Verizon Signs Additional Programming Deals for FiOS TV

Verizon Signs Additional Programming Deals for FiOS TV

Viewers Will Find Channels Devoted to Their Interests

NEW YORK, April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon today took another step toward its goal of providing one of the country's most extensive TV programming lineups when it announced separate programming-distribution agreements with five networks.

Under the agreements, Verizon will carry the channels on Verizon FiOS TV when it launches later this year. They are: Varsity TV, Gospel Music Channel, Soundtrack Channel, MavTV and GolTV.

"We are pleased to add these networks to our growing lineup of quality programming," said Terry Denson, vice president of programming and marketing for FiOS TV. "FiOS TV will connect our future customers to popular channels plus many newer networks that speak to their specific entertainment interests."

The networks announced today will complement other major cable and network channels available to Verizon subscribers.

Verizon previously announced agreements with NBC Universal Cable, Starz Entertainment Group, Showtime Networks, A&E Television Networks and Discovery Networks, and is close to finalizing agreements with several other major content-partners.

Verizon FiOS TV will offer customers a competitive alternative to cable or satellite. In addition to the channels announced today, FiOS TV will also deliver hundreds of other digital video channels, high-definition programming, video-on-demand content, music channels, an interactive programming guide and other customer-friendly features via the company's fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) broadband network. Verizon is already constructing FTTP networks in half the states where it offers landline communications service.

Terms of the agreements with the channels announced today were not disclosed. Following are the details of the programming on each channel:

Varsity TV

As the only 24-hour network dedicated exclusively to teenagers, Varsity TV delivers programming produced by, for and about teens. Varsity TV complements the other offerings of the Varsity Media group, which delivers content at VarsityTV.com, Varsity On Demand and Varsity Mobile. The collective offerings allow teens to experience entertainment on their own terms and on the screen of their choice. Varsity TV's programming features teen-created and professionally produced sports series, reality shows, dramas, comedies, music shows, animation and films.

Gospel Music Channel

The first 24-hour network devoted to all styles of gospel music. It captures the rich history and contemporary styles of gospel music and is targeted to viewers of all ages who are fans of all gospel music styles. The program schedule includes music videos, artist profiles, specials and live concerts of top artists such as Amy Grant, Mahalia Jackson, CeCe Winans, Switchfoot, Jars of Clay and Jump 5.

Soundtrack Channel

The only cable and satellite channel exclusively featuring music videos from movie and television soundtracks, including original movie videos that are produced for the channel. Soundtrack Channel also features entertainment news, behind-the-scenes specials and celebrity interviews.

MavTV

A new network targeting men aged 18-54. The emphasis is on sports and gaming, but it also presents all the other themes relevant to men, including women and relationships, gadgets, finance, health and fitness, and entertainment.

GolTV

The only bilingual (English/Spanish) channel in the United States dedicated to world soccer. It offers more than 1,500 live matches annually, news updates and informative programming.

With more than $71 billion in annual revenues, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon has a diverse work force of more than 210,000 in four business units: Domestic Telecom serves customers based in 29 states with wireline telecommunications services, including broadband and other services. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com/ .

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

Source: Verizon

CONTACT: Sharon Cohen-Hagar of Verizon, +1-972-718-6205,
sharon.cohen-hagar@verizon.com

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

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html

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