Verizon Signs Programming Agreement with Oxygen

Verizon Signs Programming Agreement with Oxygen

Independent Women's Channel Joins Verizon FiOS TV Lineup

NEW YORK, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon today announced a programming-distribution agreement with Oxygen Media, the only cable network owned and operated by women, for carriage of Oxygen on Verizon FiOS TV. The agreement was signed prior to the Sept. 22 launch of FiOS TV in Keller, Texas. Oxygen is available in the Expanded Basic tier of service in Keller, and Verizon will carry the independent channel in future FiOS TV markets.

Oxygen is a leading creator of programming for younger women. Its original programming includes the breakout hit, "Mo'Nique's Fat Chance," "Girls Behaving Badly" and "Snapped." Oxygen recently completed its highest-rated quarter ever among women aged 18-49.

"Women want TV that is relevant to their daily lives, and Oxygen delivers entertaining programming that millions of young women find extremely compelling," said Terry Denson, vice president programming and marketing for FiOS TV.

Said Lisa Gersh Hall, president and chief operating officer, Oxygen, "Oxygen was built on the idea of embracing new technologies, so working with Verizon on FiOS TV is right in line with our company's philosophy. We are very excited to be a part of this venture and thrilled to bring our unique brand of programming to Verizon's audience."

FiOS TV in Keller includes a broad collection of all-digital programming with more than 330 channels and more on the way. FiOS TV digital customers will also have access to a large selection of on-demand content that is easy to order and view.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Oxygen Media

Oxygen, the only cable network owned and operated by women, is currently available in 55 million homes. The network was launched in 2000 to fill a void in the television landscape -- creating a network targeted to younger women. The fastest-growing independent network, Oxygen became profitable in 2004. Oxygen is rewriting the rulebook for women's television, with the most original programming of all the women's networks including "Oprah After the Show," "Talk Sex with Sue Johanson," and "Girls Behaving Badly." Geraldine Laybourne, the network's founder, chairman and CEO, has led the company to be a strong advocate for women. Through programs like "The Mentor's Walk," Oxygen's national program for bringing along the network generation, and "Who Cares About Girls," Oxygen's new documentary series -- Oxygen is creating The New Girls Network.

Verizon Communications Inc.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other communication innovations to wireline and wireless customers. Verizon operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 49.3 million customers nationwide, and one of the nation's premier wireline networks, serving home, business and wholesale customers in 28 states. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of nearly 215,000 and generates annual revenues of more than $71 billion from four business segments: Domestic Telecom, Domestic Wireless, Information Services and International. 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 http://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, or Sarah E. Chaikin of Oxygen,
+1-212-651-5093, schaikin@oxygen.com

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

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

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