MTV currently broadcasts its MTV Brazil channel via a UHF terrestrial signal in Brazil, in a j-v with Abril Group. Viacom has given notice that it will not renew the j-v, and instead will re-launch its music channel on a number of pay-TV bouquets.  MTV Brazil has been on air since 1990 and was initially a 50/50 j-v, but in 2005 Abil bought another 20 per cent, and in 2009 it acquired 100 per cent although the terms agreed saw Abril paying MTV a royalty for the commercial use of the trademark.

However, complicating the issue is that Abril says it will continue with a music channel on the UHF frequencies. Because of Brazil’s ‘must carry’ rules, the ‘new’ Abril station will remain as part of most pay-TV transmissions while Viacom will have to negotiate fresh carriage deals for its MTV Brazil channel.

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