MTV Networks and BET Sign Carriage Agreement With Verizon for FiOS TV

MTV Networks and BET Sign Carriage Agreement With Verizon for FiOS TV

Service Will Deliver all BET and MTV Networks Program Services

MTVN and BET to Provide Content Across all Platforms of Verizon FiOS TV, Including Video and Audio Programming, Video On Demand, High Definition, and Broadband

NEW YORK, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV Networks, BET and Verizon have announced that MTVN and BET will provide content for Verizon's new television service called FiOS TV. Through the agreement, FiOS will carry all MTV Networks and BET program services, including the MTV Networks recently launched services LOGO, MTV Desi and several other program services in the MTV World group, as well as its recently announced high definition channel, MHD. MTVN and BET programming will be available to all FiOS TV subscribers.

Under the agreement, Verizon will deliver MTV Networks' video on demand content as part of the FiOS "Free-on-Demand" VOD platform. The FiOS TV service will also offer music on MTV Networks' digital audio radio channels. Verizon will also provide its broadband subscribers with access to content from the MTV and Nickelodeon brands, including MTV.com's MTV Overdrive and Nick.com's TurboNick.

"MTV Networks and BET are dedicated to bringing our consumers the content they're passionate about on new platforms as they emerge in the marketplace. As Verizon continues to develop new platforms where consumers can experience entertainment, we are thrilled to provide them with our strong brands and services," said Nicole Browning, President Affiliate Sales and Marketing.

"MTV Networks' extensive portfolio of video, audio and broadband services will appeal to a diverse audience and enhance the Verizon FiOS TV customer experience," said Terry Denson, Vice President of Programming and Marketing for Verizon FiOS TV.

The MTV Networks and BET linear channels that Verizon will include are: BET, BET Jazz, BET Gospel, CMT, Comedy Central, LOGO, MTV, MTV2, MTV Hits, MTV Jams, MTV Espanol, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Nick2, Nicktoons, GAS Noggin/The N, Spike TV, TV Land, VH1, VH1 Classic, VH1 Country, VH1 Soul and VH Uno. Finally, Verizon will also distribute MTV's channels specifically designed to super-serve ethnic populations in the U.S. including: MTV Chi, MTV Desi, and MTV K.

Verizon FiOS TV, which launched Sept. 22 in Keller, Texas, delivers hundreds of digital video and music channels, high-definition programming, video on demand content, interactive programming and an interactive programming guide as well as other customer-friendly features via the company's fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) broadband network. Verizon is already constructing FTTP networks in parts of 15 states, more than half of the states where it offers landline communication services.

MTV Networks' agreement with Verizon was signed prior to the launch of FiOS TV. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:VIA.B), is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 100 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS which includes LOGO, NOGGIN, VH1 Classic and 10 additional digital services, all of these networks are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 90 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

About Verizon Communications Inc.

With more than $71 billion in annual revenues, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon has a diverse work force of more than 214,000 in four business units: Domestic Telecom provides customers based in 28 states with wireline and other telecommunications services, including broadband. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 47.4 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com/.

Source: MTV Networks

CONTACT: Jeanine Smartt of MTV Networks, Jeanine.smartt@mtvstaff.com, +1-212-846-7437; Sharon Cohen-Hagar of Verizon, Sharon.cohen-hagar@verizon.com, +1-972-718-6205

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

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