MTV Networks and Subway(R) Restaurants Launch New Program to Showcase Fresh New Musicians, Artists and Comedians

MTV Networks and Subway(R) Restaurants Launch New Program to Showcase Fresh New Musicians, Artists and Comedians

SubwayFreshBuzz.com.MTVIggy.com to Feature 20 Artists with Profiles, Performances and Behind-the-Scenes Footage

NEW YORK, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV Networks and Subway today announced the launch of "Subway Fresh Buzz," a campaign highlighting the freshest multimedia talent from the United States. The program is anchored by SubwayFreshrBuzz.MTVIggy.com, a site that features profiles, performances and exclusive content from 20 emerging artists, comedians and musicians. MTV Networks is distributing the experience across its network of Web sites and through social media platforms.

"Our new venture with MTV Networks is a great way for Subway fans to keep up with emerging trends and artists," said Tony Pace, Chief Marketing Officer for the Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust (SFAFT). "The 'Subway Fresh Buzz' partnership with MTVN will introduce artists that, in the past, may not have had the opportunity to showcase their talents."

"MTVN's partnership with Subway on the Fresh Buzz project is a great example of how media can be the message and execution can build equity," said Kevin Arrix, Executive Vice President of Digital Advertising Sales, MTVN. "Subway is enabling a new generation of artists to be exposed in the U.S. and we are thrilled to partner with them on this program. The artists and trends that we're spotlighting are among the future of pop culture and shine a bright new light on Subway and MTV Networks."

In addition to running on SubwayFreshBuzz, the performers will be featured and promoted on MTV.com, ComedyCentral.com and Spike.com. The Fresh Buzz site will feature integrated, real-time chat capabilities; customized graphics and packaging that reinforces the Subway branding; and Subway graphics that briefly open and close each video (the Subway branding will travel with the content wherever it is embedded). In addition to video content, the site will offer fans free CDs, limited edition merchandise from the artists and Subway gift cards.

The Fresh Buzz experience premieres with profiles of Keiji Ando, a sneaker painter; Jennifer Chung, an online singing sensation; Eric Rivera, a stand-up comic; Xylos, an indie rock band; Pow Wow!, a pop trio; and The Fine Brothers, an online comedy team. Two additional artists will be added each week throughout February, including:

   --  Musicians: Loomis & the Lust, Midnight Masses, Trevor Hall, Homeboy       Sandman, Ari Shine, Zack Weber, Far East Movement   --  Comedians: Desiree Burch, Rory Scovel, PoykPac, Sean Patton, Olde       English Comedy   --  Performers: Quest Crew   

The Subway Fresh Buzz campaign was created by MTV Networks Digital Advertising and MTV Iggy, an MTVN team dedicated to elevating emerging music and pop culture trends from around the world. MTVN Digital Advertising and MTV Iggy created more than 40 pieces of original creative for the campaign. Subway and MTVN were connected through Publicis Modem, a digital advertising agency that empowers people to share, connect, and interact.

"Subway Fresh Buzz reflects the best in branded entertainment by combining exceptional content with breakthrough distribution models designed to engage users across digital environments," said Gian LaVecchia, SVP, Group Director of Branded Content and Entertainment, Publicis Modem.

About MTV Networks

MTV Networks, a division of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of entertainment content, with brands that engage and connect diverse audiences across television, online, mobile, games, virtual worlds and consumer products. The company's portfolio spans more than 150 television channels and 400 digital media properties worldwide, and includes MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, Harmonix, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Nick Jr., TeenNick, AddictingGames, Neopets, COMEDY CENTRAL, SPIKE, TV Land, Atom, GameTrailers and Xfire.

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Source: MTV Networks

CONTACT: Jake Urbanski, MTV Networks, +1-212-846-6888,
jake.urbanski@mtvstaff.com; or Mack Bridenbaker, Subway Restaurants,
+1-203-882-2711, m.bridenbaker@sfaft.org

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

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Profile: International Entertainment