VICE Media Group Unveils 2022-2023 Programming Slate





VICE Media Group Unveils 2022-2023 Programming Slate
“This year we are making bigger bets and we’re responding to what our audiences have asked for,” said Nancy Dubuc.
[via press release from Vice]
VICE Media Group Unveils 2022-2023 Programming Slate

· Refinery29 revives its style and shopping platform and launches two-day June event, The Glow Up for the Unbothered community in Atlanta

· VICE readies The Next 50, with the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop approaching, VICE & NOISEY look toward the future, uncovering those who are the torch bearers for the next 50 years, and a new season of The Story Of, where we sit down with your favorite musicians including Shania Twain, Sean Paul, Rick Astley and Natasha Bedingfield to find out how their greatest hits came to life

· VICE Insights shares The Culture of Trust, guiding brands on how they can build trust with young consumers, even in the current climate of distrust and misinformation

· VICE World News continues on the ground coverage in the Ukraine and launches Transnational Season 2

· VMG ranks #1 in engagement on video for over 12 months vs our competitors, we also continue to grow our reach with views +20% YoY

· In 2022, VMG brands are growing fast on platforms built for young audiences. On TikTok, VICE World News racked up 1.2MM followers in 10 days, VICE is +137%, i-D +50%, Refinery29 +12% (Follower growth, ’22 YTD)

BROOKLYN, NY (April 25, 2022) – Today, VICE Media Group unveiled their non-stop 2022-2023 programming slate, showcasing new live events, returning originals and insights.

“This year we are making bigger bets and we’re responding to what our audiences have asked for,” said Nancy Dubuc, CEO of VICE Media Group. “We continue to go places others can’t and won’t. Our credibility and authenticity with global emerging youth and established millennials is unmatched – and we have the track record to prove it. Our diverse and dynamic house of brands tailor creative experiences to the people that move culture and business.”

“Research shows that trust in news on social media continues to be very low, yet 90% of people under 35 who know Vice News trust us. We see similar buy-in across all of our brands because our work is authentic, engaging, and our audience believes in our mission,” commented Jesse Angelo, President, Global News and Entertainment. “We are always honest with our audiences, and sometimes that can be gritty or uncomfortable or boundary-pushing. But we tap into cultures and communities that no one else can access and come away with stories you won’t see anywhere else.”

VICE + i-D BASQUIAT: KING PLEASURE – APRIL – DECEMBER 2022

The Basquiat family selected VICE to be an official participating partner of Jean-Michel Basquiat, King Pleasure, a new exhibition telling the story of how Jean-Michel paved the way in the art and creativity world. Coming off the heels of an incredibly successful opening night party at NYC’s Mr. Chow, this partnership promises an innovative experiential and editorial slate throughout the year.

UNBOTHERED’s The Glow Up: Live Event in June 2022

Refinery29’s brand for and by Black folx, announced the launch of The Glow Up, their first-ever live ticketed event – touching down in Atlanta for two days just in time for Juneteenth and in celebration of their 5th anniversary. Going beyond festivals, conferences and beauty pop-up formulas, The Glow Up will bring the Unbothered brand to life through talent-driven programming, creator-made installations, and live entertainment with a focus on self exploration, discovery and IRL interaction. As Refinery29’s leading engagement channel with exponential growth across platforms YoY, Unbothered has been dedicated to spotlighting nuanced stories about the Black experience since its inception in 2017.

R29 STYLE AND BEAUTY CONTENT

Refinery29 is known for its genre-defining style and beauty content which celebrates self-expression, acceptance and innovation. This year, Refinery29 cements a new path for its style content with strengthened inclusive fashion and beauty programming across platforms, such as Gloss Angeles podcast, an apple top 10 beauty podcast which recently joined the Refinery29 family through a licensing partnership, a new inspirational shopping column from Global EIC Simone Oliver, as well as Beauty in Progress a content series focusing on the extremely complicated topic of sustainable beauty.

Through these increased offerings, a continued focus on affiliate and shopping content and the revival of fashion and beauty focused IG channel, @R29Style, Refinery29 will further its legacy as a service brand with a unique audience relationship built on a mutual love for self-expression, style and shopping. Whether highlighting the pitfalls of plus-size fashion offering, tackling what it means to live with alopecia or representing communities or color through Unbothered and Somos, Refinery29 continues to further its legacy of inclusivity across all touchpoints.

Refinery29’s affiliate business, Most Wanted, continues to thrive with consistent revenue growth year over year since its launch in 2018. Most Wanted had its biggest revenue month ever in November 2021 with a +36% increase in revenue YoY and continues to exceed revenue goals MoM in 2022.

50 YEARS OF HIP HOP:

VICE is known for being the trusted source on culture for emergent audiences. August 2023 will bring the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop and every media brand will be lining up to do a retrospective on the “history of the culture”. But VICE (and sub-brand Noisey) are culture creators, predictors of what’s to come. While undoubtedly celebrating the genre’s birth, we’ll be narrowing in on forging the path for the next 50 years of Hip Hop. Expect a 360 approach through video, experiential, social and written formats. Think seeing and hearing the world through one sample but with multiple up and coming producers – CDMX to Senegal! Hip Hop classics reviewed by 14 year olds. A special i-D take on A to Z style. All culminating with an in-person celebration of what’s to come in the world of Hip Hop and a final content drop around the 50th anniversary in 2023.

THE STORY OF: Returning 2022

VICE’s The Story Of returns with a new season, which inspires curiosities you never knew you had. In each episode, we dissect some of the most iconic songs in history – from inception to global explosion. Previous deep dives include Vanessa Carlton’s A Thousand Miles, Baha Men’s Who Let the Dogs Out, Wheatus’ Teenage Dirtbag and more. Coming this season, we sit down with Shania Twain, Sean Paul, Rick Astely and Natasha Bedingfield and more. With over 37 million views, The Story Of continues to bring new meaning to your favorite songs.

VICE NEWS & VICE WORLD NEWS:

We’re meeting young audiences where they are, leading in social in-the-field journalism with explosive growth (1.3m+ TikTok followers for VICE World News since launching in February) and plans for expansion (VICE News Twitch launching soon). Our VICE World News TikTok account grew by over 1.2 million followers in the span of ten days due to our powerful dispatches and helpful explainers about the crisis in the Ukraine. Reporting on the war from correspondents like Matt Cassel, Alec Luhn, Hind Hassan, Ben C. Solomon and Isobel Yeung has collectively received over 32M views on YouTube. Vice News builds trust with audiences through its eye-level reporting on everything from conflict zones to the issues that matter most to young people today — from LGBTQI+ and social justice issues to the future of work and technology in their lives. A perfect example is Transnational, the first-of-its-kind series made by and centered around trans and queer voices from VICE’s newsroom that was just nominated for the prestigious Peabody Award. Season 2 is returning later this year, also coming is Breaking the Vote, a video series looking at attempts to rig the 2022 election, and season 2 of Planet A, looking at solutions to climate change and environmental degradation.

THE CULTURE OF TRUST

VICE Insights, VICE Media Group’s in-house strategic insights arm, has access to data and information that others don’t have. Uniquely positioned to draw information from the breadth and depth of our ecosystem – global creators, transformative generations and culture-defining content – VICE Insights can uncover and contextualize cultural and consumer shifts for brands, for society, and for ourselves. VICE Insights’ latest report, The Culture of Trust, puts an actionable framework around how brands can build trust with young consumers, even in the current climate of distrust and misinformation. The report pinpoints the foundational elements of culture that shape how youth today determine who and what to trust, outlines steps for participating in this culture, and provides tangible examples of how VICE Media Group and other brands have successfully followed these guidelines to build trust. To download the report visit https://www.vicemediagroup.com/insights/

i-D:

i-D has come a long way since it’s launch in 1980 – to celebrate its 40th anniversary, i-D and Rizzoli New York announced the launch of i-D: Wink and Smile!: The First Forty Years, a commemorative book detailing the history and cultural impact of i-D magazine – from hand stapled punk zine to one of the leading global fashion magazines. i-D continues to see growth across printed issues, .com and social media with its most recent Spring ‘Out of Body’ Issue marking the magazines’ strongest sales post-covid with targeted sales distribution strategies in the US and Asia leading to sell through rates bouncing back to pre-covid levels. With a focused approach to vertical video, in the last quarter i-D scaled Instagram Reels views by a huge 1748%. In addition, i-D is having their most successful year to date for audience growth with 32% growth in the last 6 months and a 50% increase in their TikTok followers.

# # #

ABOUT VICE MEDIA GROUP

VICE Media Group is a global multi-platform media company. Launched in 1994, VICE has offices across 25 countries across the globe with a focus on five key businesses: VICE.com, an award-winning international network of digital content; VICE STUDIOS, a feature film and television production studio; VICE TV, an Emmy-winning international television network; a Peabody award-winning NEWS division with the most Emmy-awarded nightly news broadcast; and VIRTUE, a global, full-service creative agency. VICE Media Group’s portfolio includes Refinery29, the leading global media and entertainment company focused on women; PULSE Films, a London-based next-generation production studio with outposts in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Berlin; and i-D, a global digital and bimonthly magazine defining fashion and contemporary culture and design.



New Vice Series “Tumbleweeds with Killer Mike” Premieres on Wednesday, April 20th





New Vice Series “Tumbleweeds with Killer Mike” Premieres on Wednesday, April 20th
Killer Mike is rolling through America with Weedmaps, one dope dispensary at a time. He’s meeting up with local comedians, business owners, and game-changing activists to explore the new era of cannabis.
[via press release from Vice]
**Note: New Series “TUMBLEWEEDS WITH KILLER MIKE” (fka as “Tumbleweeds”) premieres on Wednesday, April 20th. Series info is below:

Killer Mike is rolling through America with Weedmaps, one dope dispensary at a time. He’s meeting up with local comedians, business owners, and game-changing activists to explore the new era of cannabis.



New Vice Series “Devoured” Premieres Monday, February 21





New Vice Series “Devoured” Premieres Monday, February 21 at 10pm
The six-episode series shines a spotlight on the intersection of true crime and food.
[via press release from Vice]
Note: New series “DEVOURED” premieres Monday, February 21 at 10pm. Series description is below.

DEVOURED shines a spotlight on the intersection of true crime & food. The series will take you on a thrill-ride of twists and turns as we track unbelievable stories of how food fuels criminal enterprises and forever altered the culinary landscape. (6 x 1 hour episodes.)



New Vice Series “In My Own World” Premieres on Tuesday, January 25th at 10pm





New Vice Series “In My Own World” Premieres on Tuesday, January 25th at 10pm
Peer into the unlikely communities thriving at the fringes of society.
[via press release from Vice]
Note: New series “IN MY OWN WORLD” premieres on Tuesday, January 25th at 10pm. Series description is below.

IN MY OWN WORLD: Peer into the unlikely communities thriving at the fringes of society. Subjects unpack their peculiar passions with a licensed therapist and embark on a real-life quest to align an extraordinary identity with the expectations of life in an ordinary world. (8×60 min episodes.)



Video: “Black Market” with Michael K. Williams Premieres Season 2 Trailer





Video: “Black Market” with Michael K. Williams Premieres Season 2 Trailer
Offering an unflinching look into the lives of people operating in these illegal markets, host Michael K. Williams examines how these shadow economies have evolved since his journeys in the first season of the show.
[via press release from Vice]
“BLACK MARKET” WITH MICHAEL K. WILLIAMS PREMIERES SEASON 2 TRAILER

The revered actor’s final documentary project returns to VICE TV on January 10th @ 10 PM ET/PT


BROOKLYN, NY (November 29, 2021)– Today, VICE TV announced that Black Market with Michael K. Williams will premiere its second season on January 10th @ 10 PM ET/PT. Black Market explores the complex underworld of illicit trades and unravels how these criminal networks are reshaping our way of life. Offering an unflinching look into the lives of people operating in these illegal markets, host Michael K. Williams examines how these shadow economies have evolved since his journeys in the first season of the show.

The new season is an intimate portrait of the conditions from which black markets arise and the cultural reasons behind why they persist. Williams will give audiences unprecedented access into the new era of credit card scamming, how NYC’s secret world of boosting and flipping has reshaped mainstream fashion, black market body modifications and more. Through Williams’ uniquely raw and sincere approach to those he encounters, he ultimately seeks redemption for the individuals looking to thrive in a system that has failed them.

“Black Market is a testament to Michael K. Williams’ dedication to criminal justice reform and social justice” said Jesse Angelo, President, Global News and Entertainment, VICE Media Group. “Michael was a longtime friend of our VICE family and shared our belief in having all voices be heard- especially those in marginalized communities. Michael’s mission was to lift those voices up and we are honored to share this collection of new episodes.”

“While completing Black Market has been very difficult given the loss of Michael, it’s also been extremely rewarding to bring his vision for this season to the finish line” said Ben Freedman, Dion Sapp, Matthew Horowitz, David Laven and Matt Goldman, Executive Producers for Freedome Productions and Picture Farm. “Michael was a gifted storyteller, who poured his heart and soul into his work both on and off screen. Black Market serves as a bridge between them. Black Market was more than a TV show for Michael. It was a mirror to a life he lived. An everyday struggle to transcend life’s obstacles. That fight isn’t always pretty but his documentary storytelling is a testament to the brilliance of everyday people making their way in a complicated world. We’re incredibly proud to be able to share this work with you.”

A formal series announcement revealing further details about this upcoming season will be released in January.

VICE TV is available via all major satellite and cable providers and the VICE TV app via iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast. For more information about VICE TV, go to VICETV.com

Black Market season two is produced by FREEDOME PRODUCTIONS & PICTURE FARM, and co-produced by VICE World News. Executive producers for Freedome Productions & Picture Farm are Michael K. Williams, Ben Freedman, Dion Sapp, Matthew Horowitz, David Laven, and Matt Goldman. Executive producers for VICE World News are Jesse Angelo, Kristen Burns, Subrata De, and Marsha Cooke. Executive producer for VICE TV is Falguni Lakhani Adams. The series is distributed worldwide by VICE Distribution.

ABOUT VICE TV

VICE TV is the Emmy(R)-winning international television network from VICE Media Group. Since its inception in 2016, the channel has ushered new audiences to cable with its compelling and provocative programming. Boldly redefining news and current affairs, VICE TV produces hundreds of hours of original content for over 150 million homes worldwide. Built around a mission to tell courageous stories you won’t see anywhere else, told by the people you won’t hear from anywhere else, VICE TV showcases the best in informative and entertaining original series, documentaries and movies, and is the destination for content that challenges popular knowledge and opinion.

ABOUT VICE WORLD NEWS

Building off the success of VICE News in the U.S, VICE World News is VICE Media Group international news network, producing hundreds of hours of television, digital and audio news programming for a global audience. The premium documentaries, docu-series and original podcasts will focus on the core issues that so define VICE’s content: extremism, climate, drugs, privacy, politics, inequality and race.

ABOUT VICE MEDIA GROUP

VICE Media Group is the world’s largest independent youth media company. Launched in 1994, VICE has offices in 35 cities across the globe with a focus on five key businesses: VICE.com, an award-winning international network of digital content; VICE STUDIOS, a feature film and television production studio; VICE TV, an Emmy-winning international television network; a Peabody award-winning NEWS division with the most Emmy-awarded nightly news broadcast; and VIRTUE, a global, full-service creative agency with 25 offices around the world. VICE Media Group’s portfolio includes Refinery29, the leading global media and entertainment company focused on women; PULSE Films, a London-based next-generation production studio with outposts in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Berlin; and i-D, a global digital and quarterly magazine defining fashion and contemporary culture.

ABOUT FREEDOME PRODUCTIONS

Founded by Michael Kenneth Williams. Freedom Productions mission is to create and produce compelling and bold works of art that truthfully and compassionately reveal the complex layers of the human condition. Our diverse storytelling explores a variety of themes and we invite audiences to experience powerful journeys of inner strength and struggles.

ABOUT PICTURE FARM

For over 20 years, Picture Farm has explored storytelling in all its forms. Alongside filmmakers, photographers, creative directors and artists, PF has developed and produced award-winning feature films, branded content, and commercial campaigns on six continents. We have been proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Michael K Williams and his Freedome Productions, supporting his mandate for the creation of meaningful, important and entertaining content, and we look forward to continuing to support the MKW legacy in the work yet to be done.



Frndly TV and A+E Networks Sign Broad Distribution Pact





Frndly TV and A+E Networks Sign Broad Distribution Pact
In addition to A&E, The History Channel and Lifetime, Frndly TV subscribers will also receive Lifetime Movie Network, FYI, Military History, Vice TV and complementary video on demand programming.
[via press release from A+E Networks]
FRNDLY TV AND A+E NETWORKS(R) SIGN BROAD DISTRIBUTION PACT

Agreement Adds Seven Top-Rated and Highly Popular Channels to Frndly TV Lineup Including A&E(R), The HISTORY Channel(TM) and Lifetime(R)

DENVER and NEW YORK, NOV. 10, 2021 – Frndly TV, the leading affordable live TV provider for the whole family, and A+E Networks(R), today announced a multi-year distribution agreement that brings A+E Networks’ portfolio of highly rated brands – including A&E(R), The HISTORY Channel(TM) and Lifetime(R) — to all Frndly TV subscribers. The announcement was made by Michael McKenna, Chief Programming Officer of Frndly TV, and David Zagin, President of Distribution for A+E Networks.

In addition to A&E, The HISTORY Channel and Lifetime, Frndly TV subscribers will also receive Lifetime Movie Network(R) (LMN), FYI(R), Military HISTORY(R), ViceTV(R) and complementary video on demand programming.

Starting on Thursday, November 18, the seven channels will begin to premiere on Frndly TV.

“The addition of the seven A+E Networks’ channels is a seminal event in Frndly TV’s growth,” said McKenna. “Our customers are both loyal and vocal — and they have asked us about adding the great A+E Networks’ content. Working with the good folks at A+E, we are now able to add outstanding quality to our programming lineup with some of the most desired and loved channels in all TV.”

Said Zagin: “We are excited to partner with Frndly TV and to make our award-winning content available to their devoted subscriber base. Launching on November 18 means Frndly TV customers can enjoy the new slate of holiday movies premiering on Lifetime’s It’s A Wonderful Lifetime, as well as look forward to the highly anticipated premieres of Janet — the fascinating untold story of Janet Jackson — and Abraham Lincoln, on The HISTORY Channel in early 2022.”

Frndly TV subscribers will be able to watch the whole range of A+E Networks’ highly rated, original programming including A&E’s The First 48, Storage Wars, City Confidential and Court Cam; and The HISTORY Channel’s The Curse of Oak Island, Pawn Stars, Forged in Fire and Great Escapes with Morgan Freeman. At Lifetime, December is Holiday movies 24/7. As well, fans are anticipating the new season of Married at First Sight, premiering in 2022, along with Leave it to Geege, and My Killer Body with K. Michelle.

About Frndly TV

Frndly TV is the first sub-$10 live, over-the-top television service built from the ground up with the American consumer in mind. Starting at only $6.99/mo., Frndly TV offers 30 top-rated live TV networks including Hallmark Channel, Game Show Network, INSP, UPtv, Curiosity Stream, The Weather Channel, GAC Family and others. Frndly TV delivers programming the whole family can enjoy at a price the whole family can love. For more information, visit www.frndlytv.com.

About A+E NETWORKS

A+E Networks(R) is a global content company comprised of some of the most popular and culturally relevant brands in media, including A&E(R), Lifetime(R), The HISTORY Channel(TM), LMN(R), FYI,(R), Military HISTORY(R) and VICE TV(R). A+E Networks’ portfolio extends across platforms and genres with a scripted production division, A+E Studios(TM); unscripted production studios, Six West Media(TM); Category 6(TM)Media; and independent film unit, A&E IndieFilms(R). A+E Networks Digital(TM) includes watch apps, games, FAST channels, AVOD, and SVOD products, including Lifetime Movie Club(R) and HISTORY Vault(R); and podcasts such as History This Week(TM). A+E Consumer Enterprises(TM) includes experiential/branded live events such as HISTORYTalks(TM); Alien Con(TM) and an E-commerce division. A+E Networks International(R) Includes global branded channels, content distribution and co-productions. A+E Networks’ content reaches more than 335 million households in over 200 territories in 41 languages. A+E Networks is a joint venture of Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst.



New Vice Series “High Stakes Poker” Premieres Late Night Saturday, 10/2 at 12am





New Vice Series “High Stakes Poker” Premieres Late Night Saturday, 10/2 at 12am
Watch as your favorite players play high-stakes Texas Hold’em cash games for amounts of money that everyday people can only dream of.
[via press release from Vice]
**Note: new series “High Stakes Poker” premieres late night Saturday, 10/2 at 12am (early 10/3.) Series description is below:

High Stakes Poker showcases the world’s best poker players, millions of dollars, and the most memorable poker moments. Watch as your favorite players play high-stakes Texas Hold’em cash games for amounts of money that everyday people can only dream of. (14 x 1 hour episodes.)



New Vice Series “Hear Me Out” Premieres on Thursday, August 12th at 11:30pm





New Vice Series “Hear Me Out” Premieres on Thursday, August 12th at 11:30pm
Isobel Yeung sits down with some of the most influential names of our generation to discuss the most pressing issues of our time.
[via press release from Vice]
Note: New series “HEAR ME OUT” premieres on Thursday, August 12th at 11:30pm. Series description is below:

In a time of global uncertainty. HEAR ME OUT is an attempt to make sense of this world through dialogue. VICE News’ Isobel Yeung sits down with some of the most influential names of our generation to discuss the most pressing issues of our time. (6 x 30 min. episodes.)



New Vice Series “Unknown Amazon With Pedro Andrade” Premieres on Tuesday, July 13th





New Vice Series “Unknown Amazon With Pedro Andrade” Premieres on Tuesday, July 13th at 10pm
Is it too late to save the Amazon? Join Journalist Pedro Andrade on an incredible journey and find out.
[via press release from Vice]
**NOTE: New series “UNKNOWN AMAZON WITH PEDRO ANDRADE” (6 x 60 min.) premieres on Tuesday, July 13th at 10pm. Series description below:

UNKNOWN AMAZON WITH PEDRO ANDRADE: Is it too late to save the Amazon? Join Journalist Pedro Andrade on an incredible journey and find out.



New Vice Series “Betraying the Badge” Premieres on Monday, July 19th at 10pm





New Vice Series “Betraying the Badge” Premieres on Monday, July 19th at 10pm
The docuseries explores some of the most explosive police corruption cases in the U.S. Personal, character-driven stories of cops who went from upholding the law to breaking it, told by the people who lived through it.
[via press release from Vice]
**NOTE: New series “BETRAYING THE BADGE” (8 x 60 min.) premieres on Monday, July 19th at 10pm. Series description below:

BETRAYING THE BADGE is an 8-part docuseries exploring some of the most explosive police corruption cases in the U.S. Personal, character-driven stories of cops who went from upholding the law to breaking it, told by the people who lived through it.