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International Entertainment News

Monday, November 30, 2009

NICK JONAS & THE ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCE US TOUR

NICK JONAS & THE ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCE US TOUR

TICKETS ON SALE STARTING DECEMBER 5 FOR DATES IN NEW YORK, NASHVILLE, DC, CHICAGO AND DALLAS; NATIONWIDE ON DECEMBER 12 FEATURES MUSIC FROM NICK JONAS' UPCOMING ALBUM

BURBANK, Calif., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Nick Jonas (of the Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum selling Jonas Brothers) & The Administration announced tour dates for their upcoming tour. The dates kick off January 2, 2010 in Dallas at House of Blues and wind up January 30 in Berkeley, CA at Zellerbach Auditorium. The shows will be intimate in their setting, reflecting the more raw and powerful feel of their upcoming album, Who I Am, which is due out February 2 on Hollywood Records. Tickets are set to go on sale starting December 5 on LiveNation.com in select cities with fan club presale access beginning tomorrow. Visit www.nickjonasandtheadministration.com for more ticket details.

Earlier this year, Nick flew to Nashville's Blackbird Studios with 3 years worth of song ideas not quite right for the Jonas Brothers, and recorded his side project, Who I Am. He enlisted producer John Fields, and they quickly pulled together an "A-Team" of musicians, which they gave the moniker "The Administration." The Administration is made up of some of the world's most accomplished musicians. John Fields plays bass, and he's joined by drummer Michael Bland and keyboardist Tommy Barbarella, both of whom played in the New Power Generation. Though guitarist David Ryan Harris played on the album, another former NPG member, Sonny Thompson will join Nick & The Administration on tour. Fans can catch a glimpse of their dynamic performance on the Grammy Nominations Concert Live! Special airing Wednesday, December 2 on CBS at 9PM.

The tour will feature the songs from Nick Jonas & The Administration's Who I Am as well as some surprise cover songs and a handful of Jonas Brothers songs that are personal to Nick. Says Nick Jonas, "With this tour we're going to try to accomplish the same thing we did in the studio. That's capturing some heart and soul in the music, and having fun doing it."

S-Curve recording artist Diane Birch will be the featured special guest (www.dianebirch.com). Diane's critically acclaimed debut album, 'Bible Belt' is in stores now.

The following are the scheduled shows, as well as the ticket on sale date information:

NICK JONAS & THE ADMINISTRATION U.S. TOUR

January 2 Dallas, TX House of Blues - On sale 12/5 at 10 AM January 4 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium - On sale 12/5 at 10 AM January 6 Washington, DC Warner Theater - On sale 12/5 at 10 AM January 7 New York, NY Beacon Theater - On sale 12/5 at 11 AM January 9 Philadelphia, PA Tower Theater - On sale 12/12 at 10 AM January 12 Boston, MA Orpheum Theater - On sale 12/12 at 10 AM January 16 Detroit, MI Fox Theater - On sale 12/12 at 10 AM January 17 Chicago, IL Rosemont Theater - On sale 12/5 at 12 PM January 19 St. Louis, MO The Pageant - On sale 12/12 at 11 AM January 20 Milwaukee, WI Eagles Ballroom - On sale 12/12 at 10 AM January 21 Minneapolis, MN State Theater - On sale 12/11 at 12 PM January 23 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre - On sale 12/12

at 10 AM January 26 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern - On sale 12/12 at 10 AM January 30 Berkeley, CA Zellerbach Auditorium - On sale 12/12

at 12 PM

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Hollywood Records

CONTACT: Lillian Matulic of Hollywood Records, +1-818-560-6197

Web Site: http://www.nickjonasandtheadministration.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Averna strengthens partnerships with Vericast and Digital TV Labs

Averna strengthens partnerships with Vericast and Digital TV Labs

MONTREAL, December 1/PRNewswire/ -- Averna, premier test solution provider to electronics and communications OEMs, today announced strengthened partnerships with Vericast Limited and Digital TV Labs, a move that will provide an expanded set of digital radio and video tools to its customers. Averna selected these UK-based partners to equip its URT(TM) Universal Receiver Tester RF test platform with signal generation capabilities for the DAB+, DMB and Mobile DVB-T standards, as part of an ongoing commitment to better serve the RF market.

Digital radio expert Vericast Limited first collaborated with Averna in 2008, when Averna implemented Vericast's DenMux DAB/DAB+/DMB Multiplexer into its URT signal generator, used by radio manufacturers to verify RF reception quality in their products. Moving forward, Averna will be working with Vericast to add DAB+/DMB signal creation and encoding features to the URT.

"DAB+ and DMB are now experiencing rapid profusion because they offer high-quality audio at low bandwidth rates," said Duncan Mackay, Managing Director of Vericast Limited. "As Averna makes capabilities for these standards available in its URT product line, mobile audio device-makers will be able to test and deliver better products to their discerning end customers. In the future, we look forward to working with Averna on other burgeoning technologies such as TPEG traffic messaging."

In 2008 Averna developed a DVB-T signal generation toolkit for the URT in collaboration with digital TV conformance specialist Digital TV Labs, used to simulate real-world conditions when testing tuner and demodulation video functions in electronic devices. Now the two companies will collaborate to implement Mobile DVB-T signal libraries in the URT, designed specifically for mobile and in-vehicle device testing.

"With the growth in mobile TV applications, this collaboration with Averna will be welcome news to OEMs and comes not a minute too soon," said Keith Potter, CEO and Director of Digital TV Labs. "The URT solves the problem of reliably reproducing challenging mobile TV field conditions in the lab. We are happy to augment this capability, and to combine strengths with one of the dominant companies in the RF test market."

Averna's URT(TM) line of turnkey solutions help RF manufacturers efficiently generate, record, and play back all common radio, video, and navigation signals when testing their devices.

About Averna

Averna is a global test engineering solutions company, and a strategic partner for innovative OEMs. Averna empowers high-tech manufacturers to accelerate electronic product development, achieve superior quality throughout the design lifecycle, and maximize productivity. Since 2007, Averna has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing technology firms in North America by Deloitte & Touche LLP.

www.averna.com

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For further information: Media requests: Pota Kanavaros, PR and Events Leader, +1-514-842-7577, ext. 499, pota.kanavaros(at)averna.com; Source: Averna

Source: Averna Technologies Inc

For further information: Media requests: Pota Kanavaros, PR and Events Leader, +1-514-842-7577, ext. 499, pota.kanavaros(at)averna.com; Source: Averna


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

will.i.am to Announce Details for First Annual Data Awards in Los Angeles

will.i.am to Announce Details for First Annual Data Awards in Los Angeles

    The Awards Show will recognize DJs and The Dance Community; The Press Conference Will Also Announce Additional Projects Surrounding The Upcoming                                  Grammys         

WHO: will.i.am and Data Award Board Members.

WHAT: In honor of Grammy nominations later this week, will.i.am

      --one of the pioneers in the music industry --in      partnership with Dipdive will announce the First Annual      Data Awards to be held in Los Angeles on January 30th,      2010. Honoring the biggest names in the DJ community, the      award categories include BEST DANCE DJ/PRODUCER SOLO,      BEST DANCE DJ/PRODUCER GROUP, BEST REMIX, BEST ORIGINAL      TRACK. Tomorrow's press conference will release additional      details on the awards and how nominations will be chosen.       As a follow up to last year's successful "Worlds on Fire"      artist exhibition, this year will.i.am, Dipdive, and the      Grammy Foundation will present "Who Killed the Music?" art      collection that will help kick-off Grammy Week at The      Target Terrace on January 24th-31st.  The gallery      will host 15 pieces from the hottest contemporary      surrealist artists, and a portion of all works sold will      benefit the Grammy Foundation. Additional details on the      opening night event to follow.  

WHEN: Tuesday, December 1, 2009

      Media Check-in: 11:30 am      Press Conference begins: 12:00 pm      **Media must be registered and credentialed through a BNC      contact to be admitted; additional information will be      provided upon confirmations**  

WHERE: Grammy Museum Screening Room

      LA LIVE complex in the Grammy Museum (2nd Floor)      800 W Olympic Blvd.      Los Angeles, CA 90015  

RSVP: For media credentials, contact Enjoli Duval via phone

(310.854.4800) or email (eduval@bncpr.com).

MORE: For more information on the Data Awards and DipDive.com

please visit: http://www.dipdive.com/

PRESS CONTACTS: Enjoli Duval BNC Ph: 310-854-4800 eduval@bncpr.com

/PRNewswire -- Nov. 30/

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: BNC

CONTACT: Enjoli Duval of BNC, +1-310-854-4800, eduval@bncpr.com

Web Site: http://www.dipdive.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

David Frear to Present at the 2009 UBS Global Media and Communications Conference

David Frear to Present at the 2009 UBS Global Media and Communications Conference

NEW YORK, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ:SIRI) today announced that David Frear, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, is expected to present at the 2009 UBS Global Media and Communications Conference in New York, NY, on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at approximately 8:00 am ET.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080819/NYTU044LOGO )

An audio webcast of the presentation will be available via the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, www.sirius.com, at approximately 8:00 am ET.

About SIRIUS XM Radio

SIRIUS XM Radio is America's satellite radio company delivering to subscribers commercial-free music channels, premier sports, news, talk, entertainment, and traffic and weather.

SIRIUS XM Radio has content relationships with an array of personalities and artists, including Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey, Rosie O'Donnell, Jamie Foxx, Barbara Walters, Opie & Anthony, Bubba the Love Sponge®, Bob Edwards, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, Jimmy Buffett, The Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and Tom Petty. SIRIUS XM Radio is the leader in sports programming as the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, Major League Baseball®, NASCAR®, NBA, NHL®, and PGA TOUR® and major college sports.

SIRIUS XM Radio has arrangements with every major automaker. SIRIUS XM Radio products are available at shop.sirius.com and shop.xmradio.com, and at retail locations nationwide, including Best Buy, RadioShack, Wal-Mart and independent retailers.

SIRIUS XM Radio also offers SIRIUS Backseat TV, the first ever live in-vehicle rear seat entertainment featuring Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network; XM NavTraffic® service for GPS navigation systems delivers real-time traffic information, including accidents and road construction, for more than 80 North American markets.

This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the business combination transaction involving SIRIUS and XM, including potential synergies and cost savings and the timing thereof, future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as "will likely result," " are expected to," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "intend," "will," "should," "may," or words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of SIRIUS' and XM's management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of SIRIUS and XM. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statement: our substantial indebtedness; the businesses of SIRIUS and XM may not be combined successfully, or such combination may take longer, be more difficult, time-consuming or costly to accomplish than expected; the useful life of our satellites; our dependence upon automakers and other third parties; our competitive position versus other forms of audio and video entertainment; and general economic conditions. Additional factors that could cause SIRIUS' and XM's results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in SIRIUS' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and XM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, which are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and available at the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov/). The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and SIRIUS and XM disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.

G-SIRI

Contact for SIRIUS XM Radio:

Shirley Huang SIRIUS XM Radio 212 584 5242 Shirley.Huang@siriusradio.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: sresendez@siriusradio.com

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080819/NYTU044LOGO

Source: SIRIUS XM Radio

CONTACT: Shirley Huang, SIRIUS XM Radio, +1-212-584-5242,
Shirley.Huang@siriusradio.com

Web Site: http://www.sirius.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Kimberly Williams-Paisley to Star in the Lifetime Movie Network Original Movie Amish Grace

Kimberly Williams-Paisley to Star in the Lifetime Movie Network Original Movie Amish Grace

Based on a True Story of One Woman's Journey of Healing Following the Tragic Schoolhouse Shooting in a Pennsylvania Amish Community, AMISH GRACE is set to Premiere in 2010

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly Williams-Paisley (According to Jim, Father of the Bride Parts I and II) has been cast to star as Ida Graber in the Lifetime Movie Network Original Movie Amish Grace. The movie is based on a true story about the aftermath that followed the schoolhouse shooting in the Amish community of Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania. Set to begin production in December, the film will examine a mother's (Williams-Paisley) personal journey as she copes with the tragic loss of her daughter during the shooting. Matt Letscher (Brothers & Sisters, Entourage) will portray her husband, Gideon Graber. Amish Grace, based on the book Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy, will premiere in spring 2010 on Lifetime Movie Network, the second highest rated women's channel.

   (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090421/LA02601LOGO)    ABOUT AMISH GRACE  

The peaceful Amish community of Nickel Mines was forever changed when a gunman senselessly took the lives of five girls in a schoolhouse shooting before taking his own life. What transpires afterwards takes Nickel Mines by storm when the media descends on the town and criticizes its Amish leaders for their notion of unconditional forgiveness of the shooter and his widow, Amy Roberts (Tammy Blanchard, Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows, Living Proof). Devastated by her daughter's death and tempted to leave the only life she's ever known, Ida Graber (Williams-Paisley), finds herself struggling with her community's teaching of the transcending power of forgiveness. But, through her anguish and pain, she slowly begins a personal journey towards accepting the heart-wrenching tragedy of losing a child.

ABOUT KIMBERLY WILLIAMS-PAISLEY

Most recently seen co-starring in the hit ABC sitcom According to Jim, Kimberly Williams-Paisley also directed three episodes of the series over the course of its impressive eight-season run. Williams-Paisley first lit up the screen as the radiant young bride in the comedy feature film series Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride Part II, and her other film credits include How to Eat Fried Worms and We Are Marshall. Williams-Paisley wrote, directed and starred in the multi award-winning short film Shade, which she is presently developing into a full-length feature film. She starred in and co-produced Lifetime's Original Movie Identity Theft: The Michelle Brown Story and her other television credits include The Christmas Shoes, Lucky Seven and Boston Legal. In addition to her acting work, Williams-Paisley is an accomplished writer with published articles in In Style and Redbook. She and her father Gurney Williams co-authored the children's book, Henry and the Hidden Veggie Garden.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

Amish Grace is produced by Larry A. Thompson Organization for Lifetime Movie Network. Larry A. Thompson (Little Girl Lost: The Delimar Vera Story, A Date With Darkness: The Trial and Capture of Andrew Luster) will executive produce, and Kyle A. Clark and Marta M. Mobley (Citizen Jane, Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith) are set to produce. Gregg Champion (Miracle Run, 14 Hours) will direct the teleplay from Micky Levy (Rails & Ties) and Teena Booth (The Wronged Man, Natalee Holloway). The teleplay is based on a true story and the critically-acclaimed book, Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy by Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt and David L. Weaver-Zercher. Multiple Emmy® Award-winner Van Broughton Ramsey (Lonesome Dove, Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All) is set to costume design and Michael Hancock (Witness, Paper Dolls) is set as key makeup artist.

ABOUT LIFETIME MOVIE NETWORK

Lifetime Movie Network is the #2 women's channel, behind only its sister network Lifetime Television. The first ten months of 2009 were the Network's most watched ten months of any year in both Total Day and Primetime among key demographics, including Households, Women 18-49, Women 18+, as well in Prime among Women 18-34 and Women 25-54.

In 2009, Lifetime Movie Network's slate of 16 original movies included Natalee Holloway, which premiered on April 19 and broke all Lifetime Movie Network records, becoming the number one original movie in the Network's eleven year history. Other films that debuted on the Network included two movies adapted from best-selling books by author Ann Rule - Ann Rule's Too Late to Say Goodbye, featuring Rob Lowe, and the miniseries event Ann Rule's Everything She Ever Wanted, with Gina Gershon and Victor Garber. The Christmas Hope, based on the third novel of Donna VanLiere's best-selling Christmas trilogy, will premiere in December 2009. This year, Lifetime Movie Network reached more than 72 million U.S. subscribers, making it the industry's fastest growing channel.*

Lifetime Television®, Lifetime Movie Network®, Lifetime Real Women® and Lifetime Digital(TM) (which includes myLifetime.com, LMN.tv, Lifetime Games, Roiworld.com, DressUpChallenge.com, MothersClick.com and LifetimeMoms.com) are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of A&E Television Networks, LLC. A&E Television Networks is a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group, Hearst Corporation and NBC Universal.

*Among channels with at least 51 million households.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090421/LA02601LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Lifetime Television

CONTACT: Theresa Black of Lifetime Television, +1-310-407-8519,
tblack@lifetimetv.com

Web Site: http://www.lifetimetv.com/
http://www.lmn.tv/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Charlie Rose To Join BusinessWeek

Charlie Rose To Join BusinessWeek

NEW YORK, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomberg L.P. today announced that Emmy® award winning journalist Charlie Rose will join BusinessWeek as a columnist upon completion of its previously announced acquisition of BusinessWeek.

Rose, 67, is known as one of the greatest interviewers in America. His BusinessWeek column will showcase smart conversations with the best thinkers, CEOs, politicians and other newsmakers. Each week, Rose will offer insights into and takeaways from those who impact and drive the global business and financial markets. He will continue as host and executive producer of CHARLIE ROSE, his nightly television program on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), as well as remain a contributing correspondent for 60 MINUTES. The BLOOMBERG TELEVISION® network rebroadcasts CHARLIE ROSE to 240 million households globally.

Bloomberg Chief Content Officer Norman Pearlstine, who will serve as BusinessWeek's chairman, said, "Charlie Rose is a legendary journalist who has interviewed virtually every important player in the world of business and finance. No one is more adept at engaging influential leaders in thoughtful and meaningful conversation and we are delighted to bring his talent to BusinessWeek."

Rose said, "I am excited, inspired and honored to join BusinessWeek as it becomes part of the Bloomberg family. It offers me an opportunity to work with Norm and the new team at BusinessWeek as we engage the ideas and people that impact our life and work. This relationship makes new possibilities for me in the global conversation."

Since 1991, Charlie Rose has done more in-depth interviews with Nobel Laureates, and extraordinary men and women of business, politics, science, technology, art, sports, literature and entertainment than any other program in the world. His ability to curate intelligent conversations has made his table the place to be when global leaders want to reach smart audiences.

During his vast career, Rose has held numerous positions in journalism, including executive producer of BILL MOYERS JOURNAL, correspondent for NBC News, anchor of CBS NEWS NIGHTWATCH, and correspondent for 60 MINUTES II. He graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in History and a J.D. from the School of Law. He has received numerous journalistic awards and honorary degrees.

Bloomberg announced its purchase of BusinessWeek on October 13. The acquisition is expected to close tomorrow, December 1, and Rose's first column is set to appear in the issue dated December 21, 2009.

About BusinessWeek

BusinessWeek is a global source of essential business insight that inspires leaders to turn ideas into action. Through content, context and collaboration, BusinessWeek moderates global conversations and moves business professionals forward. Founded in 1929 and published by the McGraw-Hill Companies, BusinessWeek magazine is the market leader, with more than 4.7 million readers each week in 140 countries.

About Bloomberg

Bloomberg is the world's most trusted source of information for businesses and professionals. Bloomberg combines innovative technology with unmatched analytic, data, news, display and distribution capabilities, to deliver critical information via the BLOOMBERG PROFESSIONAL® service and multimedia platforms. Bloomberg's media services cover the world with more than 2,200 news and multimedia professionals at 146 bureaus in 72 countries. The BLOOMBERG TELEVISION® 24-hour network reaches 240 million homes. BLOOMBERG RADIO® services broadcast via Sirius XM Radio and 1worldspace(TM) satellite radio globally and on WBBR 1130AM in New York. The award-winning monthly BLOOMBERG MARKETS® magazine and the BLOOMBERG.COM® financial news and information Web site provide news and insight to investors. For more information, please visit http://www.bloomberg.com/.

The BLOOMBERG PROFESSIONAL service and data products are owned and distributed by Bloomberg Finance L.P. (BFLP) except that Bloomberg L.P. and its subsidiaries (BLP) distribute these products in Argentina, Bermuda, China, India, Japan and Korea. BLOOMBERG and BLOOMBERG NEWS are trademarks and service marks of Bloomberg Finance L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Bloomberg

CONTACT: Judith Czelusniak, +1-212-617-1212, jczelusniak@bloomberg.net

Web Site: http://www.bloomberg.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Gary E. Knell, CEO of Sesame Workshop, to Address The National Press Club

Gary E. Knell, CEO of Sesame Workshop, to Address The National Press Club

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Gary E. Knell, President and CEO of Sesame Workshop, will discuss the challenges of using new and ever-changing media to keep Sesame Street relevant to today's young children.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080917/NPCLOGO)

Sesame Street this year celebrates its 40th anniversary on television. After four decades using media to teach, Sesame Street now extends far beyond the television set to bring its entertaining way of teaching to popular media platforms like cell phones and mobile gaming devices.

Knell will also discuss where he sees children's media going next as Sesame Workshop continues to seek new ways to reach children where they are with lessons that are both appealing and relevant to the needs of today's child.

Knell will be joined by Grover, one of the original Muppets from the flagship television show, which was created in 1969 to help disadvantaged preschool children prepare for school. It was considered a groundbreaking experiment in television, and has been shown in more than 140 countries. Children are welcome to attend.

Through the television series and its outreach initiatives, Sesame Workshop has tackled such tough topics as economic insecurity, military deployment and childhood obesity.

The National Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. and Knell's remarks will begin at 1:00, followed by a question-and-answer session. Advance reservations should be made by telephoning Pat Nelson at the National Press Club, (202) 662-7501. Cost of luncheon admission is $17 for National Press Club members, $28 for their guests and $35 for general admission. Children's tickets are available at the member price of $17.

Credentialed press may cover this event with proper ID.

The National Press Club is located at 14th and F Streets, NW, one block west of Metro Center. For more information about the Club and its programs is go to press.org.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB

The National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. Founded in 1908, the Club has 3,500 members representing most major news organizations. Each year, the Club holds more than 2,000 events including news conferences, luncheons and panels, and more than 250,000 guests come through its doors.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080917/NPCLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: National Press Club

CONTACT: Melinda Cooke of National Press Club, +1-202-662-7516,
mcooke@press.org


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Viacom President and Chief Executive Officer Philippe Dauman to Speak at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference

Viacom President and Chief Executive Officer Philippe Dauman to Speak at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference

NEW YORK, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and VIA.B) today announced that Philippe Dauman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viacom, will speak at the 37th Annual UBS Global Media and Communications Conference on Monday, December 7, 2009, at approximately 12:30pm (EST). A live webcast of Mr. Dauman's presentation will be available to the general public through a link on the Investor Relations homepage of Viacom's website, www.viacom.com. A replay of the audio webcast will be available in the "Events / Webcasts" section of the site.

About Viacom

Viacom, consisting of BET Networks, MTV Networks and Paramount Pictures, is the world's leading entertainment content company. It engages audiences on television, motion picture and digital platforms through many of the world's best known entertainment brands, including MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Nick Jr., COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, BET, Rock Band, AddictingGames, Atom, Neopets, Shockwave and Paramount Pictures. Viacom's global reach includes approximately 170 channels and 400 online properties in more than 160 countries and territories.

For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com.

First Call Analyst: James Bombassei
FCMN Contact: james.bombassei@viacom.com

Source: Viacom Inc.

CONTACT: Media, Kelly McAndrew, +1-212-846-7455,
Kelly.mcandrew@viacom.com, or Investors, James Bombassei, +1-212-258-6377,
james.bombassei@viacom.com

Web Site: http://www.viacom.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Brady's Landing Hosts Saturday Night of Jazz

Brady's Landing Hosts Saturday Night of Jazz

HOUSTON, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- A premier waterfront presence in Houston, Brady's Landing introduced a new weekly tradition to the area September of this year. Saturday Night of Jazz at Brady's Landing features live music performances by the Touch of Keys Band led by local Houstonian musician and entrepreneur, Eric Gordon Wright.

"We are excited to host one of Houston's very own upcoming talents," said Robert Caldwell, Regional Manager of Brady's Landing. "Eric Gordon Wright and the Touch of Keys Band has become a favorite among our guests."

Against the night sky, the lights from across the channel become the backdrop for the Touch of Keys Band, adding to the already relaxing ambience the locals seem to love. Both avid jazz followers and novices alike enjoy the smooth sounds of contemporary jazz while they dine on the waterfront of the Port of Houston Ship Channel. Known as "Touch of Keys" for his talented musical stylings on the piano, Eric Gordon Wright performs weekly at Brady's Landing with Curtis Turner on upright bass and Ariel Jones on percussion.

A member of the Small Business Alliance of Texas and the Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, Wright's music has been aired at local and national levels. He has worked with big names in the jazz industry such as Bobby Jones and Jeanette Brantley. Not only does Wright lead the Touch of Keys Band, he founded the national recording group, Sounds of Creation, and is also the owner of Wrights Music Studio. His recently established non-profit organization called "Touch of Keys, Inc." provides after school music programs to the community as well.

For more information about Saturday Night of Jazz or Touch of Keys, call Brady's Landing directly at (713) 928-9921 or visit www.touchofkeys.com.

About Brady's Landing

Perched on the waterfront at the turning basin of the Ship Channel in the Port of Houston, Brady's Landing has been a local tradition since its inception decades ago. Accommodations for 20-2,000 guests are available, including five banquet rooms and a ceremonial site. For up-to-date information, visit www.bradyslandingrestaurant.com, or follow Brady's Landing on Facebook (Brady's Landing Restaurant in Houston) and on Twitter (@BradysLanding).

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Brady's Landing

CONTACT: Kim Keopong of Specialty Restaurants Corporation,
+1-714-279-6100, ext. 277, kkeopong@srcmail.com, for Brady's Landing

Web Site: http://www.bradyslandingrestaurant.com/
http://www.touchofkeys.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Live Nation Hires New Promoter Team in France

Live Nation Hires New Promoter Team in France

LONDON, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Live Nation, the world's largest live music company, today announced that it has significantly expanded its promoter team in France, the 6th largest music market in the World.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081203/LAW048LOGO-b)

Angelo Goppe, formerly with Nous Productions, will join Live Nation as Senior Vice President Promotions and will focus on growing Live Nation's volume of international and local concerts in France. He will be joined by Armel Campagna and Damien Chombard-Boudet, both formerly with Gerard Drouot Productions, and Jonathan Miltat, formerly with Deluxe Productions.

Alan Ridgeway, Live Nation CEO of International Music, commented, "It is a pleasure to welcome this exciting young team of promoters to Live Nation. Since we entered France in 2007 through our partnership with Jackie Lombard, we have seen a huge opportunity to bring more international and local concerts to music fans in Paris and the rest of France. This great team of promoters, under the leadership of Isabelle Gamsohn, Managing Director for France, ensures that we are now well positioned to take full advantage of these opportunities."

Angelo Goppe added, "I am looking forward to working alongside Isabelle and the international and global touring teams at Live Nation to become the leading concert promoter in France."

Live Nation's other activities in France currently include partnerships with promoter Jackie Lombard, with France Leduc and Herman Schueremans in Main Square Festival and with Vega SA for the management of the Nikaia arena in Nice.

Upcoming events promoted by Live Nation France include Paul McCartney (10 December), Depeche Mode (17-20 January 2010) and Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco (21 January - 5 February 2010). Full details of these and all other shows can be found on www.livenation.fr

ABOUT LIVE NATION

Live Nation's mission is to maximize the live concert experience. Our core business is producing, marketing and selling live concerts for artists via our global concert pipe. Live Nation is the largest producer of live concerts in the world, annually producing over 22,000 concerts for 1,600 artists in 33 countries. During 2008, the company sold over 50 million concert tickets and drove over 70 million unique visitors to LiveNation.com. Live Nation is transforming the concert business by expanding its concert platform into ticketing and building the industry's first artist-to-fan vertically integrated concert platform. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol LYV. For additional information about the company, please visit www.livenation.com/investors.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081203/LAW048LOGO-b
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Live Nation

CONTACT: John Vlautin of Live Nation, +1-310-867-7127,
johnvlautin@livenation.com

Web Site: http://www.livenation.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Television Company Belo Corp. (BLC) to Present at UBS Global Media & Communications Conference

Television Company Belo Corp. (BLC) to Present at UBS Global Media & Communications Conference

DALLAS, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Belo Corp. (NYSE:BLC) , one of the nation's largest pure-play, publicly-traded television companies, will present at the UBS 37th Annual Global Media & Communications Conference on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. EST.

The presentation will be accessible via live Webcast at www.belo.com/invest. Following the conclusion of the presentation, a replay of the Webcast will be archived on Belo's Web site.

About Belo Corp.

Belo Corp. (BLC) is one of the nation's largest pure-play, publicly-traded television companies, with 2008 annual revenue of $733 million. The Company owns and operates 20 television stations (nine in the top 25 markets) and their associated Web sites. Belo stations, which include affiliations with ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CW and MyNetwork TV, reach more than 14 percent of U.S. television households in 15 highly-attractive markets. Belo stations rank first or second in nearly all of their local markets. Additional information is available at www.belo.com or by contacting Paul Fry, vice president/Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, at 214-977-6835.

First Call Analyst: Paul Fry
FCMN Contact: jmatthews@belo.com

Source: Belo Corp.

CONTACT: Paul Fry, vice president/Investor Relations & Corporate
Communications of Belo Corp., +1-214-977-6835

Web Site: http://www.belo.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Planet Green Rings in the New Year With High Impact, International Series Acquisitions for 1st Quarter

Planet Green Rings in the New Year With High Impact, International Series Acquisitions for 1st Quarter

SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Green announced today the U.S. premiere of five new series acquired from Canada and the UK, with the goal to bring American viewers thought-provoking narratives that connect the impact of human activity to the future of our planet. Dan Russell, Vice President of Programming and Scheduling, Planet Green, made the announcement:

"We have searched the globe for compelling personal journeys that inspire how we think, live, and work together to create change within our own environment," said Russell. "We will continue to seek additional stories domestically and internationally to air on Planet Green that bring innovative storytelling to the forefront for our audience."

From a chef determined to turn ex-cons into culinary proteges, to a woman on a mission to overcome serious traffic issues in some of the most congested towns in England, Planet Green tackles the inextricable issues of food in three of the acquired series, which debut during Planet Green's "Premiere Week 2010," beginning January 4:

BLOOD, SWEAT & TAKEAWAYS (4x60) U.S. Premiere: Monday, January 4 at 10:00 p.m. ET

A group of six young fast food junkies spend a month finding out the truth about how their favorite foods are produced. During this shock therapy that embeds them with the workers responsible for making their favorite dishes, they'll have to live and work alongside poorly paid laborers carrying out the grimmest tasks while contending with appalling conditions. BLOOD, SWEAT & TAKEAWAYS reveals the not so glamorous side of food production for the masses and how what we eat can affect others. BLOOD, SWEAT & TAKEAWAYS is produced by Ricochet and distributed by Outright Distribution.

BIG CHEF TAKES ON LITTLE CHEF (4x60) U.S. Premiere: Wednesday, January 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET

Little Chef has been a British institution for decades, but the restaurant chain has been on the verge of financial collapse for years. Enter Heston Blumenthal, an acclaimed three Michelin-starred chef. Can he make the British public fall in love with Little Chef all over again while reviving classic English food in the process? In BIG CHEF TAKES ON LITTLE CHEF, Chef Blumenthal takes an extraordinary culinary challenge: he has six months to come up with a new menu and design to help put the old-fashioned chain of roadside cafes back on the map. He must forget fine dining and get a grip on the real cuisine ordinary people want to eat. BIG CHEF TAKES ON LITTLE CHEF is produced by TwoFour Broadcast Ltd and distributed internationally by Digital Rights Group Ltd, London.

CONVICTION KITCHEN (8x60) U.S. Premiere: Wednesday, January 6 at 10:00 p.m. ET

What do you get when you take one world-renowned chef, throw in 24 ex-cons with no culinary experience, and give them just three weeks to open a high-end restaurant from scratch? CONVICTION KITCHEN follows Marc Thuet, Executive Chef and his wife and business partner, Biana Zorich, as they put their reputations on the line with a high-stakes challenge that will push them - and their culinary proteges - to the limit. The training is ruthless, the hours are long, but the reward for 12 people in this motley crew of outcasts will be the second chance of a lifetime. CONVICTION KITCHEN is produced by Cineflix (Dinners) Inc. and distributed by Cineflix International Media Ltd

Additional series acquisitions making their debut in the first quarter include:

BLOOD, SWEAT & T-SHIRTS (4x60) U.S. Premiere: Monday, February 1, 2010 at 10:00 p.m. ET

A group of high street fashion victims - with closets full of cheap, chic brands - get a lesson on the true cost of their fashion habits after they head to India to work on a production line churning out hundreds of items of clothing per day. These spoiled shopaholics will learn the hard way the price of their habit first hand from the workers who toil daily to produce the outfits they wear. BLOOD, SWEAT & T-SHIRTS is produced by Ricochet and distributed by Outright Distribution.

THE WOMAN WHO STOPPED TRAFFIC (3x60) U.S. Premiere: Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. ET

Professional trouble-shooter and creative problem solver Kris Murrin is on a mission to stop traffic for just one day in three of England's most congested locations: Marlow, Boston, and Durham. Each city poses challenges ranging from resident objections to concerns from the city councils to bitter businesses worried about their bottom line. With a clear strategy of how the seemingly impossible can be accomplished, Kris shows the towns that even the hardest habits can be changed with the right motivation. THE WOMAN WHO STOPPED TRAFFIC is produced by Silver River Productions and distributed by FremantleMedia,Ltd.

About Planet Green:

Planet Green is the multi-platform media destination that launched on June 4, 2008. Planet Green is the center for a new conversation, speaking to people who want to understand how humans impact the planet and how to live a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle.

Planet Green and its two robust websites planetgreen.com and TreeHugger.com, offer unique, original, insightful, inspiring, and entertaining content related to how we can evolve to live a better, brighter future. Planet Green's unique programming, digital tools, and content will enlighten, empower and most certainly, entertain.

Planet Green is a division of Discovery Communications.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Planet Green

CONTACT: Janice Sample, +1-240-662-7504, Janice_Sample@discovery.com

Web Site: http://www.planetgreen.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Oscilloscope Laboratories Unveils 'THE CIRCLE OF TRUST' DVD Subscription Service

Oscilloscope Laboratories Unveils 'THE CIRCLE OF TRUST' DVD Subscription Service

The Time is Here, Enter THE CIRCLE and Stand Tall.

NEW YORK, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- It is with pride and honor that we (those who forged the circle) have devised a way that you (the Chosen One) can enter the sacred realm and fulfill your true destiny. Until now, Mars was in the house of Neptune's second moon, and as such, you were prevented from journeying into this sacred cipher. Now, as worlds align, the chalice is within your grasp. Heed the omen, reach for the grail, let no man put asunder what has been ordained as yours. We await inside to break bread with you.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091130/NY18258 )

The meager sum of 150 bones will get you the next 10 DVD's we release (about 1 a month, give or take...)

Why go out and risk catching swine flu? Your Christmas shopping is already done. Even Oprah recommends buying our DVDs as a holiday gift. Check this out:

http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/food/partyplanning/pkgholiday/200912-omag-g ift-dvds/2

DVD's will arrive about a week before the street date. (Your friends will envy and covet your collection.)

If you are interested in our back catalog, you can buy previously released DVD's at half price while you have the subscription. (Say what?!!??)

We know you'll be satisfied with the result it will have on your constituency, and if not, at least you'll have something to talk about at parties. You can slag us off and call us liars... that's always fun.

This gift idea might not be right for the little ones, but we don't ever release films that suck, at least none that we know of.

Adam Yauch, the Minister Of Information at Oscilloscope Laboratories commented, "There's a real void in the marketplace since Columbia Record club is no longer active, so we're hoping to hire a

staff of tens of thousands to call our valuable membership over and over again and harass them until they cry."

   The realm of trust seeks you, mount your steed and come hither!    About Oscilloscope Laboratories:  

Oscilloscope Laboratories is a film production and theatrical distribution entity launched in 2008 by Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys. Yauch modeled the company after the indie record labels he grew up around, choosing films and then marketing them with the same artistic integrity with which they were made. The company, which is an extension of Yauch's recording studio of the same name, has an in-house DVD distribution and production arm, and the paper packaging is reminiscent of the heyday of LP record jackets. All of the company's DVD packaging is (free of any plastic) printed on FSC Certified 80% post-consumer waste paper and produced in a carbon neutral, hydroelectric, ISO-9001 and ISO-14001 certified plant. Other Oscilloscope theatrical releases include Yauch's GUNNIN' FOR THAT #1 SPOT, Irena Salina's FLOW, Caroline Suh's FRONTRUNNERS, Kurt Kuenne's DEAR ZACHARY, Kelly Reichardt's WENDY AND LUCY starring Michelle Williams, So Yong Kim's TREELESS MOUNTAIN, the Academy-Award® nominated THE GARDEN from Scott Hamilton Kennedy, Anders Ostergaard's multi award-winning BURMA VJ, Nati Baratz's UNMISTAKEN CHILD, and Laura Gabbert and Justin Schein's NO IMPACT MAN. Upcoming releases include Lance Daly's award-winning Irish film KISSES, the re-release of Jules Dassin's classic THE LAW, Gabriel Medina's offbeat comedy THE PARANOIDS, and Michel Gondry's personal family documentary THE THORN IN THE HEART. Recent releases include Oren Moverman's award-winning drama THE MESSENGER, starring Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster and Samantha Morton.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091130/NY18258
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Oscilloscope Laboratories

CONTACT: Lauren Schwartz, Oscilloscope Pictures, +1-212-219-4029 x22,
lauren@oscilloscope.net


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Rentrak Reports Engagement Metrics for Week Ending November 22, 2009

Rentrak Reports Engagement Metrics for Week Ending November 22, 2009

--'Stickiness' Index Measures Viewer Involvement--

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rentrak Corporation (NASDAQ:RENT) , a leader in multi-screen media measurement serving the entertainment and advertising industries, released the "Stickiness" Index for the week of November 16 through November 22, 2009. The "Stickiness" Index lists the top-25 "stickiest" 30-minute, 60-minute and 120-minute primetime programs based on proprietary information derived from Rentrak's TV Essentials service which tracks anonymous set-top-box viewing information.

The "Stickiness" Index is based on the average percentage of the program viewed, divided by the average percentage viewed for all series of that duration during Monday-Saturday primetime (8pm-11pm) and Sunday primetime (7pm-11pm). Programs with the most engaged viewers will have higher "stickiness" indexes.

Week of 11/16/2009 - 11/22/2009:

Index Rating Rank Rank Series Network Index

1 3 Dancing With the Stars* ABC 183 2 10 The Mentalist CBS 163 3 7 NCIS CBS 163 4 9 Grey's Anatomy ABC 156 5 156 Sortilegio UNIV-B 156 6 13 The Good Wife CBS 153 7 18 Criminal Minds CBS 152 8 122 Holiday in Handcuffs ABCFAM 151 9 197 En nombre del amor UNIV-B 148 10 140 Ni Hao, Kai-Lan NICKJR 147 11 29 House FOX 146 12 19 CSI: NY CBS 145 13 15 CSI: Miami CBS 145 14 106 Sons of Anarchy FX 145 15 114 White Collar USA 144 16 5 Dancing With the Stars** ABC 143 17 33 Bones FOX 143 18 14 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation CBS 142 19 12 NCIS: Los Angeles CBS 142 20 91 Monk USA 141 21 26 Private Practice ABC 139 22 22 Survivor: Samoa CBS 138 23 90 Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns TBS 137 24 54 NUMB3RS CBS 137 25 57 Medium CBS 137

        NOTE:*  This is the 120 minute 11/16 telecast             ** This is the 60 minute 11/17 telecast   

The "Stickiness" Index is the average percentage of the program viewed, divided by the average percentage viewed for all programs of that duration (i.e. 30 min, 60 min, or 120 min). Monday-Saturday primetime (8pm-11pm) and Sunday primetime (7pm-8pm) programs, includes roll up of air times. Excludes local programming and all premium non ad-supported channels.

About TV Essentials

Rentrak's TV Essentials is a comprehensive suite of research tools that enable customers to analyze anonymous audience viewing of programming and advertising across VOD, DVR, interactive and linear television. Utilizing proprietary technology to process massive amounts of click-stream data, the TV Essentials system is able to aggregate and report second-by-second information from millions of digital set-top boxes. The system can isolate individual market, network, series, or telecast performance, administer national and local estimates, and provide an evaluation of influencing factors such as psychographics and demographics.

About Rentrak Corporation

Rentrak Corporation is an industry-advancing media measurement and research company, serving the most recognizable names in the entertainment industry. Reaching across numerous platforms including box office, home entertainment, on-demand and linear television, broadband and mobile, Rentrak provides unique and actionable insight for our clients and partners. From the introduction of our revolutionary Pay-Per-Transaction® distribution and revenue-sharing system, which equipped Rentrak with the intelligence and ability to deal with large, complex data streams, to the company's exclusive Essentials(TM) suite of services, Rentrak has redefined digital audience measurement. Rentrak is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with additional offices in Los Angeles, New York City and Miami/ Ft. Lauderdale. For more information on any of Rentrak's services, please visit www.rentrak.com.

Contacts: Rogers & Cowan for Rentrak Corporation

         Sallie Olmsted                         Amanda Bartz         (310) 854-8124                         (310) 854-8151         solmsted@rogersandcowan.com            abartz@rogersandcowan.com  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Rentrak Corporation

CONTACT: Sallie Olmsted, +1-310-854-8124, solmsted@rogersandcowan.com,
or Amanda Bartz, +1-310-854-8151, abartz@rogersandcowan.com, both of Rogers &
Cowan for Rentrak Corporation

Web Site: http://www.rentrak.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Ford Collaborates With Current Media to Celebrate the Successful Fiesta Movement

Ford Collaborates With Current Media to Celebrate the Successful Fiesta Movement

Current Media's Max and Jason Broadcast Live from the Fiesta Movement Awards Celebration at the Palladium in Los Angeles on Dec. 1 at 11 p.m. EST, Followed by a Current Fiesta Special on Dec. 2 at 11 p.m. EST

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Ford Motor Company and Current Media have partnered in support of Ford's social media campaign, the Fiesta Movement. The Fiesta Movement, launched earlier this year, placed 100 European-spec Ford Fiesta's in the hands of 100 socially-vibrant individuals. The agents shared their experiences via social media platforms and completed monthly missions featuring their Fiesta to showcase the unique driving experience.

To recognize the Fiesta agents, Ford is hosting an awards celebration at the Palladium in West Hollywood on Tuesday, Dec. 1. The awards celebration will bring together agents and local fans who will enjoy a live performance by Parachute featuring hits "She is Love" and "Under Control" from its debut album Losing Sleep. Attendees will also get a sneak peak of the 2011 Ford Fiesta. Covering every exciting moment is Current Media's Max Lugavere and Jason Silva of "Max and Jason: Still Up," who will be broadcasting live from the event, giving viewers an inside look at the sights, sounds and personalities that made the Fiesta Movement a huge success.

"At the Fiesta Movement Awards Celebration, we are celebrating the agents and the creative content they have created over the past six months," said Connie Fontaine, Brand Content and Alliances Manager, Ford Motor Company. "Our collaboration with Current Media allows us to broaden the reach of our content as we get to the culmination of this phase of The Movement."

Current Media's "Max and Jason: Still Up" is a late-night hour of short form documentaries from around the world curated by hosts Max and Jason, whose tastes run the gamut from the latest social trends to fashion and culture.

"Our collaboration with Ford is an innovative way to bring new content to consumers as well as a fresh take on event coverage," said Michael Streefland, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Current Media. "Leveraging Ford's already broad following, Current Media is able to provide consumers additional ways to engage and mobilize around the Ford Fiesta Movement."

For more information about Current Media, please visit http://current.com/

For more information on the Ford Fiesta Movement, please visit http://www.fiestamovement.com/

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

About Current Media

Current Media is an award-winning multiplatform company dedicated to the in-depth investigation and exploration of the world's most important, interesting, and entertaining stories. With a fully integrated broadcast and online platform, Current connects its audience with what's going on in their world through its unique blend of original productions and viewer created media.

Current is now viewed in the U.S., U.K., Italy and Ireland in more than 65 million households through distribution partners Comcast (Channel 107 nationwide), Time Warner (nationwide), DirecTV (channel 358 nationwide), Dish Network (channel 196 nationwide), Verizon, AT&T, BskyB (channel 183), Virgin Media (channel 155) and Sky Italia (channel 130).

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Current Media

CONTACT: Melisa Rodriguez, melisa_rodriguez@bhimpact.com, or Jennifer
Reza, jennifer_reza@bhimpact.com, both of Bender/Helper Impact,
+1-310-473-4147, for Current Media; or Angie Kozleski of Ford Motor Company,
+1-313-218-8203, akozlesk@ford.com

Web Site: http://current.com/
http://www.fiestamovement.com/
http://www.ford.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Live Nation Will Donate a Portion of Each Ticket Sold in U.S. to LIFEbeat to Fight HIV/AIDS Tomorrow, December 1st, World AIDS Day

Live Nation Will Donate a Portion of Each Ticket Sold in U.S. to LIFEbeat to Fight HIV/AIDS Tomorrow, December 1st, World AIDS Day

NEW YORK, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- On World AIDS Day, tomorrow, December 1, Live Nation will donate a portion of every ticket sold to its concerts in the United States to fight HIV/AIDS. All proceeds will benefit LIFEbeat, the music industry's HIV/AIDS prevention charity in America.

"We are proud to stand alongside LIFEbeat on World AIDS Day to help educate music fans about prevention of this deadly disease," said Michael Rapino, President and Chief Executive Officer of Live Nation.

"Although great strides have been made in HIV/AIDS prevention and education, the fact remains that every nine-and-a-half minutes someone in the United States is infected with HIV," said John Cannelli, Executive Director of LIFEbeat. "We applaud Live Nation who are bringing their considerable resources to bear to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention and to raise funds to enable us to continue in this important work."

Concert Fans are encouraged to visit LiveNation.com to purchase concert tickets to Live Nation events beginning at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, December 1st, World AIDS Day, when a portion of every ticket sold to a Live Nation-ticketed event will benefit LIFEbeat.

ABOUT LIVE NATION

Live Nation's mission is to maximize the live concert experience. Our core business is producing, marketing and selling live concerts for artists via our global concert pipe. Live Nation is the largest producer of live concerts in the world, annually producing over 22,000 concerts for 1,600 artists in 33 countries. During 2008, the company sold over 50 million concert tickets and drove over 70 million unique visitors to LiveNation.com. Live Nation is transforming the concert business by expanding its concert platform into ticketing and building the industry's first artist-to-fan vertically integrated concert platform. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol LYV. For additional information about the company, please visit www.livenation.com/investors.

ABOUT LIFEBEAT

LIFEbeat- The Music Industry Fights AIDS, is a national non-profit organization dedicated to reaching America's youth with the message of HIV/AIDS prevention. LIFEbeat mobilizes the talents and resources of the music industry to raise awareness and to provide support to the AIDS community. For more information visit: www.lifebeat.org

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: LIFEbeat

CONTACT: Roberta Magrini of LIFEbeat, +1-718-623-6460, +1-917-864-3395,
rmagrini@aol.com; or John Vlautin of Live Nation, +1-310-867-7127,
johnvlautin@livenation.com

Web Site: http://www.livenation.com/
htttp://www.lifebeat.org


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

The #1 Grossing Concert Film in Worldwide Box Office History is Now the Home Entertainment Event of the Year! MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT

The #1 Grossing Concert Film in Worldwide Box Office History is Now the Home Entertainment Event of the Year! MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT

Taking the Stage on Blu-ray(TM), DVD and PSP(TM) this January 26, 2010, With Over 90 Minutes of Never-Before-Seen Bonus Features Including Two Making-of Documentaries, Costume Featurette and Blu-ray Exclusives Including All-New 'Smooth Criminal' and 'Thriller' Vignettes as well as movieIQ! 'An unmissable film. Illuminating and unforgettable.' Peter Travers / Rolling Stone '...beautiful...dazzling...a tribute to the power of Jackson's body and voice...' Ann Powers / Los Angeles Times

CULVER CITY, Calif., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Pictures Home Entertainment offers music lovers a backstage pass to witness the King of Pop plan and create what would have been his electrifying and triumphant return to the stage when MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT debuts on Blu-ray, DVD and PSP this January 26, 2010. After breaking box office records around the world, MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT will dazzle on Blu-ray and DVD. Directed by Kenny Ortega, the Blu-ray and DVD release will allow fans to go beyond the theatrical experience of the film Roger Ebert called "one of the most revealing music documentaries I've seen" with the two documentaries "Staging The Return: Beyond The Show" and "Staging The Return: The Adventure Begins," in which Michael Jackson is shown developing, creating and rehearsing for his sold-out This Is It tour. Also available are a series of illuminating featurettes, including "The Gloved One," a costume themed featurette; "Memories of Michael," in which cast and crew pay moving tribute to the legacy of Michael Jackson; "Auditions: Searching for the World's Best Dancers," spotlighting the search for the show's incredibly talented backup dancers; and the film's Theatrical Trailer.

Additional features exclusive to the Blu-ray include the complete and uncut versions of "Smooth Criminal" and "Thriller," two all-new vignettes seen briefly in the film, along with a special "Making-of Smooth Criminal" featurette. In "Smooth Criminal," sit back and marvel as Michael Jackson seamlessly shares the screen with some of the greatest movie stars of all-time in a new black and white vignette that celebrates Michael's love of 'Old Hollywood.' Then, in the all-new "Thriller" vignette, watch in awe as Michael brings one of his most popular songs to a monstrous second life in a thrilling new video featuring a whole new cast of zombies, ghosts and ghouls igniting awareness with all-new and signature Jackson dance moves.

Exclusive to the Blu-ray edition of MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT are even more must-have bonus features Jackson fans will love, including the BD-Live(TM) enabled movieIQ, which lets viewers add their favorite songs from the film to an emailable This Is It playlist. With movieIQ, viewers can also access live trivia information about the movie's cast, crew, music and production - all while watching the movie!

MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT, available on Blu-ray, DVD and PSP, this January 26, 2010, at an SRP of $39.95 (BD), $28.96 (DVD) and $24.94 (PSP).

Synopsis

MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT offers Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June, 2009, the film is drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, and genius as he creates and perfects his final show.

MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT was directed by Kenny Ortega (High School Musical, Newsies). It was produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware, with John McClain and John Branca serving as executive producers. It was distributed by Columbia Pictures in association with The Michael Jackson Company and AEG Live. It has a run time of approximately 111 minutes and has been rated PG for some suggestive choreography and scary images.

   Single Disc DVD Bonus Material   --  "Staging the Return: The Adventure Begins" Making-of Documentary   --  This in-depth documentary reveals Michael Jackson's unique,       groundbreaking vision for his ambitious return to the stage, with       director Kenny Ortega and the entire crew from This Is It.   --  "Staging the Return: Beyond the Show" Making-of Documentary   --  Director Kenny Ortega and the crew of This Is It discuss Michael       Jackson's final rehearsals, and the purpose behind creating the       concert film.   --  "The Gloved One" Costumes Featurette   --  Costume Designer Zaldy reveals the elaborate new costumes created for       Michael Jackson to wear on the This Is It tour.   --  "Memories of Michael" Featurette   --  Kenny Ortega and the crew of This Is It share personal stories about       working with Michael Jackson, and how they will remember their friend.   --  "Auditions: Searching for the World's Best Dancers" Featurette   --  A look at the high-stakes audition process, which began with over       5,000 applicants and ended with the selection of 11 exceptionally       talented dancers.   --  Theatrical Trailer     Single-Disc Blu-ray Bonus Material   --  "Staging the Return: The Adventure Begins" Making-of Documentary   --  This in-depth documentary reveals Michael Jackson's unique,       groundbreaking vision for his ambitious return to the stage, with       director Kenny Ortega and the entire crew from This Is It.   --  "Staging the Return: Beyond the Show" Making-of Documentary   --  Director Kenny Ortega and the crew of This Is It discuss Michael       Jackson's final rehearsals, and the purpose behind creating the       concert film.   --  "The Gloved One" Costumes Featurette   --  Costume Designer Zaldy reveals the elaborate new costumes created for       Michael Jackson to wear on the This Is It tour.   --  "Memories of Michael" Featurette   --  Kenny Ortega and the crew of This Is It share personal stories about       working with Michael Jackson, and how they will remember their friend.   --  "Auditions: Searching for the World's Best Dancers" Featurette   --  A look at the high-stakes audition process, which began with over       5,000 applicants and ended with the selection of 11 exceptionally       talented dancers.   --  Theatrical Trailer   --  BD Exclusive:  "Smooth Criminal" Vignette   --  The full-length vignette starring Michael Jackson which was to be       shown before the performance of "Smooth Criminal" at the This Is It       concert.   --  BD Exclusive:  "Making 'Smooth Criminal'" Featurette   --  An in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the groundbreaking production       of the new "Smooth Criminal" film created for This Is It.   --  BD Exclusive:  "Thriller" Vignette   --  The full-length vignette which was to be shown during the performance       of "Thriller" at the This Is It concert.   --  BD Exclusive: movieIQ: connects you to access real-time information on       the cast, music, trivia and more while watching the movie! Also       includes the This Is It interactive playlist where you can bookmark       your favorite songs featured in the film and email yourself a       customized playlist!       

BD Catalog #: 33881 ------------------- UPC Code: 0-43396-33881-4 ------------------------- SLP: $ 39.95 ------------

DVD Catalog #: 33882 -------------------- UPC Code: 0-43396-33882-1 ------------------------- SLP: $ 28.96 ------------

UMD Catalog #: 33885 -------------------- UPC Code: 0-43396-33885-2 ------------------------- SLP: $ 24.94 ------------ Order Date for All: 12/24/09 ----------------------------

Artwork and digital clips are available for download at

www.sphepublicity.com

Visit Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on the Web at www.SonyPictures.com

The Blu-ray Disc version of MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT is BD-Live enabled, allowing users to get connected and go beyond the disc via an Internet-connected Blu-ray player. Download content, give feedback through an exclusive survey, and register for rewards.

Get rewarded for registering your Sony Blu-ray Discs! The Sony Pictures Blu-ray Club rewards consumers in the U.S. for purchasing and registering BD-Live enabled Sony Blu-ray movies. By accumulating points, members are then able to redeem those points for cool Sony products. Visit www.sonyrewards.com/bluray for more details.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. SPE is a division of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 100 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

CONTACT: Staci Griesbach, Executive Director, Worldwide Publicity,
+1-310-244-6903, Staci_Griesbach@spe.sony.com, or Erin O'Brien, Manager,
Worldwide Publicity, +1-310-244-4722, Erin_O'Brien@spe.sony.com, both of SPHE;
or Danny Duran, danny@ddpr.net, or Jonathon Anderson, Jonathon@ddpr.net, both
of ddPR, +1-310-289-5100, for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Web Site: http://www.sonypictures.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

This Week on 'THE MO'NIQUE SHOW'

This Week on 'THE MO'NIQUE SHOW'

NEW YORK, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- BET Networks' # 1 late night show, THE MO'NIQUE SHOW keeps the late night party going. From A-list celebrity guests to sizzling performances by the hottest musical artists in the game, Mo'Nique delivers viewers a fun-filled hour of entertainment weeknights at 11:00 p.m.* Here's a look at what's ahead on BET's new late night party, THE MO'NIQUE SHOW.

   (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO )    THE MO'NIQUE SHOW GUEST SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 30    MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30   Marc John Jeffries   Pierre   Marques Houston    TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1   Ray J   Rocky Carol   LeToya Luckett    WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2   Master P   Gbenga Akinnagbe   Alison Williams    THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3   Al Sharpton   Jasmin Guy   Maino    FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4   Quentin Aaron   Lay Love   Melanie Fiona   

Taping from Atlanta's Turner Studios, Mo'Nique, Sidney Hicks and Marilyn Gill serve as executive producers on THE MO'NIQUE SHOW.

   For more on THE MO'NIQUE SHOW, please visit www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows.    *All times ET/PT    About BET Networks  

BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 98 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: Tricia N. Newell of BET Networks, +1-212-975-8230,
tricia.newell@bet.net

Web Site: http://www.bet.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Burrell Advertising Selects Arbitron for RADAR National Network Radio Ratings Service

Burrell Advertising Selects Arbitron for RADAR National Network Radio Ratings Service

COLUMBIA, Md., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Arbitron Inc. (NYSE:ARB) announced today that leading multicultural advertising and marketing company Burrell Advertising has signed a multi-year agreement for Arbitron's RADAR® network rating service.

"With more than 187 million listeners age 12 and over each week, network radio provides highly impactful opportunities for advertisers to reach consumers at home and on the go," said Gail Warren, Burrell Associate Media Director and member of the Arbitron Agency Advisory Council. "We use radio as an integral part of our media mix and Arbitron's RADAR estimates will provide us with fresh insights to help make educated and effective decisions for our clients."

RADAR (Radio's All Dimension Audience Research) is the national radio ratings service that for over 40 years has been the "gold standard" of measurement for national radio listening and network radio audiences. RADAR is unique in that it estimates audiences for network radio commercials.

"Network Radio targets several important socioeconomic groups and RADAR demonstrates to advertisers and broadcasters the value of these audiences," said Carol Hanley, Chief Sales Officer and Senior Vice President, Arbitron. "The fact that Network Radio has grown stronger year over year indicates the overall strength of radio as a mass medium with the kind of footprint and reach that is well-suited for results-driven campaigns."

Currently, there are 58 RADAR measured networks that provide advertising opportunities for advertisers to reach millions of consumers around the country. For a more detailed description of each of the RADAR networks, go to http://www.arbitron.com/national_radio/radar_networks.htm.

About Burrell Communications

Burrell Communications is a full-service marketing communications company with offices in Chicago and Atlanta. In business for more than 30 years, Burrell Communications is a leader in understanding and motivating consumer behavior in the African-American and young, adult, Yurban ® markets. With close to $200 million in annual billings, the agency's client roster includes McDonald's, Procter & Gamble, Toyota, General Mills, Allstate, American Airlines and the Illinois State Lottery. For more information, visit www.burrell.com.

About Arbitron

Arbitron Inc. (NYSE:ARB) is a media and marketing research firm serving the media - radio, television, cable, online radio and out-of-home - as well as advertisers and advertising agencies. Arbitron's core businesses are measuring network and local market radio audiences across the United States; surveying the retail, media and product patterns of local market consumers; and providing application software used for analyzing media audience and marketing information data. The company has developed the Portable People Meter(TM), a new technology for media and marketing research.

Portable People Meter(TM) and PPM(TM) are marks of Arbitron Inc.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Arbitron Inc.

CONTACT: Jessica Benbow, Arbitron Inc., +1-410-312-8363,
jessica.benbow@arbitron.com

Web Site: http://www.arbitron.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Movies Join Trees and Stockings as Part of the Holiday Tradition

Movies Join Trees and Stockings as Part of the Holiday Tradition

'Redbox Holiday Favorites' National Survey Reveals 92 Percent of Respondents Will Celebrate the Holidays with a Movie

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a national survey, holiday movies are as quintessential to holiday celebrations as the Christmas tree itself. Redbox, the fully automated DVD rental kiosk featuring new release DVDs, recently surveyed redbox customers nationwide and found 92 percent plan to celebrate the season with a movie. In fact, more people plan to watch a movie than exchange gifts (84 percent), decorate a tree (82 percent) or hang stockings (63 percent). George Bailey ("It's a Wonderful Life") and Ralphie ("A Christmas Story") are regularly invited to holiday celebrations. The "redbox Holiday Favorites" survey revealed the following holiday movie trivia:

Time to Celebrate. Movies rank as the number one way to celebrate the holidays (92 percent), followed by exchanging gifts (84 percent) and tree decorating (82 percent). Hanging lights (21 percent) and shopping (31 percent) were selected as the least favorite activities. So forgo the lights this year and instead, grab some hot cocoa and pop in a holiday flick.

Holiday Classics Divide Generations. "It's a Wonderful Life" (25 percent) was voted the best holiday film by respondents aged 35 to 65-plus, while 18 to 34-year-olds voted "A Christmas Story" (18 percent) the best holiday movie of all time. "Nothing Like the Holidays," featured at redbox, might be a nice compromise.

Bailey Beats Buddy. Will Ferrell's Buddy the Elf (13 percent) narrowly missed being named the most memorable character from a holiday film as he was inched out by the perennial favorite George Bailey played by Jimmy Stewart (15 percent).

Just Can't Get Enough. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, there comes a time when one needs to take a break, sit back and relax. Consumers ranked watching a movie as the best way to chill out during the holiday festivities (68 percent); the majority of survey respondents watch between two and five holiday films during the magical season (60 percent).

Quote It. The classic line "You'll shoot your eye out kid" from "A Christmas Story" was chosen as the most memorable quote from a holiday movie (38 percent). "It's all HUMBUG, I tell you, HUMBUG" from "A Christmas Carol" (17 percent) and "I think that the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small" from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (11 percent) rounded out the list.

This holiday, redbox will feature a selection of new holiday films to join in the festivities: "Four Christmases" starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn, "Nothing Like the Holidays" with Debra Messing and John Leguizamo and "The Dog Who Saved Christmas" featuring Mario Lopez and Dean Cain. Additional big name titles available at redbox this holiday include "Star Trek," "Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure" and "Up."

So keep the tradition alive and watch a movie this holiday season. Redbox makes it easy. Each fully automated redbox kiosk holds approximately 500 DVDs, representing up to 200 of the newest movie releases. Consumers simply use a touch screen to select their favorite movies, swipe a valid credit or debit card and go. Customers can keep the DVD for as long as they'd like for one low nightly rate, and return it to any one of redbox's more than 17,500 locations nationwide.

For added convenience, customers also can visit www.redbox.com to choose their DVD online and pick it up at the redbox location of their choice.

About Redbox

Redbox Automated Retail, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coinstar, Inc., offers new release DVD rentals through its network of conveniently located, self-service kiosks. Redbox has rented more than 500 million DVDs and is available at more than 17,500 locations nationwide, including select McDonald's restaurants, leading grocery and convenience stores, and Walmart and Walgreens locations in select markets. For more information, visit www.redbox.com.

Note: The "redbox Holiday Favorites" survey polled more than 600 redbox customers nationwide.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Redbox

CONTACT: Katie Lundstrom of JSH&A Public Relations, +1-630-916-3033,
katiel@jsha.com, for Redbox

Web Site: http://www.redbox.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Frost & Sullivan Cites MTS Allstream for Superior Performance in the North American Video Market

Frost & Sullivan Cites MTS Allstream for Superior Performance in the North American Video Market

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the North American video market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes MTS Allstream Inc. (MTS Allstream) with the 2009 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Competitive Strategy Leadership. Over the past year, all telco providers have felt the impact of the economic downturn on their business. In this environment and in an industry where customers have many companies to choose from for their video services, highly competitive strategies need to be utilized to help a company stand out as a leader. With their high quality video service, MTS Allstream has successfully stood apart and ahead of its competition.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO)

"Cable and satellite video providers have the majority of the market share, making it challenging for telco providers to grow in the video market," explains Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst, Gina Villanueva. "Competitive strategies are crucial in today's environment; companies are monitoring their business closely and focusing on growth opportunities that will be available once the economy bounces back."

In the telecommunications market, MTS Allstream offers a complete breadth of products in the consumer market, from wireline and wireless telephony to security and alarm monitoring services along with video service. The company has the unmatched ability in Manitoba to bundle up to five of its services. Frost & Sullivan used certain criteria to benchmark MTS Allstream's performance against key competitors - its ability to lever competitive intelligence, execution of competitive strategy, and effective brand positioning to drive improved customer satisfaction/value and market share.

Early in 2009, MTS Allstream launched its new high definition television (HDTV) platform in Manitoba, branding it MTS Ultimate TV. The technology is from Alcatel-Lucent with Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV. MTS Allstream is the first company in Canada to deploy this next generation of HDTV service. MTS Ultimate TV enables customers to utilize an advanced personal video recorder (PVR) to record up to three programs at the same time, access value-added features, and to watch their recorded programs on any television in their home connected to the service. Customers with MTS Ultimate TV currently can access over 250 digital channels, 28 channel packages, 48 high definition channels, over 65 music and local radio stations, the advanced PVR, an interactive program guide, access to pay-per-view and video-on-demand programming, and online customization of channel packages.

"MTS Allstream uses competitive intelligence to understand its customers and bring them value-added services for market share gain," notes Villanueva. "Examples of its application of competitive intelligence are their online customization ability and unique service capabilities."

MTS Ultimate TV customers can select between channel packages and individual channels online, using the Internet and a web portal. This allows them to tailor their channel selections and have those changes implemented almost instantaneously for viewing. Customers frequently report satisfaction with this functionality, which MTS Allstream developed in response to the inflexibility of the channel offerings of its major competitors. This has set MTS Allstream apart from the perspective of the customer's viewing experience.

MTS Ultimate TV customers also have the choice to go beyond the usual triple and quadruple-play services commonly found in the industry with a fifth service: home security and monitoring services. Consumers who bundle together MTS Allstream services receive additional discounts for each service they choose. MTS Allstream carefully manages their bundling strategy to maximize customer acquisition, retention and satisfaction while lowering their customer cost of acquisition and churn levels. Over 65 percent, or 270,000 households in their target markets, have more than one MTS Allstream service, demonstrating the success of the company's strategy.

Effective market deployment is crucial for growth in the television market, and MTS Allstream has done a first-rate job. It has deployed MTS Ultimate TV to Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie and Brandon, Manitoba; enhancing customer relationships by providing more-advanced and competitively-priced services than the incumbent video providers.

MTS Allstream's customer support is a strong indicator of its focus on customers' needs. For example, MTS Allstream provides support pages dedicated to understanding service bills and payment procedures. For customers moving to a new home, MTS Allstream provides a Moving Wizard to make the process as simple as possible. The service is available 24/7 and customers can transfer services to their new residence and add other services such as home alarm and monitoring, with the first month free.

Finally, through marketing, the expansion of its network footprint, and customer support, the MTS Allstream has grown its television base by 4.2 percent from the previous year to 83,600 revenue generating units. With television revenues growing by 17 in 2008, MTS Allstream has done exceptionally well in the video market staying ahead of the other telecommunications companies in Canada. Ranked #1 in terms of telco market share in Canada, the MTS Allstream is building off its competitive strategy strength to achieve a leadership position in the video market.

For these achievements, MTS Allstream is the worthy recipient of the 2009 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Competitive Strategy Leadership in the North American video market.

Frost & Sullivan's Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

About MTS Allstream

MTS Allstream is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. As one of Canada's leading national communication solutions companies, MTS Allstream provides innovative communications for the way Canadians want to live and work today. The company has more than 100 years of experience, with 6,000 employees across Canada dedicated to a mission of delivering true value as seen through the eyes of its customers. In 2008, MTS Allstream had nearly two million total customer connections spanning business customers across Canada and residential consumers throughout the province of Manitoba. The company's extensive national broadband and fibre optic network spans almost 30,000 kilometres. MTS Allstream is a proud sponsor of Cindy Klassen, 2006 World Champion and Canada's greatest Olympian, and a proud contributor to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.'s common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (trading symbol: MBT). To learn more about MTS Allstream services, markets, community commitments and record of creating shareholder value, visit: www.mtsallstream.com.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 35 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com/.

Contacts: Jake Wengroff 210.247.3806 jake.wengroff@frost.com

Greg Burch (204) 941-8576 media.relations@mtsallstream.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Frost & Sullivan

CONTACT: Jake Wengroff of Frost & Sullivan, +1-210-247-3806,
jake.wengroff@frost.com; or Greg Burch of MTS Allstream Inc., +1-204-941-8576,
media.relations@mtsallstream.com

Web Site: http://www.frost.com/
http://www.mtsallstream.com/


Profile: International Entertainment