Maker Studios, the YouTube multichannel network Disney acquired earlier this year, has reached another TV deal that falls under the Mouse House’s corporate umbrella.
Maker on Monday announced a pact with Fusion — the youth-skewing news joint venture between Disney’s ABC News and Univision Communications — under which the MCN is to produce a branded block of programming for Fusion’s TV platform.
Content produced for Fusion will feature themed content culled from across the YouTube MCN, beginning with a “best of 2014” special. In addition, Maker will expand the reach of Fusion’s online video content, working to optimize Fusion’s YouTube channel.
The Maker-Fusion partnership comes after Maker Studios earlier this week said it will create specials for Disney Channel and Disney XD, featuring talent from the MCN’s roster. Maker also has a deal with “America’s Funniest Home Videos” producer Vin Di Bona Prods. to create YouTube content and feature digital talent on the show, which airs on Disney-owned ABC.
Fusion, which launched as a pay-TV channel and digital outlet in October 2013, is available as a linear network via Dish Network, Cablevision, Charter, Cox, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon FiOS and Google Fiber.
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“Maker has an exceptional track record for identifying talent and content that resonates with millennials in the digital space. We are thrilled to bring some of that content to our television audience,” Fusion CEO Isaac Lee said in a statement. “We expect this will be just the beginning of a powerful, dynamic partnership with Maker.”
Added Erin McPherson, Maker’s chief content officer, “Maker content aligns perfectly with Fusion’s approach to engaging a young, diverse and inclusive America, and we anticipate audiences will agree.”
The Maker block of programming for Fusion will comprise a series of unscripted clips showcasing Maker content centered around specific themes. According to the parties, the partnership will combine Fusion’s blend of news, pop culture and satire programming aimed at younger auds with Maker’s position as serving millennials with a diet of online-video content.
