vice-branded newscasts 48 weeks per year.
The news content also will be available via a channel on HBO Now, the OTT service that will bow within the Apple device ecosystem with the fifth season premiere of megahit Game of Thrones on April 12.
Also part of the agreement, financial terms of which were not disclosed, HBO has extended its weekly commitment to Vice docuseries for four more years and will increase the number of shows from 14 to 35 annually.
Moreover, HBO will present 32 Vice-branded specials over the next four years.
“This deal, simply put, allows Vice the freedom to go after any story, anywhere we find it – and to do so with complete independence,” said Vice Media founder and CEO Shane Smith. “This deal is a tremendous gift and a tremendous opportunity, and we at Vice realize this.”
