In an unusual partnership between an alternative media source and a telecom giant, VICE Media has partnered with Rogers Communications to create "VICE TV Network." The $100-million joint venture will see Rogers and VICE set up a studio in Toronto that will produce content for TV, mobile and web aimed at a youthful audience. The VICE Canada Studio will "operate under VICE’s creative direction," the companies said in a statement.

At the entrance to Rogers' "big announcement" VICE and Rogers signage pic.twitter.com/nbyBWgyQKN — Christine Dobby (@christinedobby) October 30, 2014

For Rogers, the deal represents a play for the youth segment of the TV and mobile audience. "We wanted to build a powerhouse for Canadian digital content for 18 to 34 year olds," Rogers CEO Guy Laurence said. "VICE was the obvious choice to partner with." The deal also signifies how far VICE has come, from its roots as an alternative news and culture magazine in Montreal, to a media enterprise with offices in 36 countries and more than 1,500 staffers.

A #Rogers and @VICE collab may be the first official announcement of a 24-hour @vicenews channel, which Vice has wanted for a while — Peter Henderson (@Henderburn) October 30, 2014