MTV International, Sony BMG Music Entertainment and Epic Records to Announce Landmark International Alliance to Support Global Superstar Shakira

MTV International, Sony BMG Music Entertainment and Epic Records to Announce Landmark International Alliance to Support Global Superstar Shakira

WHAT: A teleconference call hosted by MTV Networks International (a unit of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:VIA.B)), SONY BMG and Epic Records to announce an unprecedented international partnership connected to award-winning megastar Shakira.

PARTICIPANTS: Shakira, the multi-platinum/Latin Grammy Award winning recording artist

Jesus Lara, Vice President, Music Marketing and Talent/Artist Relations,

MTV Networks International

Brian Celler, Vice President, International Marketing, Epic Records

Helena Verellen, Sr. Director, International Marketing, Epic Records

WHEN: Thursday, October 27, 2005 2:00 p.m. UK, 9:00 a.m. ET (US)

HOW: Worldwide dial-in number: +1 816-650-0613 Password: MTV 5 Star

PRESS RELEASE: To be issued in advance of the call on Thursday, at 10 am UK/5 am ET (US)

About Shakira

The success of Shakira's poetic, rock-influenced Spanish language albums Pies Descalzos (1996) and Donde Estan Los Ladrones? (1997) propelled her to superstardom status in her native Latin America. Next came her MTV Unplugged album in 1999, which scooped a Latin Grammy, garnered worldwide attention and set the scene for a powerful crossover bid. Her subsequent move into recording English language albums was established with Laundry Service which included the international smash hit 'Whenever, Wherever', and brought her worldwide album sales to 25 million. Four years later, Shakira has burst back onto the global music scene with a stash of 60 self-penned songs and a two-album launch for this year. The first, a Spanish-language album, entitled Fijacion Oral Vol 1, was released in June 2005, which sold close to 3 million copies so far, and will be followed by the English-language album Oral Fixation Vol 2 on 28th November.

About MTV Networks International

MTV Networks International (MTVNI) includes the premier multimedia entertainment brands MTV: Music Television, VH1, Nickelodeon, TMF (The Music Factory), VIVA, Flux, Paramount Comedy and Game One seen in 429.1 million households in 167 countries and 18 languages via 111 locally programmed and operated TV channels and 94 Web sites. MTV is the most widely distributed TV brand, reaching over 1 billion people worldwide. MTVNI's diverse holdings also include interests in television syndication, digital media, publishing, home video, radio, recorded music, licensing & merchandising and two feature film divisions, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. MTV Networks is a unit of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:VIA.B).

About SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT is a global recorded music joint venture with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both, local artists and international superstars, as well as a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. SONY BMG is 50% owned by Bertelsmann A.G. and 50% owned by Sony Corporation of America.

About Epic Records

Epic Records, which was launched in 1953, is one of the premiere music labels in the world, and is home to artists from virtually every musical genre, including such superstars as Shakira, Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, Fiona Apple, Franz Ferdinand; Los Lonely Boys; Incubus; among many others. Epic Records is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT.

Media Contacts:

Glenna Patton (London) Kristi Gorman (New York) MTV Networks International MTV Networks International +44 20 7478 5274 +1 212 846 6261 patton.glenna@mtvne.comKristi.Gorman@mtvn.com

PRNewswire -- Oct. 26

Source: MTV Networks International

Web site: http://www.mtv.com/

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