Universal Music Group (UMG) and MTV Networks' Music Group Announce Comprehensive Agreement for Mobile Programming in the US

Universal Music Group (UMG) and MTV Networks' Music Group Announce Comprehensive Agreement for Mobile Programming in the US

NEW YORK, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Music Group (UMG), the world's leading music company, and MTV Networks' Music Group today announced a comprehensive and non-exclusive agreement under which MTV Networks can create and distribute full-length music videos and original video programming for mobile devices from UMG's industry-leading catalog of current and legendary artists including Fergie, Nelly Furtado, Elton John, The Killers, U2, Jay Z, Ludacris, Don Omar, Bon Jovi, Juanes, George Strait, Shania Twain, Sugarland and Hinder, among many others.

This agreement marks the first time such a comprehensive deal has been made between a major media company and music company that covers extensive music-related programming across US wireless carriers and mobile devices aimed at consumers. The mobile content and original programming developed by MTV Networks and featuring music and video content from UMG artists will be available via streamed and downloaded on-demand formats including MTV Mobile (which includes MTV2, mtvU, MTV TR3S) VH1 Mobile, CMT Mobile and LOGO. Content will also include original mobile programming derived from such popular cable network shows as MTV's "Sucker Free" and "Laguna Beach;" VH1's "Live@VH1.com" performance series;" CMT's "Uncorked"," and Logo's "NewNowNext," among many others.

"Through this unique and innovative agreement, Universal Music Group's labels and artists will now have even more ways to reach fans, promote their music and participate in the growth of the burgeoning mobile video marketplace," stated Rio Caraeff, Vice President and General Manager of Universal Music Mobile. "MTV Networks possesses some of the strongest consumer brands in the market and offers ideal platforms to showcase the high-quality and depth of UMG's extensive catalog of artists across a wide array of mobile products and programming."

"Our diverse MTV, VH1, CMT and LOGO audiences all share two things in common -- a passion for music and a passion for mobile," said Greg Clayman, MTV Networks' vice president of wireless strategy and operations. "Through this arrangement, we'll be able to create compelling music programming around Universal Music Group's extensive catalog of popular artists who resonate with our audiences."

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group is the world's largest music company with wholly owned record operations or licensees in 75 countries. Its businesses also include Universal Music Publishing Group, one of the industry's largest global music publishing operations.

Universal Music Group consists of record labels Decca Music Group, Deutsche Grammophon, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Geffen Records, Island Def Jam Music Group, Lost Highway Records, Machete Music, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, Mercury Records, Philips, Polydor Records, Universal Music Latino, Universal Motown Records Group, and Verve Music Group as well as a multitude of record labels owned or distributed by its record company subsidiaries around the world. The Universal Music Group owns the most extensive catalog of music in the industry, which is marketed through two distinct divisions, Universal Music Enterprises (in the U.S.) and Universal Strategic Marketing (outside the U.S.). Universal Music Group also includes eLabs, a new media and technologies division, and Universal Music Mobile.

Universal Music Group is a unit of Vivendi, a global media and communications company.

About MTV Networks

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:and)(NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms, with 111 channels, 94 Web sites reaching 167 countries and territories worldwide. MTV Networks owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, LOGO, Paramount Comedy Channel, TMF (The Music Factory), VIVA, Game One, Flux and a host of other digital channel brands worldwide, including a package of 13 digital services in the United States. All of these networks are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and well as through more than 50 mobile video platforms worldwide and dozens of broadband and interactive television services. The company also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Contacts:
Maria Ho
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Universal Music Group
1755 Broadway, Fourth Floor
New York, NY 10019
212-331-2569
maria.ho@umusic.com

Matthew Hutchison
Vice President, Digital Press
MTV Networks Music Group
1515 Broadway
34th Floor
New York, NY 10036
212-846-8052 direct
202-997-1164 mobile
Matthew.Hutchison@mtvstaff.com

Source: Universal Music Group

CONTACT: Maria Ho, Vice President, Corporate Communications of Universal
Music Group, +1-212-331-2569, maria.ho@umusic.com; or Matthew Hutchison, Vice
President, Digital Press of MTV Networks Music Group, +1-212-846-8052, or
mobile, +1-202-997-1164, Matthew.Hutchison@mtvstaff.com

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