BET J Partners With Antigua Ministry of Tourism to Produce Two Program Specials on Antigua

BET J Partners With Antigua Ministry of Tourism to Produce Two Program Specials on Antigua

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- BET Digital Networks today announced it will be partnering with the Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism to broadcast two half-hour programming specials featuring the twin-island nation to air on its BET J digital channel. The first special will showcase the red- hot performances and activities at this year's 2007 Antigua Carnival Summer Festival being held on July 21 to August 7, and the second will highlight Antigua's unique tourism product, its destination sites, natural beauty, resorts, culture and more.

The digital network will also run an aggressive advertising campaign in primetime this summer through the end of 2007 to promote Antigua and Barbuda with the aim of significantly increasing tourism arrivals in the coming months. As the twin-island nation comes to the end of a Jubilee Year of Festivals, including the celebration of 25 years of independence, 20 years of the Classic Yacht Regatta, 40 years of Sailing Week and 25 years of hosting international cricket tournaments, the island is also gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary of Carnival.

The carnival special will be hosted by celebrity comedian Chris Spencer and St. Lucian TV personality Portia Mogal, bringing viewers exclusive behind- the-scenes footage from the 2007 Antigua Carnival and festival events. The second special will be hosted by actor Malik Yoba, known for his roles in "New York Undercover," "Girlfriends," "Cool Runnings" and the Fox series "Arrested Development." The show will be co-hosted by Shermaine Jeremy and will give viewers an up-close look at Antigua and Barbuda's people, food, culture, and its numerous historic and scenic tourist attractions.

"This is our third year partnering with Antigua," said Cybelle Brown, Vice President of Sales and Business Development with BET Digital Networks and BET Event Productions. "Antigua's Carnival is incredibly exciting and vibrant, and the destination's beauty, culture and history is unique in many respects. We look forward to bringing Antigua into millions of American households and to Caribbean people across the region."

"Antigua's Carnival will mark an important milestone this year with its 50th anniversary, and, as can be expected with Jubilees, we are planning an impressive event that will resonate with those fortunate to experience part or all of our 18 days of glory," said Neil Cochrane, Chairman of the Carnival Development Committee. "And, as there is a linkage between Carnival and Tourism, those who come for the creativity, pageantry and splendor, will also experience our hospitality, our cuisine, our beaches and at the many interesting haunts, both here in Antigua and on our un-spoiled sister island, Barbuda. This is the stuff vacations and wonderful memories are made of, and I take this opportunity to extend an invitation to people to visit our shores."

Antigua & Barbuda's Minister of Tourism Harold Lovell and Carnival Coordinator Vaughn Walter said: "Antigua & Barbuda are one of those rare destinations that offer all of the elements that will help replenish your energies and renew your spirit - Antigua's Carnival is a festival not to be missed."

The two 30-minute Caribbean specials will air multiple times on BET J's popular "Island Lime" Saturday programming lineup and on BET later this fall.

ABOUT BET J

BET J, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is a sophisticated digital network infused with innovative and original programming featuring a unique mix of music, culture and style embracing the Black experience. It is the premier destination for a multicultural audience delivering music from all genres along with movies, riveting talk, concerts and in-depth interview shows. BET J keeps viewers talking with exciting original programs such as: MY TWO CENTS, REAL LIFE DIVAS, THE BEST SHORTS and SOUL SESSIONS, and is currently viewed in over 26 million households and growing.

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Source: BET J

CONTACT: Lyntina Townsend, +1-202-608-2745, lyntina.townsend@bet.net, or
Bevan Springer, +1-201-861-2056, bevanspringer@nj.rr.com, both of BET
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Web site: http://www.bet.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment