'South Park' creators sign digital deal

The creators of South Park have signed a deal to make three more series and produce digital spin offs.

Trey Parker and Matt Stone reached an agreement with Viacom which will see the cartoon expand its presence on the internet, mobile phones and computer consoles.

Stone said the deal "gives us the opportunity to offend that many more people". It is includes at least 42 more episodes for Comedy Central and is reportedly worth $75m (£37m).

He added: "Since Trey and I are in charge of the digital side of South Park, we can offend people on their cell phones, game consoles and computers too. It's all very exciting for us."

Digital ventures will be focused on SouthParkStudios.com. Users will be able to watch episodes with adverts, rather than using illegal downloads, and it will also offer new creations from the paid.

Doug Herzog, from Viacom, commented: "This extension and the formation of the joint venture are the beginnings of a new era for South Park and Comedy Central and a natural evolution of our long-term and prosperous relationship with Trey and Matt."