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International Entertainment News

Monday, April 30, 2007

Bass and Lauer to Receive Circle of Excellence Award

Bass and Lauer to Receive Circle of Excellence Award

WASHINGTON, April 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Latino Coalition has created a new film-related award, designed to assist filmmakers with artistic endeavors that help spotlight and bring attention to issues which are meaningful to the Latino community. This year, the award is for the upcoming film project called LITTLE CUBA, (produced by Edward Bass, and written/directed by Andy Lauer) at the upcoming 2007 Small Business Economic Summit at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C. May 1 - 2.

The Coalition expects a full spectrum of political speakers and attendees at the conference. The film award is part of a new focus on the entertainment industry which the group is instituting as they feel that nothing brings the spotlight to today's issues better than film.

Robert Deposada, President of The Latino Coalition, said The Latino Coalition wanted to further Bass and Lauer's humanitarian body of work, including Lauer's latest work, "THE TEHUACAN PROJECT," about the plight of deaf children in rural Mexico (Brad Pitt Executive Produces, Adrian Brody/Esai Morales narrates), and Golden Globe nominee Edward Bass' film, BOBBY, directed by Emilio Estevez, and with an all-star cast including Freddy Rodriguez, Anthony Hopkins, Sharon Stone, Lindsay Lohan, brought Latino issues to the screen in a very accurate manner.

"When I first watched Andy's magnificent documentary on the plight of deaf children in Mexico, I thought, what insight and compassion!" Deposada said. "When I realized later it was Executive Produced by Brad Pitt and directed by Andy, I was intrigued. I then found out about "LITTLE CUBA," based on his award-winning short film which puts a real face on humanitarian issues facing Cuba, and opens the immigration debate which will be part of the Agenda at the Four Seasons. It goes along with the goals of the Coalition: to bring all sides to the issue, like the movie, "CRASH." The interesting point in this script was the entire board loved it! It is honest, and it depicts the coast guard cutting into refugee ships and the hardships in Cuba."

Deposada continues, "It's very appropriate that the film is being initiated on the date of the 7th anniversary of Elian Gonzalez. The story takes place when an American and his best friend try to smuggle a baseball player out of Cuban waters, but instead run into the Cuban military. They become emotionally involved with the Cuban people and take personal responsibility for helping their new friends, meanwhile exposing Cuba's plight. We were so proud when LITTLE CUBA was picked for the Power of Diversity Award given by the Producer's Guild, when you think of all the producers like Stephen Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, and others."

Edward Bass, known in Los Angeles as a "film producer of conscience," was introduced to Lauer by the Chairman of Membership of the Producers Guild, Grant Stoner. "When I saw this moving story, I immediately thought of Edward," says Stoner, "He's always on the hunt for projects of socio-political conscience. I knew Andy was near completion of his Cuban script and thought there'd be a great fit."

Bass comments, "Lauer has worked in so many Latin American countries and shares the values of Latino culture including family...he is married to a Latino woman who helps him feel the real human tragedies these countries go through, and to tell his stories without lecturing, like "THE KILLING FIELDS" I congratulate the Alliance for recognizing Andy's work and am excited to see it unfold further in "LITTLE CUBA."

Edward Bass' award-winning theatrical releases include COME EARLY MORNING starring Ashley Judd, MINI'S FIRST TIME, starring Alec Baldwin, Luke Wilson, Jeff Goldblum. His upcoming films include WHILE SHE WAS OUT, Kim Basinger, and DON'T FADE AWAY, Mischa Barton (from the OC).

The Latino Coalition is a non-profit, non-partisan organization based in Washington, D.C. TLC was established to address policy issues that directly affect the well-being of Hispanics in the United States. TLC's agenda is to develop and promote policies that will foster economic equivalency and enhance overall business, economic, and social development of Hispanics. For more information please visit our website at http://www.thelatinocoalition.com/.


First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:


Source: The Latino Coalition

CONTACT: Martha Lozada of The Latino Coalition, +1-202-546-0008

Web site:

http://www.thelatinocoalition.com/


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International Entertainment News

Maria Conchita Alonso Responds to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's Closing of the Country's Longest Airing TV Network with '2 Minutes of Hate'

Maria Conchita Alonso Responds to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's Closing of the Country's Longest Airing TV Network with '2 Minutes of Hate'

She will Address The Latino Coalition Small Business Economic Summit on May 1st

WASHINGTON, April 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Latino Coalition has invited Maria Conchita Alonso to speak at its upcoming 2007 Small Business Economic Summit in Washington D.C. May 1-2 to respond to statements made by Hugo Chavez about the state of affairs in Venezuela, including his decision not to renew the license of Venezuela's longest airing TV Network and the purchase of new high-tech weapons and surveillance systems from Russia.

Robert Deposada of the Coalition states, "The Coalition has a mandate to bring all sides to the arena and many stars, including Danny Glover, and according to Chavez, Oliver Stone, have shown public support for Hugo Chavez. We wanted to give Maria Conchita Alonso, a Venezuelan citizen, a forum to vocalize an opposing point of view."

Maria Conchita says, "I thank The Latino Coalition for giving me this opportunity, as last year I was campaigning in Venezuela against Chavez, but the situation there has further deteriorated and I feel it is no longer safe for me, so I have taken the fight to film and am producing a movie called, TWO MINUTES OF HATE, which shows in real footage how, at the 2002 march Chavez' assassins gunned down opposition protesters. Although Danny Glover and I did a film together, we have different points of view. I don't think Sean Penn and Clint Eastwood, who work together, always share the same political views, although I do believe they express those views due to their caring and commitment. I respect all my fellow actors but I think I carry a more experiential voice, as I have already had to leave Cuba and Venezuela."

"The film, which I am co-producing with BOBBY producer, Edward Bass, will utilize actual clips of Chavez coming over the airwaves in his comical and yet cynical manner," says Maria Conchita. "The situation there has evolved to the point that Freedom House, a nongovernmental worldwide organization, ranks Venezuela second only to Cuba in terms of suppressing press freedom in the Americas," she comments.

The writer, who wishes to remain anonymous but goes by the pseudonym of Jorge Tortoza, (in honor of one of the journalists assassinated by Chavez at the march) says, "This film is of course much different from BOBBY. In this case, the voice of the president is comical and yet frightening as he typifies a stereotypical dictator as in George Orwell's 1984. The script is being held under tight security. We want to make sure Chavez will not see it in its finished form until he goes to the movie theater like everyone else."

"Although many candidates and most probably George Bush will be at the event, I am not yet a US citizen and I am not endorsing any political figure," says Maria. "However, a voice against Bush should not be a voice for Chavez. Sometimes, the public is just misled, for example in the case of Mao Tse Tung, in which both Richard Nixon and John Lennon were wearing Mao jackets while millions of artists and intellectuals were killed. Che Guevara, who has so many films immortalizing him, was afraid of motorcycles and was more of a homophobic than even Fidel Castro, and a professional assassin who loved his work, but is immortalized as if he were Gandhi."

She continues, "Chavez, however, is much more dangerous. He will easily pass Fidel on the Forbes list as he has all the oil money at his disposal. Venezuelan press, newspapers, radio stations and TV are being shut down, and we are heading in the direction of Cuba where soon people will not even be allowed Internet access, and the children will be "owned" by the government. I decided to go to The Latino Coalition especially after Barbara Walters' interview with Chavez. Barbara got back to me, but I did not succeed in convincing her to allow me an opportunity to give a factual rebuttal."

Edward Bass states, "Maria Conchita has never been a sell out. As the most famous Venezuelan actress, if she was a 'Chavista', she could be riding on the gravy train and receiving the multi-million dollar grants that many are receiving from him. Her courage, even with her life in jeopardy, is a profound example of bravery. She is using her celebrity status and artistic ability to fight for those whose voices are muffled, they are second class citizens in their own country. They can't go to the same beaches, hotels or stores that the ruling elite and cash-rich foreigners visit.

Bass continues, "With Maria, our production and financing entity, after looking at dozens of Latino based material put this one at the top, as it is not the same old storyline. Although this is based in Venezuela, it's a love story and the backdrop is Venezuela as the sinking Titanic."

Deposada also says, "Although The Latino Coalition is not here to take sides, we take pride in our ability to confront the issues, and we extend the invitation to actors such as Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Danny Glover or whomever, and want to offer them equal time or an invitation to debate Maria Conchita."

She concludes, "TWO MINUTES OF HATE" is far from a documentary. It is actually a beautiful story of two people in love, one from the Chavez camp, and one from the opposition, and we tried to give a fair and balanced view of the mistakes that were made in Venezuela that created the climate and void that allowed this dictator to enter the arena as Hitler did in the 30's."

The Latino Coalition is a non-profit, non-partisan organization based in Washington, D.C. TLC was established to address policy issues that directly affect the well-being of Hispanics in the United States. TLC's agenda is to develop and promote policies that will foster economic equivalency and enhance overall business, economic, and social development of Hispanics. For more information please visit our website at http://www.thelatinocoalition.com/.

Contact: Martha Lozada, 202-546-0008


Source: Latino Coalition

CONTACT: Martha Lozada of the Latino Coalition, +1-202-546-0008

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


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International Entertainment News

Dramatic New Video for Singer-Songwriter Tracy Lyons' Environmentally Themed Song 'Save Me' Added to the Earthday Network's Site Earthday.net

Dramatic New Video for Singer-Songwriter Tracy Lyons' Environmentally Themed Song 'Save Me' Added to the Earthday Network's Site Earthday.net

The Timely Single Is Available on iTunes.com, With All Proceeds From Downloads Benefitting NRDC.com

LOS ANGELES, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Tracy Lyons' new video for her powerful and moving environmental anthem "Save Me" has just been added to the Earthday Network's (EDN) online portal www.earthday.net.

The song was first featured on Lyons' latest album "I Will," and is a heartfelt wake-up call for people to heal themselves and the earth through a new consciousness of sustainable thought, practices and action.

A committed environmental activist, Lyons is a strong supporter of EDN, founded by the organizers of the inaugural Earth Day in 1970. Every year since then on April 22, Earth Day is the only event celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. More than a half billion people participate in EDN campaigns annually.

Year round, EDN promotes environmental citizenship and protection and progressive action worldwide. Its resources allow activists to connect, interact, mobilize and impact their communities, fostering positive change in local, national, and global policies. EDN's international network reaches over 15,000 organizations in 174 countries, and the domestic program encompasses over 5,000 groups and 100,000 educators, all working to promote a healthy, sustainable planet.

The audio single of "Save Me" is available for download on iTunes.com. Lyons is donating all proceeds generated by the song through iTunes to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). NRDC is an aggressive and effective environmental action organization utilizing laws and the strength of over a million members and online activists to protect the earth's wildlife and to work towards a safe and healthy environment for all living things. The videoclip for "Save Me" can also be viewed on their site, NRDC.org.

Also through Apple, the video is currently featured on the QuickTime Guide music homepage at www.apple.com/quicktime/guide.

It can be accessed directly through the link www.tracylyons.com/tracylyonsqt.htm.

Tracy Lyons was inspired to write "Save Me" because of health issues she personally endured related to mercury and lead toxicity. "I Will" was released in 2006 on Lyons' own Mythic Records with distribution through Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA). Other highlights include "Don't You Know," "Not You" and "Yes." It follows up her acclaimed 2001 debut album "Surrender," about which Billboard magazine wrote, "singer/tunesmith Tracy Lyons proves that she has a knack for wrapping strong words in a velvet glove."

For more information, visit www.tracylyons.com/tracylyons_youtube.htm

www.earthday.net

Source: Mythic Records

CONTACT: Meghan Helsel, +1-626-585-9575, meghan@jensencom.com, for
Mythic Records


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International Entertainment News

Social Capital Entertainment Debuts First Theatrical Release: Snoop Dogg's Urban Frightfest 'Hood of Horror'

Social Capital Entertainment Debuts First Theatrical Release: Snoop Dogg's Urban Frightfest 'Hood of Horror'

Successful Bay Area Real Estate Developer and Producer's Feature Film Debut

SAN FRANCISCO, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Social Capital Entertainment, an innovative independent production company which produces motion picture, music and interactive entertainment, announced today the theatrical release of its first-ever feature film, Snoop Dogg's "Hood of Horror", which opens on Friday, May 4th in limited release throughout the U.S., including the San Francisco Bay Area. The film also features Bay Area hip-hip artists on its sound track, including Tone Capone, Flii Stylz and Oakland Raider Justin Fargas, who wrote and performed the movie's opening song. John Gaeta, a fellow Bay Area resident and Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor (The Matrix trilogy), wrote the film's animation sequences.

"Hood of Horror" is a hip hop horror anthology featuring three tales of terror told by the Hound of Hell (Snoop Dogg) that revolve around the residents of an inner-city neighborhood whose actions in this life determine where they will end up in the afterlife.

"Working with talent like Snoop and John Gaeta on our first feature film underscores the Social Capital approach to filmmaking," said Martin Shore, founder, Social Capital Entertainment. "Our goal from the beginning has been to team with top flight talent on cutting-edge, yet highly lucrative independent projects."

Social Capital's second feature film, "The Countess" starring Julie Delpy, Radha Mitchell and Ethan Hawke, begins filming in Eastern Europe this summer.

Martin Shore's 25-year entertainment career began at an early age, serving as a production assistant on many of his brother's films. Later, as a musician Shore toured with artists such as Bo Didley, Mick Taylor, Bluesman Willie, Clarence Clemons, Albert Collins and many others. As a Grammy-nominated producer, Shore and Social Capital Entertainment have been instrumental in the production of feature film and television soundtracks such as Hood of Horror, Saw (2004) and Saw II (2005), Rize (2005), Rock School (2005), Summerland (2004) and Cursed (2005).

To complement his entertainment endeavors, Mr. Shore is also a highly successful real estate entrepreneur who was recognized by Ernst & Young as runner up for its California Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 1998.

About Social Capital

Founded in 2004 by producer and real estate investor Martin Shore, Social Capital Entertainment is an innovative independent entertainment studio with a diverse portfolio of projects spanning film, music and interactive entertainment. Social Capital's project slate includes urban frightfest Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror. The studio is presently working on four additional feature length films, including The Countess starring Julie Delpy, Radha Mitchell and Ethan Hawke, which begins shooting in Fall 2007. Previous film projects include the MTV and VH1 video for the soundtrack of the critically acclaimed documentary Rize, directed by David LaChappelle; 2001 Maniacs: the Beverly Hellbillys, and others. Social Capital's soundtrack projects include Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror, plus Lionsgate's Saw and Saw II, Charmed, RIZE, Newmarket 's Rock School -- the true story behind the School of Rock, Curse, Summerland and many others. In addition, the company is in development on a number of social media properties spanning professional sports and entertainment. Social Capital has strategic partnerships with studios, record labels and interactive media including Bloodworks, Diamond D Records, Social Capital Records, Web guru John Battelle, mobile content provider AntiMedia, and others. Social Capital Entertainment has offices in Sausalito and Santa Monica, California.


Source: Social Capital Entertainment

CONTACT: Margaret Huang, +1-415-867-1626, or margaret@civiliapr.com, or
Martha Shaughnessy, +1-415-987-0285, or Martha@civliapr.com


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International Entertainment News

Icelandic Music: Bjork and More

Icelandic Music: Bjork and More

COLUMBIA, Md., April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Music professionals have said the voices of Icelandic singers blend together so tightly that you'd think they were all siblings. The quality and the purity are exceptional. Maybe it has something to do with the fresh air or the pristine water. Whatever it is, it is obvious that the international music scene has been infused with a sound that has captured audiences around the globe.

Where once Bjork and the Sugarcubes were an Icelandic anomaly, her fame and popularity are now stronger than ever, considering the buzz surrounding her US appearances and the release of her latest CD. In her wake, groups like Leaves, Sigur Ros, Gus Gus, Mum, Minus, have mounted a sort of Icelandic invasion on the global stage. And it's not all Alternative music any more. The classical voice of tenor Gardar Thor Cortes is attracting crowds to his concerts in Britain and will surely draw raves from Il Divo fans when he reaches the shores of America. He's easy on the eyes, too.

Hip hop, jazz, funk, rock. It's all there. And best of all, it's all over Iceland. Walk around the popular club area of downtown Reykjavik on any given night and you're sure to find an array of live music in its colorful bars and pubs. Sit and listen or dance your heart out. Your choice.

Iceland has become the "in" destination in Europe. Its awe-inspiring Nature is legendary. Dig a little deeper and you'll discover that the heart and soul of Iceland is in its art, its culture and its music. Whatever your taste, it's easy to find in Iceland.

For additional information about Iceland, call your Professional Travel Agent or contact Icelandair at (800) 223-5500 or at www.icelandair.com.

Bjork's new CD is available May 7; check out www.Bjork.com for the singer's latest news.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:


Source: Icelandair

CONTACT: Debbie Scott, manager, Communications & Media Relations - The
Americas, of Icelandair, +1-410-715-5153, debbie@icelandair.is

Web site:

http://www.icelandair.com/
http://www.bjork.com/


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International Entertainment News

Dean Wilson Named COO of First Look Studios

Dean Wilson Named COO of First Look Studios

LOS ANGELES, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- First Look Studios announced today that it has appointed seasoned entertainment executive, Dean Wilson, as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the First Look Studios. Wilson will report to Trevor Short, CEO of First Look Studios and Avi Lerner, Co-Chairman of First Look Holdings, which acquired control of First Look Studios in February 2007. First Look Holdings is owned by Nu Image and Henry Winterstern.

(Photo:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070430/LAM086 )

With more than 20 years of experience in the film industry, Wilson most recently served as head of new business development for Blockbuster Inc. with responsibility for the company's alternative movie distribution strategy. He joined Blockbuster in 1995 and during his career with the video rental giant held a variety of positions, both domestically and internationally, including Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, worldwide, where he was responsible for global studio relationships. He was also one of the founders of DEJ Productions, a film acquisition and distribution subsidiary of Blockbuster, which was sold to First Look Studios in 2005. Prior to Blockbuster Wilson was employed by Trans World Entertainment, a music and video retailer.

In his new position, Wilson will be responsible for the marketing, sale, acquisition and distribution of First Look's product lines, which include First Look's film acquisitions, its existing catalogue of over 1000 titles, and exclusive distribution properties such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Video Asia and Big Vision.

"Dean brings exactly the right blend of talents to this position," said Avi Lerner. "He understands the film acquisition, financing and production side of the business, but also has extensive experience in the global distribution and marketing of movies, a thorough knowledge of the new and future movie distribution technologies, and he is widely known and respected inside the business. His expertise will help to streamline the business of First Look and also help Nu Image and Millennium to produce films specifically to meet First Look's sales and marketing requirements."

"I have tremendous respect for Avi, Trevor, Danny, Henry and all the principals behind Nu Image/Millennium and First Look and I am excited to be joining the First Look group at this point in its development," said Wilson. "I look forward to leading First Look's efforts to gain the widest possible distribution for all our film properties."

Lerner founded Nu Image in 1992 as a film production company and Millennium Films three years later. Nu Image/Millennium Films produces 15 to 20 films a year and has a library of about 300 titles. First Look's operations include theatrical releasing, video and DVD operations, television distribution and branded entertainment. Nu Image handles foreign sales of First Look titles.

Photo: NewsCom:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070430/LAM086
AP Archive:

http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: First Look Studios

CONTACT: Elizabeth Wolfe, Vice President, Publicity of First Look
Studios, +1-424-202-5062, or mobile, +1-818-371-0697


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

Art and Invention Ripped Away - Media Rights Technologies Demands That Congress Protect Intellectual Property in The Internet Radio Equality Act

Art and Invention Ripped Away - Media Rights Technologies Demands That Congress Protect Intellectual Property in The Internet Radio Equality Act

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by Hank Risan, CEO of Media Rights Technologies:

At the dawn of the new millennium, The Museum of Musical Instruments (www.themomi.org) was launched by Bianca Soros, historian and writer, and myself to share the richness and diversity of American artistic expression. Our museum (MoMI) was the first to create virtual interactive exhibitions like The Private Life of Mark Twain where you could actually see and hear Mark Twain's 1835 Martin guitar playing Old Susannah for Noah Adams on NPR's All Things Considered. We then collaborated with The Smithsonian Institution and the Library of Congress to produce Bound for Glory: The Life and Times of Woody Guthrie. Other exhibitions with the Museum of Modern Art, New York and The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston document the history and music of artists like Les Paul, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Miles Davis, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, and Prince. The MoMI became one of the most popular web destinations, with over 30 million hits a day and 4.5 million unique weekly users learning about American popular culture.

(Photo:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070430/SFM086 )

In the summer of 2001, The MoMI was hit with a cease-and-desist letter from the RIAA for copyright infringement, alleging damages of $150 million to their members. Upon further investigation it was discovered that Microsoft had circumvented The MoMI's copy protection, exposing hidden music files in an "upgrade" to the Windows Media Player, turning secure MoMI performances into downloads. We notified the RIAA of the circumvention and immediately removed the music from our exhibitions. Subsequently, the RIAA took no action against the MoMI.

Soon after, Bianca and I formed Media Rights Technologies (MRT) and assembled a talented team of hardware and software engineers, as well as experts on intellectual property. Our goal was to solve the core Stream Ripping problem in digital media and to limit the copyright infringement liability of content distributors and educational institutions. In 2004, we launched BlueBeat.com, which allowed the Recording Industry to test our X1 Secure Recording Control prototype. By 2006, BlueBeat was granted the first global webcasting license, which included an anti-Stream Ripping provision, from the Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) in London, so that BlueBeat could further test secure webcasting, even in China. We also launched a popular Mark Twain MySpace profile (www.myspace.com/69088237) which demonstrates how media can be enjoyed and traded in a fully DMCA-compliant manner.

In 2001, Cary Sherman, President of the RIAA, shared with me his prediction that the Stream Ripping of performance-based content would significantly impact digital entertainment revenues. Cary was right: according to recent MRT studies, Stream Rippers are growing at the rate of well over 15 million units per month, with over 250 million user downloads in the last few years, costing the entertainment industry $20 to $50 billion annually. The problem has now eclipsed P2P file sharing as the #1 form of digital piracy.

There are now over 250 different brands of Stream Rippers which support Vista. Microsoft has even built into the Vista OS a native ripper, called Sound Recorder, which will deaggregate performance-based streams of unlimited duration and convert them into unprotected WMA downloads, easily uploaded onto Zune players. This year, Microsoft's Q1 profit surged 65 percent to $4.93 billion, boosted by sales of Vista, while the Recording Industry's profits have plummeted.

The MRT X1 Recording Control solution has been proven by the RIAA and IFPI to be effective against Stream Ripping, and has been designed for rapid deployment on a RAND basis. RIAA executive Vice President and General Counsel Steven Marks comments, "We do see stream ripping as harmful to the music industry. It's an issue we've brought to the attention of Webcasters, but so far, nothing has been done about it, even though there are technical solutions that do exist. We've encouraged Internet radio companies to speak with MRT because, from what we've seen, it certainly looks like a technical solution."

If the Internet Radio Equality Act is to pass, it must include an anti-Stream Ripping provision.

On March 1, 2007, the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) issued rates for Internet broadcasting covering a period from 2006 to 2010. The CRB rates represent a 30 percent increase per year in royalties retroactive to 2006. The "per performance" rates also include a $500 minimum fee per channel.

The basis for the rate hikes was primarily a result of the webcasting community failing to adopt content control technology that would maintain the integrity of the streamed performance. Currently every webcaster, except for BlueBeat.com, allows consumers to Stream Rip entire webcasts, enabling the deaggregation copyrighted content, turning every performance into an acquisition.

According to Copyright Attorney David Oxenford, who represented small webcasters in the CRB hearings, "Essentially, SoundExchange argued that Internet Radio confers little promotional benefit to most performers, and that there was a large risk of 'Stream Ripping' which would result in lessened sales of CDs and legal downloads."

SoundExchange and the Recording Industry argued correctly that their content was vulnerable to copying and redistribution by consumers. This is because webcasters like Clear Channel and Yahoo have failed to provide adequate protection for their copyrighted content, instead using unprotected media solutions created by Adobe, Microsoft, Real Networks and Apple.

The CRB ruling widens the gap between royalties paid by Internet radio versus Satellite, Cable and Terrestrial radio stations. Before March 1, 2007, Internet radio was already paying royalties greater than 50 percent over those of Satellite radio, while Terrestrial radio pays no performance royalties.

It is clear from the CRB decision that content providers distributing unprotected digital music shall pay the highest royalty rate.

On the non-licensed webcaster MySpace, The Fray, a popular band signed by Sony, tallies 48 million interactive performances of their content and 0 downloads. Rendered by the unprotected Adobe Flash Player, each of those performances can be Stream Ripped. At the iTunes store, Fairplay protection can be easily stripped away, creating unprotected MP3s with the click of a Stream Ripper "record" button. At Pandora, every one of their millions of user-created playlists can be copied and deaggregated by Stream Rippers. The resulting royalty-free files from these examples are being transferred to an iPod or any other MP3 player.

Recently, Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez and renowned UCLA Professor Richard Walter publicly discussed the catastrophic effect Stream Ripping has on America's Gross National Product and the balance of trade. The MRT solution protects these precious assets while limiting the copyright infringement liability of digital service providers and academic institutions.

The message is clear and simple: if webcasting royalty rates are to be equalized with Satellite or Digital FM broadcasts by passage of The Internet Radio Equality Act, Stream Ripping protection provisions must be added to the Bill before the CRB rates go into effect May 15, 2007.

Media Contacts: Leslie Kallen, 818.906.2785, leslie@lesliekallen.com
Quake Cox, Media Rights Technologies
831.426.4412, quake@mediarightstech.com

Photo: NewsCom:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070430/SFM086
AP Archive:

http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN16
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Media Rights Technologies

CONTACT: Leslie Kallen, +1-818-906-2785, leslie@lesliekallen.com; or
Quake Cox of Media Rights Technologies, +1-831-426-4412,
quake@mediarightstech.com

Web site:

http://www.mediarightstech.com/


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

DMGI to Announce First Quarter 2007 Results

DMGI to Announce First Quarter 2007 Results

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Digital Music Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:DMGI), a content owner and global leader in the digital distribution of independently owned music, television, film and video catalogs, today announced that it will release its first quarter 2007 results after the market close on May 9, 2007. The company will host a conference call on May 10, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time / 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time to discuss its results and provide an update on the company.

To participate in the call, interested parties are invited to dial 866-356-3093 (for domestic callers) or 617-597-5381 (for international callers) at least five minutes prior to the start time. The participant passcode is 42971891. A live webcast of the call will be available on the company's website at http://investor.dmgi.com/.

A replay of the call will be available one hour after the call ends through May 17, 2007 by dialing 888-286-8010 (for domestic callers) and 617-801-6888 (for international callers). The reservation code is 42769661. A replay of the webcast will also be archived on the company's website.

About DMGI

Founded in 2005, Digital Music Group Inc. (NASDAQ:DMGI) is a content owner and global leader in the digital distribution of independently owned music and video content. DMGI acquires the digital rights to media catalogs and digitally encodes them into multiple formats for distribution to digital entertainment services operating over the Internet and wireless, cable and mobile networks. Our digital entertainment service partners include: the iTunes Store, Google Video, YouTube, AOL/In2TV, RealNetworks, Napster, Wal-Mart Music, MusicNet, Verizon, Sprint, InfoSpace, Moderati, Zingy, 9 Squared, and many others. For more information, please visit www.dmgi.com.

Digital Music Group is a trademark of Digital Music Group, Inc. Other names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

Investor Relations Contact
Digital Music Group, Inc.: Karen Davis, Chief Financial Officer,
Telephone: (916) 239-6010 x2505

Allen & Caron Inc.: Jesse Deal, Account Manager,
Telephone: (212) 691-8087,
e-mail: Jesse@allencaron.com


Source: Digital Music Group, Inc.

CONTACT: Investors, Karen Davis, Chief Financial Officer of Digital
Music Group, Inc., +1-916-239-6010, ext. 2505; or Jesse Deal, Account Manager
of Allen & Caron Inc., +1-212-691-8087, Jesse@allencaron.com, for Digital
Music Group, Inc.

Web site:

http://investor.dmgi.com/

Web site:

http://www.dmgi.com/


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

Mayor Douglas H. Palmer, Panelist at 'Language of Respect' Forum

Mayor Douglas H. Palmer, Panelist at 'Language of Respect' Forum

Series of Town Hall Meetings Dedicated to the Promotion of Positive Language

TRENTON, N.J., April 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States Conference of Mayors President and Trenton, NJ Mayor Douglas H. Palmer, today will participate in The Language of Respect forum held at the student center on the campus of Rutgers University.

Prompted by the remarks made by former radio personality Don Imus, the newly formed Language of Respect Coalition is sponsoring the event, which is slated as the first in a series of town hall meetings intended to engage students and community leaders in a dialogue about the tone and content of language used in media, politics, and entertainment.

The coalition, led by Reverend DeForest B. Soaries of First Baptist Church Lincoln Gardens, was formed by ministers and community leaders who believe that disrespectful and derogatory language, such as Don Imus' remarks about the Rutgers women's basketball team, harms people and lowers quality of life; and it aims to motivate individuals and institutions to use language that nurtures and promotes respect for all people.

The event will be moderated by WNBC TV anchor and correspondent Pat Battle, and other panelists include Jerome Harris, Chairman, Black Issues Convention of New Jersey; Daniel San Pietro, President, Hispanic Directors Association; and Dr. Deborah Gray White, Professor, Rutgers University and author of "Aren't I a Woman? Female Slaves in the Plantation South"; plus a Rutgers student representative and several high school students.

In his remarks, Mayor Palmer will underscore his comments originally released in direct response to Don Imus:

"This is an opportunity for us to ... bring Americans together. We need to be careful not to let this divide us further and instead use this as an opportunity to talk about race and equality. ... If you're going to be outraged about what Imus said, be outraged about what you hear each and every day in your streets and in your neighborhoods. We have to clean up our own house before we jump on others. ... If it's wrong for a white man to use racially offensive language, it's also wrong for a black man to use the 'n' word, the 'b' word or any other demeaning language. Nobody has the right, regardless of what the color of their skin is, to demean women."

For the entire statement from Mayor Palmer regarding Imus' remarks, please visit http://www.usmayors.org/.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are 1,139 such cities in the country today, each represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the Mayor.


Source: United States Conference of Mayors

CONTACT: Elena Temple of the United States Conference of Mayors,
+1-202-861-6719, etemple@usmayors.org

Web site:

http://www.usmayors.org/


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

Chow Yun-Fat, Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park, Vivienne Tam and Nobu Matsuhisa Set to Appear at the 2007 AZN Asian Excellence Awards(R)

Chow Yun-Fat, Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park, Vivienne Tam and Nobu Matsuhisa Set to Appear at the 2007 AZN Asian Excellence Awards(R)

Lost's Daniel Dae Kim and Battlestar Galactica's Grace Park to Host

Chow Yun-Fat, Vivienne Tam and Nobu Matsuhisa Honored With Special Achievement Awards

CENTENNIAL, Colo., April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The stars are lining up to be a part of one of the biggest nights for Asian Americans in Hollywood -- The 2007 AZN Asian Excellence Awards(R) presented by JCPenney. Hosting the show, which will air on AZN Television on May 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, will be Lost's Daniel Dae Kim and Battlestar Galactica's Grace Park. In addition, the star-studded event will pay special tribute to three influential and talented individuals who have made an impact throughout the US and around the world: acclaimed actor Chow Yun-Fat (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), renown fashion designer Vivienne Tam and celebrity chef/restaurateur Nobu Matsuhisa.

This year's co-host, Daniel Dae Kim, an Asian Excellence Awards(R) winner last year for Outstanding Male TV Performance, stars as Jin Kwon on ABC's hugely successful drama Lost. Kim will share hosting duties with Grace Park, who stars as Lt. Sharon "Boomer" Valerii on Sci-Fi channel's hit Battlestar Galactica.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is being presented to actor Chow Yun-Fat, whose career has spanned two decades and several continents. He began his career in Hong Kong acting in TV and film. After receiving acclaim and numerous awards for several roles in the early 80s, he captured the attention of John Woo, who cast him in the fast-paced gangster film Yin hung boon sik (aka A Better Tomorrow), which went on to be an enormous commercial success. A string of other John Woo films escalated Chow's popularity even higher. With the global interest in the Hong Kong action genre, he was lured to the US and appeared in The Replacement Killers with Mira Sorvino, The Corruptor with Mark Wahlberg and Anna and the King. He returned to Asia in 2000 for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, a huge global success. Currently, he stars in the third installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

Vivienne Tam is being honored with the Visionary Award. Born in Canton, China and raised and educated in Hong Kong, Tam now makes her home in New York City. She has become known for her signature East-West style. In 1994, her collection of Eastern inspired clothing with a modern edge took the New York runways by storm, and a year later she introduced the influential "Mao' collection that crossed over from the fashion world to the art world. In 1997, she launched the Buddha collection, pieces of which, along with the Mao collection, were ultimately incorporated into the permanent archives of the Andy Warhol Museum, the Museum of FIT and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The Pioneer award will be presented to Nobu Matsuhisa. Born and raised in Japan, Matsuhisa apprenticed in the sushi bars of Tokyo before he ventured overseas to Lima, Peru. Classically trained, he was challenged by the culture and regional ingredients in Peru, which ultimately contributed to his inventive style. From Peru, he went to Argentina and then back to Japan, Alaska and, finally, Los Angeles where he opened his first restaurant in 1987. In 1993, the New York Times chose Matsuhisa as one of the Top 10 restaurant destinations in the world. A year later, he opened "Nobu" in partnership with actor Robert DeNiro in New York City. Today, he has two restaurants in New York, as well as restaurants in Beverly Hills, Malibu, Los Angeles, London, Aspen, Tokyo and Las Vegas.

The AZN Asian Excellence Awards(R) is the only nationally televised event celebrating significant Asian and Asian American achievements in entertainment, the arts and other disciplines that have had a profound impact on American culture.

"We are delighted to have stars of such critically acclaimed and successful television series join us as co-hosts this year, as their involvement will no doubt continue to raise the profile of the show and ultimately Asian and Asian American achievements in entertainment," said Rod Shanks, General Manager of AZN Television. "Additionally, the special honorees represent the pinnacle of their respective fields and are truly an inspiration to future generations of Asian American leaders, artists and entertainers."

AZN has partnered with E! Entertainment Television, the top global source for everything red carpet, to further promote the show with an hour-long special featuring red carpet arrivals, behind-the-scenes excitement and highlights from the event. The special will air on E! on May 24 at 6:00 p.m. ET/PT. The hour-long special will serve as a preview of the full awards program on AZN on May 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. E! will provide information and updates on the network's website, E! Online, including exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage on the popular broadband channel, The Vine @ E! Online.

JCPenney is the presenting sponsor for the 2007 AZN Asian Excellence Awards(R). State Farm Insurance and Anheuser-Busch, Inc. are corporate sponsors of the event.

The 2007 AZN Asian Excellence Awards(R), which debuted on AZN last year, will be taped live on May 16 at UCLA's Royce Hall in Los Angeles. Welly Yang and Teddy Zee are executive producers of the show. Yang, the creator of the awards show, is an actor, singer, producer and founder of the Asian theatrical group Second Generation, which produced the earlier version of the "Asian Excellence Awards" known as "The Concert of Excellence." Zee is a film producer with credits including "The Pursuit of Happyness," "Hitch" and "Saving Face."

About AZN Television

AZN Television is the network for Asian America. A wholly-owned company of Comcast Corporation, the channel's programming targets the fast-growing, affluent and multi-generational Asian American community, as well as a broader American audience interested in the Asian experience. Genres include the most popular Asian films, dramas, documentaries, anime, and news, as well as original programming. A majority of programming on AZN is either in English or subtitled in English. For more information, visit azntv.com.


Source: AZN Television

CONTACT: Patricia Frith, +1-818-876-0480, pfmarketing@roadrunner.com,
for AZN Television

Web site:

http://www.azntv.com/


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

Online GAC Country Music Travel Guide Gives Fans the Ins-And-Outs of Summer Fun Country-Style!

Online GAC Country Music Travel Guide Gives Fans the Ins-And-Outs of Summer Fun Country-Style!

GACTV.com Shares Insider Tips on Hottest Tours and Nashville Hotspots with Help from Rachael Ray, Wynonna Judd

Keith Urban's "Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy World Tour" Voted Top Summer Tour by GACTV.com Visitors

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- For those looking for a guide to a one-of-a-kind, country-themed vacation this summer, GACTV.com has you covered! The online http://www.gactv.com/ Travel Guide gives the low down on what it takes to plan an unforgettable country-oriented trip, giving the scoop on heel-tapping country cruises, eagerly-anticipated summer tours, and places and things to do during your visit to the capital of country music - Nashville, Tennessee!

GACTV.com is the definitive destination for insider tips on Music City's must-see attractions, and does all the planning for you with details on the best places to stay and take in a good meal, and just as importantly, the best time to make a trip to avoid all the hot summer crowds. The guide includes tips that tourists don't often get, like a list of the top 10 honky tonks and juke joints for a prime sampling of Nashville's home-grown sounds, and a Music Row caveat that gives the real deal on where to catch the most country music history. The site even provides a list of country's ultimate road songs the whole family can sing along to as they trek their way through their favorite summer festivals and tours this year, which according to a recent GACTV.com poll, is topped by Keith Urban's "Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy World Tour," followed by Brad Paisley's "Bonfires & Amplifiers Tour" and Kenny Chesney's "Flip Flop Summer Tour."

Travelers and fans who visit GACTV.com can also catch streaming video clips that serve as a behind-the-scenes tour of some of Nashville's hot spots. This visual tour starts with a sit-down with popular Food Network chef and nationally syndicated host Rachael Ray, an interview with country legend Wynonna Judd, and visits to Ernest Tubb Records and Hatch Show Print - the city's historic print shop.

About Great American Country (GAC)

Great American Country (GAC) is America's main street for the widest variety of country music, its artists and the lifestyles they influence. In addition to country music videos, GAC features original programming, special musical performances and live concerts, and is the exclusive television home of the Grand Ole Opry. GAC is available in more than 46 million households. The newly redesigned GACTV.com (http://www.gactv.com/ ) allows fans to vote for their favorite videos to be featured on "GAC Top 20 Country Countdown," get the latest country music news, browse photos of their favorite artists, watch streaming video interviews and enter one-of-a-kind sweepstakes.

About Scripps Networks Interactive

The award-winning, category-leading Web sites created and supported by Scripps Networks Interactive attracted an average of more than 13.5 million unique visitors per month in 2006. The Scripps Networks Interactive properties -- Web sites HGTV.com, FoodNetwork.com, DIYnetwork.com, FineLiving.com, GACTV.com along with broadband channels HGTV Pro, HGTV KitchenDesign, HGTV BathDesign, HGTV Simply Quilts, DIY Automotive, DIY Crafts, DIY Gardening, DIY Home Improvement, DIY Woodworking and GAC Still Rollin' -- are not only extensions of Scripps Networks leading lifestyle brands, providing users programming information and additional instructional content, but also exciting destinations for original content, engaging video and powerful interactive tools.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:


Source: Scripps Networks

CONTACT: Jerilyn Bliss, +1-865-560-4181, or
jbliss@scrippsnetworks.com, or Eddie Ward, +1-212-966-4600, or
eddie@drcpublicrelations.com

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


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

Narrowstep, Inc. Appoints New Chief Technology Officer

Narrowstep, Inc. Appoints New Chief Technology Officer

NEW YORK and LONDON, April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Narrowstep(TM) Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: NRWS) , the TV on the Internet Company, announced the appointment of Louis Holder as the company's Chief Technology Officer. This appointment continues to build on the Company's plan to scale the business with a dynamic, accomplished, and progressive team. Mr. Holder will report directly to David C. McCourt who serves as Chairman of the Board and interim Chief Executive Officer.

"I am thrilled to have Lou finally join our management team," commented David McCourt. "For the last several months, I have been working with him and sharing my vision for developing the best tools to help our customers monetize content. Lou is an accomplished leader in efficiently building and integrating technologies to deliver quick, scaleable solutions. He will be instrumental in taking our technology to the next level."

Mr. Holder has over 15 years experience leading technology organizations in the design and development of scaleable business-to-business and consumer web-based systems. Most recently, Lou held the position of President at Novega Venture Partners, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vonage Holdings Corp, an NYSE listed, $600M voice-over-IP-company, where he was focused on the development of new product offerings. Mr. Holder is one of the original co-founders of Vonage, where, from 2001 to 2005, he led the company's technology infrastructure, products and support services, including systems development and web application development.

From 1997 to 2000, Mr. Holder was a vice president in the program trading technology group at PaineWebber, where he performed business and technical analysis and was responsible for the development of a next-generation program trading system. Prior to PaineWebber, Mr. Holder was a senior software developer at Cantor Fitzgerald. Mr. Holder developed several analytical and trading applications for Cantor Fitzgerald's FX options, emerging markets, government bond swaps, euro bond swaps and interest rate swaps desks. Mr. Holder holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Polytechnic University, New York.

Mr. Holder commented, "Of all the companies in the emerging space of video-over-IP, Narrowstep is clearly one of the leading providers with some of the most prestigious customers from around the world. I'm impressed with management's vision for how the company can further help customers commercialize their content and provide a great viewing experience through enhanced tools and functionality. I'm excited to be joining such a high caliber team and leading the next generation of product offerings."

Adds Mr. McCourt, "I am confident in Lou's abilities to leverage our technology with both organic development, as well as integration with 3rd party solutions to deliver a full-suite of next generation, world-class products and services. I look forward to working with him."

Jason Jack, who formerly served as the company's Chief Technology Officer, will remain with the company as Narrowstep's Chief Software Architect.

About Narrowstep(TM)

Narrowstep(TM) Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: NRWS) , the TV on the Internet company, is a leading global provider of broadband television services. Narrowstep's proprietary technologies and customer-focused services enable TV channels to be delivered over the Internet. 100+ companies worldwide have chosen Narrowstep because it offers the most television-like and true community building broadband experience. The Company's telvOS(TM) (Television Operating System(TM)) and nBed(TM) technologies enables the most comprehensive delivery of video to mobile, wireless, Internet, broadband, video-over-IP and entirely new IP-delivered broadcast services.

For more information, go to http://www.narrowstep.com/ or call +1-609-951-2221.

FCMN Contact: mmarich@narrowstep.com


Source: Narrowstep Inc.

CONTACT: Jesse Deal of Allen & Caron, +1-212-691-8087,
jesse@allencaron.com, for Narrowstep Inc.; or Belinda Thomas of Franklin Rae,
+44(0)207317-5400, belinda@franklinrae.com, for Narrowstep Inc.; or Mara
Marich of Narrowstep Inc., +1-609-951-2221, mmarich@narrowstep.com

Web site:

http://www.narrowstep.com/


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

COMEDY CENTRAL's(R) Multi-Platform Series 'Live at Gotham' Second Season Premieres Friday, May 18 At Midnight.*

COMEDY CENTRAL's(R) Multi-Platform Series 'Live at Gotham' Second Season Premieres Friday, May 18 At Midnight.*

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Season Two Features Eight All-New Episodes With Hosts Artie Lange, Lewis Black, Jim Breuer, Gabriel Iglesias, Jeffrey Ross, Andy Kindler, Robert Schimmel And Dana Gould

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Log-On To http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/live_at_gotham/index.jhtml Watch Exclusive Stand-Up Clips From The Second Season Of 'Live At Gotham'

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Additional Digital Platforms For 'Live At Gotham' Include iTunes And Video On Demand

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NEW YORK, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The walls of New York City's Gotham Comedy Club shake with laughter. COMEDY CENTRAL's first original multi- platform series "Live at Gotham" is back for another laugh-out-loud season. Tune in and crack up Friday, May 18 at midnight for the season two premiere of "Live at Gotham," featuring all-new exclusive comedic material.

"Live at Gotham" was taped at the Gotham Comedy Club in New York City. This season's on-air debut includes eight one-hour episodes with each featuring six up-and-coming comedians and one all-star host. Leading up to the on-air premiere and throughout the new season, exclusive stand-up clips will be available on http://www.comedycentral.com/ as well as other digital platforms such as mobile, iTunes and Video On Demand. Beginning the week of May 15, exclusive interviews with "Live At Gotham" hosts can be viewed at http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/live_at_gotham/index.jhtml and iTunes and full episodes from season two will be available On Demand beginning May 21.

The premiere episode is hosted by Artie Lange and showcases the talent of Al Jackson, Jeremy Schachter, Amanda Melson, Geoff Keith, Kurt Metzger and Joey Gay. Upcoming episodes include performances by Steve Wilson, Jonah Ray, Eric Andre, John Evans and Sherry Sirof, among other rising stars. Season two also features hosts Lewis Black, Jim Breuer, Gabriel Iglesias, Jeffrey Ross, Andy Kindler, Robert Schimmel and Dana Gould.

"Live at Gotham" host Artie Lange has been a regular on "The Howard Stern Show" for the past five years and is one of the most sought after live comedians and talk show guests. Recently, Lange starred in, co-wrote and produced his own feature film, "Beer League," which received rave reviews from Variety and The New York Times. Lange has also produced his own concert DVD entitled "Artie Lange: It's The Whiskey Talkin'," which includes a sold out, stand-up performance, a behind the scenes look at some of Lange's gigs and the award-winning short film, "Gameday," which Lange wrote, produced and starred in.

COMEDY CENTRAL offers a variety of original stand-up comedy programs and specials. The network features stand-up shows such as "Live At Gotham" and "COMEDY CENTRAL Presents," as well as one-hour specials created exclusively for COMEDY CENTRAL.

For Q&A, clips and biographies of the comedians featured in "Live At Gotham," visit http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/live_at_gotham/index.jhtml.

"Live at Gotham" is executive produced by Stu Schreiberg, Robert Hartmann and Judy Marmel Brown for Levity Productions. Lou Wallach and Christina Youry are executives in charge of production for COMEDY CENTRAL.

COMEDY CENTRAL, the only all-comedy network, currently is seen in more than 91 million homes nationwide. COMEDY CENTRAL is owned by, and is a registered trademark of, Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned division of VIACOM Inc.'s (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:and)(NYSE:VIA.B) MTV Networks. COMEDY CENTRAL's Internet address is http://www.comedycentral.com/.

For up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs visit COMEDY CENTRAL's press web site at http://www.comedycentral.com/press.

*All Times ET/PT


Source: COMEDY CENTRAL

CONTACT: Jamie Lee of COMEDY CENTRAL, +1-212-767-3949,
jamie.lee@comedycentral.com

Web site:

http://www.comedycentral.com/
http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/live_at_gotham/index.jhtml
http://www.comedycentral.com/press


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

The History Channel(R) Developing Six Major Specials To Air in 2007 & 2008

The History Channel(R) Developing Six Major Specials To Air in 2007 & 2008

A GLOBAL WARNING, STALKING JIHAD, LOST BOOK OF NOSTRADAMUS, MANHUNT, EGYPT PROJECT(wt) and CHINA'S FIRST EMPEROR

NEW YORK, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The History Channel(R) will examine two hot-button issues and two iconic historical figures in four major specials to air in the 4th quarter of 2007. A GLOBAL WARNING looks at the history of climate change; STALKING JIHAD investigates the story of a CIA mission to track down Islamic terrorists in the Philippines; LOST BOOK OF NOSTRADAMUS attempts to deconstruct a manuscript found in Italy's National Library that is thought to contain hundreds of prophecies from the famed seer; and MANHUNT explores what many historians consider the first terrorist plot against the American government, John Wilkes Booth's assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.

(Logo:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051031/HISTORYLOGO )

Two major television events will air in 2008, CHINA'S FIRST EMPEROR, tells the story of one man who changed the face of China forever and the EGYPT PROJECT (tentative title), could add a new chapter to the story of Ancient Egypt. The announcement was made today by Nancy Dubuc, Executive Vice President and General Manager of The History Channel.

"Each one of these new specials will offer something that is sure to blow the lid off the conventional wisdom on subjects that are universally fascinating," said Dubuc. "The History Channel is really about what's happening in our lives now-about connecting with the viewer and creating a completely unforgettable experience."

A GLOBAL WARNING - Premieres 4th Quarter 2007

This special, on one of the most hotly debated and discussed issues of the day, will shed light on an important question: is the specter of the predicted global warming the result of industrialization and human activity, part of a long and natural cycle, or a combination of the two? In the planet's 4.5 billion year history, its climate has been affected by many events: the sun's activities; volcanoes which have enveloped the Earth with ash, gases and CO2; the interplay of moving continents and ocean currents; cosmic impacts; ice ages; and now the human race and its industrial output. This special will see which of these effects are operating right now and try to separate out manmade warming from natural causes.

STALKING JIHAD - Premieres 4th Quarter 2007

Based on the upcoming book Stalking Jihad in Paradise from best-selling author Mark Bowden (Black Hawk Down), the special goes on the trail with Bowden to the Philippine Islands where he uncovers the story of a covert intelligence operation to bring back Americans caught in the crossfire of the "War on Terror." The documentary is an astonishing glimpse into how U.S. intelligence tracks terrorists, based on information that was only recently declassified by the CIA, including thermal video imagery of a wild shootout on the high seas.

LOST BOOK OF NOSTRADAMUS - Premieres 4th Quarter 2007

An exclusive investigation into how a manuscript believed to have been written by Nostradamus, ended up in Italy's National Library in Rome. The book, which was stumbled upon by an Italian journalist, contains a series of never before deciphered prophecies. The special will also reveal new insights into the life of Nostradamus, his relationship with his son, Cesar, and his connection to the Vatican.

MANHUNT - Premieres 4th Quarter 2007

For 12 days, John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated Abraham Lincoln and engineered a handful of attacks on other government officials, evaded the greatest manhunt in history. Ten thousand federal troops were assembled to track down Booth and his co-conspirator, David Herold. This follows the hunt for Booth - across the 11th Street Bridge, through the Maryland countryside, across the Potomac River, and finally to where Booth was gunned down inside a burning tobacco barn in northern Virginia. The story is one that strongly resonates today as most historians consider the Lincoln conspiracy and the hunt for Booth to be the unraveling of the first terrorist plot against the American government.

EGYPT PROJECT (tentative title) - Premieres 1st Quarter 2008

While the exploits of the great pharaoh Khufu -- who built the Great Pyramids of Giza -- are well known to Egyptologists everywhere, much less well-known are the accomplishments of his son, the pharaoh Radjedef, who spent much of his life living in his father's shadow. This special exclusively follows what could be the biggest discovery in Ancient Egypt since the King Tut's tomb was found in 1923 by the British archaeologist Howard Carter.

CHINA'S FIRST EMPEROR - Premieres 3rd Quarter 2008

In its first major co-production with an American television network, CHINA Central Television (CCTV) joins forces with The History Channel to take viewers on a spectacular once-in-a-lifetime adventure to ancient China to tell the epic saga of Chin Shihuang, who commanded an army larger than Napoleon's, conquered more territory than Alexander the Great; created a realm that outlasted the Roman Empire; and built the Great Wall that still stands today. This is the definitive story of The First Emperor of China (259-210 B.C.) and his warrior army that led an entire population through war and strife and conceived of what is now considered the last empire-modern day China.

The History Channel(R) is a leading cable television network featuring compelling original, non-fiction specials and series that bring history to life in a powerful and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. The network provides an inviting place where people experience history in new and exciting ways enabling them to connect their lives today to the great lives and events of the past that provide a blueprint for the future. The History Channel has earned four Peabody Awards, three Primetime Emmy(R) Awards, ten News & Documentary Emmy(R) Awards and received the prestigious Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the network's Save Our History(R) campaign dedicated to historic preservation and history education. The History Channel reaches more than 91 million Nielsen subscribers. The website is located at www.History.com.


First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051031/HISTORYLOGO
AP Archive:

http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: The History Channel

CONTACT: Lynn Gardner, +1-212-850-9322, Lynn.gardner@aetn.com, or Joshua
Gross, +1-212-210-9184, Joshua.gross@aetn.com, both for The History Channel

Web site:

http://www.history.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information and photography please visit us on the web at www.historychannelpress.com.

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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

History.com Developing Digital Originals With Groundbreaking Military Blog and Short-Form Broadband Series

History.com Developing Digital Originals With Groundbreaking Military Blog and Short-Form Broadband Series

Band of Bloggers; Hero Ships; History Uncut; The Naked Underground and Greatest Stories Never Told to Change the Face of The History Channel(R) Website

ACQUIRES A COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARIES BASED ON GEORGE LUCAS' THE ADVENTURES OF YOUNG INDIANA JONES TO PREMIERE ONLINE

NEW YORK, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- History.com, the definitive online historical resource, is bringing history into the digital age with the launch of five original digital brands. They include exclusive short-form original series, featuring rarely seen historical footage and a military blog that will enable users to experience soldiers' stories directly from the front-lines.

(Logo:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051031/HISTORYLOGO )

The History Channel has acquired the rights to a collection of 94 never- before-seen documentaries that are a companion to the critically lauded The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones television movies. Created and executive produced by George Lucas, the documentaries will premiere on History.com in late 2007. The television movies will air on The History Channel and History International.

The announcement was made today by Nancy Dubuc, Executive Vice President and General Manager of The History Channel.

"There is no question that the industry has reached a new level in terms of what digital multi-media can provide," said Dubuc. "Just as The History Channel is where television audiences go when they want the best in insightful and thought provoking programming, History.com is the number one online destination for the history enthusiast. Technology is enabling us to bridge the gap in how we interact with our audiences and is changing where content is born. No matter what the platform, it is about enabling history fans to experience great content any way they want it."

History.com will continue to extend further into the digital realm with new features, ancillary sites and a great deal of user generated content. In addition, historical perspectives on contemporary news will have a major presence on History.com, separating it from the innumerable other sites that display breaking news stories.

"These series are just the tip of the iceberg for History.com," said Paul Jelinek, Senior Vice President, Digital Media, A&E Television Networks. "News and information is being delivered faster and in more formats than ever. It is our goal to make the website a must-visit for consumers looking not only for history but also a place where they can find historical context behind the news."

-- BAND OF BLOGGERS - The well-documented use of handheld video cameras by soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan has given us a perspective on war never before seen in history. This destination will collect raw and riveting "soldier generated content" from an ever-expanding band of military bloggers who use the internet, digital cameras and cell phones to deliver honest, powerful and uncensored news from the battlefield. Anchoring the site will be daily video posts from dedicated bloggers offering exclusive updates for History.com. In addition, BAND OF BLOGGERS will solicit soldiers to post their own videos about their war experience. (3rd Quarter 2007)

-- YOUNG INDIANA JONES DOCUMENTARY COLLECTION - To complement the fictional television movies, George Lucas oversaw the creation of 94 historically accurate half-hour documentaries. Years in the making, these superbly-crafted, in-depth premieres cover a vast array of topics that will help significantly diversify our broadband library. Each is based on events that took place during the early part of the 20th century and provide context to the fictional adventures of the Young Indiana Jones. Topics range from The History of Slavery, What is Archaeology and The History of the Ballet to biographies of Al Capone, Ernest Hemingway and Vlad the Impaler. History.com will develop a rich media broadband site that will feature the documentaries, along with other relevant content. They will also air on History International and History Classroom. (4th Quarter 2007)

-- HERO SHIPS - Short form broadband series that brings to life fascinating moments in a legendary ships' history. Veteran crew members provide firsthand accounts of the dramatic episodes that have come to define the legend of a particular vessel, from the USS Missouri to the USS Omaha. (4th Quarter 2007)

-- HISTORY UNCUT - Moments of history are featured unedited and unfiltered, just as the cameramen recorded them. This series will put the spotlight on memorable events through time such as; the Wright Brothers' first flight attempt; Einstein's first trip to the United States in 1931; the scene after President Reagan was shot in 1981 by John Hinckley. (2nd Quarter 2007)

-- THE NAKED UNDERGROUND - This exclusive broadband series is an off-shoot of Cities of the Underworld, the new weekly series, which premiered Monday, April 23 at 9:00 pm ET/PT on The History Channel. The four to five minute short form pieces explore an urban myth linked to a particular city. Some of the stories to be featured are a Roman myth that links the word "testify" to a man's private parts, and in Edinburgh, it is in dispute whether or not Braveheart was a real person. (2nd Quarter 2007)

-- GREATEST STORIES NEVER TOLD - The original short form series is based on the Greatest Stories Never Told books by Rick Beyer. Every episode tells a fascinating, little known story from history with a surprise twist. From the world conqueror that died of a nosebleed to the development of the pigeon guided missile to Annie Oakley's shot at stopping World War I, host Timothy John Smith relates stories of the absurd. (4th Quarter 2007)

History.com is the definitive historical online resource that delivers entertaining and informative content through interactive timelines; video; maps; games; podcasts and RSS feeds. History.com delivers thousands of video streams, from presidential speeches, to UFO sightings, to D-Day, the award- winning site showcases newly created video clips daily. Web exclusive broadband video content has been developed from popular series and specials on The History Channel including Modern Marvels, Digging for the Truth, and Lost Worlds. Searching through History.com provides access to an extraordinary amount of historical information with unprecedented speed. In addition, an online classroom supplies educational resources including study guides and lesson plans for teachers. The website is located at http://www.history.com/.

The History Channel(R) is one of the leading cable television networks featuring compelling original, non-fiction specials and series that bring history to life in a powerful and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. The network provides an inviting place where people experience history in new and exciting ways enabling them to connect their lives today to the great lives and events of the past that provide a blueprint for the future. The History Channel has earned four Peabody Awards, three Primetime Emmy(R) Awards, ten News & Documentary Emmy(R) Awards and received the prestigious Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the network's Save Our History(R) campaign dedicated to historic preservation and history education. The History Channel reaches more than 91 million Nielsen subscribers. The website is located at www.History.com.


First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051031/HISTORYLOGO
AP Archive:

http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: The History Channel

CONTACT: Lynn Gardner, +1-212-850-9322, Lynn.gardner@aetn.com, or Joshua
Gross, +1-212-210-9184, Joshua.gross@aetn.com, both for The History Channel

Web site:

http://www.history.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information and photography please visit us on the web at www.historychannelpress.com.

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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

SAF Wants Donaldson Barred From Gun Stories After Hosting Brady Fete

SAF Wants Donaldson Barred From Gun Stories After Hosting Brady Fete

BELLEVUE, Wash., April 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Second Amendment Foundation today sent a letter to ABC News President David Westin, asking that reporter Sam Donaldson be barred from ever again reporting on gun rights issues, because he is serving as master of ceremonies at a fund-raiser for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

Donaldson is hosting the event May 15 in Washington, D.C. His appearance, said SAF founder Alan Gottlieb, reinforces the opinion of this nation's gun owners that ABC and its reporters for the most part share an anti-gun philosophy.

"We believe that the appearance of such a high-profile ABC reporter and commentator as the host of an event that raises money for one of the nation's most hysteria-driven gun control organizations is a terrible breach of propriety," Gottlieb said.

"Donaldson is actually out there in the spotlight," he continued, "helping this anti-gun organization raise hundreds of thousands of dollars that will be used to trample our Second Amendment rights. It's as bad as Dan Rather being the keynoter at a Democrat Party event in Texas a few years ago.

"Any appearance of fairness that Donaldson may have had on the gun rights issue just went out the window," Gottlieb observed. "As of now, Mr. Donaldson has zero credibility on any level that deals with firearms, and the same pretty much goes with ABC News as a news agency.

"Donaldson has no business hosting a fund raising event for a gun control organization, and ABC News has no business allowing it," Gottlieb stated.

"By participating in this event, Sam Donaldson and ABC News just spit in the faces of 80 million law-abiding gun owners," Gottlieb concluded, "and I guarantee sponsors of ABC News are going to hear from all of us."

The Second Amendment Foundation (http://www.saf.org/) is the nation's oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 600,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control.


Source: Second Amendment Foundation

CONTACT: Alan Gottlieb of the Second Amendment Foundation,
+1-425-454-7012

Web site:

http://www.saf.org/


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

COMEDY CENTRAL's Best Bets for the Weeks of May 6 and May 13

COMEDY CENTRAL's Best Bets for the Weeks of May 6 and May 13

NEW YORK, April 30 /PRNewswire/ --
Sunday, May 6

"Mind of Mencia"
10:00 p.m. - ep # 306 (All-New Episode)
Just when viewers thought they had seen all things Carlos Mencia, the
man is back with all new episodes of "Mind of Mencia." Each week,
Mencia takes stand-up to a whole new level of tell-it-like-it-is comedy.
Don't miss this week's in-your-face all-new episode!

"RENO 911!"
10:30 p.m. - ep # 413 (All-New Episode)
This week, Dangle visits his ex-wife and her new husband on their
anniversary. Meanwhile, the lady deputies stake-out a lecherous meth
dealer and his girlfriends. Tune in to COMEDY CENTRAL at 10:30 p.m.
this Sunday for an all-new laugh-packed episode of "RENO 911!"

Monday, May 7 - Thursday, May 10

"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"
11:00 p.m. (All-New Episodes)
The Emmy(R) and Peabody(R) Award-winning "The Daily Show with Jon
Stewart" takes a reality-based look at news, trends, current events and
politics with an alternative point of view. In each show, anchorman Jon
Stewart and his team of correspondents including Dan Bakkedahl, Samantha
Bee, Jason Jones, Aasif Mandvi, Rob Riggle and John Oliver, comment on
the day's stories, employing actual news footage, taped field pieces,
in-studio guests and on-the-spot coverage of important news events.

"The Colbert Report"
11:30 p.m. (All-New Episodes)
Move over O'Reilly, Carville and Scarborough -- there's another
loudmouth pundit in town, blowing a whole lot of hot air. Hosted by "The
Daily Show's" standout correspondent, Stephen Colbert, the Emmy(R)-
nominated "The Colbert Report" features no-holds-barred discussions in
which the important topics of our time and the daily news are treated
with absolutely no seriousness whatsoever.

"South Park: Week of Rage!"
10:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Get ready to rumble this week as rage attacks South Park! Don't miss a
punch as Jimmy and Timmy pummel one another in the cripple fight of the
century. Watch in horror as the maddening side effects of stem cells
unfold before the world's eyes. Next, prepare to be shocked as the evil
origins of the diabolical Professor Chaos are revealed. Finally, pray
the boys can escape the vengeance of a schoolmate from their past who is
annihilating everyone in his path. It's a week overloaded with so much
out of control fury that viewers will need anger management classes for
the next year to recover!

Wednesday, May 9

"Halfway Home"
10:30 p.m. - ep # 107 "Halfway Working" (All-New Episode)
This week on "Halfway Home," Kenny forces the residents to seek
employment at a shopping mall, where minimum wage jobs prove more
challenging than expected. Meanwhile, rats infest Crenshaw House.

Thursday, May 10

"The Showbiz Show with David Spade"
10:30 p.m. - ep. #308 (All-New Episode)
David Spade has returned for a third season to expose the satire hiding
in Hollywood's happenings and the twisted world of the entertainment
industry. The third season consists of new segments and includes the
returning favorites, the googly-eye dolls, "There I Said It" segments
and Spade's celebrity sit-downs.
There are new correspondents on the show including Edi Patterson and
Coleen Smith. Andy Daly has returned this season. If viewers thought
Hollywood was funny before, wait until they see "The Showbiz Show with
David Spade" take another turn poking fun at the famous.

Friday, May 11

"Friday Night Stand-Up Unplugged"
10:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
COMEDY CENTRAL is rolling out a line of their funniest musically-
inspired comedians in a mix tape they call "FNSU Unplugged." First, at
10 p.m., Stephen Lynch shares his drunken serenade he wrote for his
buddy. Next, it's the strumming of Demetri Martin's guitar in "Demetri
Martin. Person." It's time for a piano concert from Zach Galifianakis
and the set closes with the lyrical genius of Kyle Dunnigan at midnight.

Saturday, May 12

"Saturday Three-For-All"
12:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
COMEDY CENTRAL is paying homage to the voices of "Shrek the Third."
First, at 12:30 p.m., Cameron Diaz shows off more than her vocal chords
in "The Sweetest Thing." At 2:30 p.m., Mike Meyers hones his Scottish
accent in "So I Married an Axe Murderer." Finally, Eddie Murphy moves
from the low life to the high life in "Trading Places" at 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 13

"Mother of All Sundaes"
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join COMEDY CENTRAL this Mother's Day for the mother of all movie double
features. Get wowed by the less-than-ambitious Shaun as he fights to
save his dear old mum from hordes of zombies in "Shaun of the Dead" at
4:00 p.m. At 6:00 p.m., stay tuned for the mother of all scary movie
parodies, "Scary Movie 3."

"Mind of Mencia"
10:00 p.m. - ep # 307 (All-New Episode)
Just when viewers thought they had seen all things Carlos Mencia, the
man is back with all new episodes of "Mind of Mencia." Each week Mencia
takes stand-up to a whole new level of tell-it-like-it-is comedy. Don't
miss this week's in-your-face all-new episode!

"RENO 911!"
10:30 p.m. - ep # 410 (All-New Episode)
This week, Dangle accepts a wedding proposition from his ex-wife's
husband, but before he ties the knot, Wiegel gives an even bigger
surprise than she had planned. Tune in to COMEDY CENTRAL at 10:30 p.m.
this Sunday for an all-new laugh-packed episode of "RENO 911!"

Monday, May 14 - Thursday, May 17

"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"
11:00 p.m. (All-New Episodes)
The Emmy(R) and Peabody(R) Award-winning "The Daily Show with Jon
Stewart" takes a reality-based look at news, trends, current events and
politics with an alternative point of view. In each show, anchorman Jon
Stewart and his team of correspondents including Dan Bakkedahl, Samantha
Bee, Jason Jones, Aasif Mandvi, Rob Riggle and John Oliver, comment on
the day's stories, employing actual news footage, taped field pieces,
in-studio guests and on-the-spot coverage of important news events.

"The Colbert Report"
11:30 p.m. (All-New Episodes)
Move over O'Reilly, Carville and Scarborough -- there's another
loudmouth pundit in town, blowing a whole lot of hot air. Hosted by "The
Daily Show's" standout correspondent, Stephen Colbert, the Emmy(R)-
nominated "The Colbert Report" features no-holds-barred discussions in
which the important topics of our time and the daily news are treated
with absolutely no seriousness whatsoever.

Wednesday, May 16

"Halfway Home"
10:30 p.m. - ep # 109 "Halfway Innocent" (All-New Episode)
This week on "Halfway Home," Alan's wife hires a high-powered attorney
to exonerate her husband. Meanwhile, Eulogio meets one of his former
customers, who hasn't gotten over their sexual encounter.

Thursday, May 17

"The Showbiz Show with David Spade"
10:30 p.m. - ep. #309 (All-New Episode)
David Spade has returned for a third season to expose the satire hiding
in Hollywood's happenings and the twisted world of the entertainment
industry. The third season consists of new segments and includes the
returning favorites, the googly-eye dolls, "There I Said It" segments
and Spade's celebrity sit-downs. There are new correspondents on the
show including Edi Patterson and Coleen Smith. Andy Daly has returned
this season. If viewers thought Hollywood was funny before, wait until
they see "The Showbiz Show with David Spade" take another turn poking
fun of the famous.

Friday, May 18

"Friday Night Stand-Up Fresh!"
9:30 p.m. - Midnight
COMEDY CENTRAL is putting the freshness back into the weekend with "FNSU
Fresh!" First, at 9:30 p.m., Josh Sneed ponders how the fresh-eyed
children of America will get along mixing Bob the Builder with Hip-Hop
music. Next, John Caparulo talks about settling into his job as a
stand-up comedian at 10:00 p.m., then at 10:30 p.m. Lisa Landry opens up
about her new marriage. Finally, at 11:00 p.m., Finesse Mitchell talks
about his new job on TV, followed by Steve Byrne at 11:30 p.m., who has
finally learned the correct way for a man to lie down.

"Live at Gotham" -- Second Season Premiere
Midnight (All-New Episode)
"Live at Gotham," COMEDY CENTRAL's underground, cutting-edge sensation,
returns for a second season. Each week, COMEDY CENTRAL heads to Gotham
Comedy Club in New York City to bring viewers six of the newest,
funniest comics on the scene, hosted by such comedians as Artie Lange,
Jim Breuer and Lewis Black.

COMEDY CENTRAL, the only all-comedy network, currently is seen in more than 91 million homes nationwide. COMEDY CENTRAL is owned by, and is a registered trademark of, Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned division of VIACOM Inc.'s (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:and)(NYSE:VIA.B) MTV Networks. COMEDY CENTRAL's Internet address is http://www.comedycentral.com/.

For up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs visit Press Central, COMEDY CENTRAL's press web site at http://www.comedycentral.com/press.

*All Times ET/PT

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:


Source: COMEDY CENTRAL

CONTACT: Kelly Campbell of COMEDY CENTRAL, +1-310-407-4728,
kelly.campbell@comedycentral.com

Web site:

http://www.comedycentral.com/


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

The Los Angeles Premiere of DreamWorks 'Shrek the Third'

The Los Angeles Premiere of DreamWorks 'Shrek the Third'


WHAT: THE LOS ANGELES PREMIERE OF DREAMWORKS "SHREK THE THIRD"

WHEN: Sunday, May 6, 2007, Promptly at 11:00 A.M.
Arrivals begin at 10:00 a.m.
Press Check-in begins at: 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: MANN'S VILLAGE THEATER
961 Broxton Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024

WHO: Cast members and filmmakers attending include:

Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, Justin
Timberlake, Julie Andrews, Rupert Everett, Cheri Oteri, Amy
Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Amy Sedaris, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Larry
King, Aron Warner, Chris Miller, Raman Hui, Denise Nolan Casino

Celebrities attending include:

Mary J. Blige, Val Kilmer, Ray Liotta, Amy Brenneman, Andy Garcia,
Eric McCormack, Sean Astin, Brad Silberling, Jay Mohr, Haley Joel
Osment, Enrico Colantoni, Nikki Cox ("Las Vegas"), Andrea Bowen
("Desperate Housewives"), Christopher Massey, Erin Sanders and
Victoria Justice ("Zoey 101), Emily Osment and Shanica Knowles
("Hannah Montana"), Kyle Massey ("That's So Raven"), Corbin Bleu,
Monique Coleman and Ashley Tisdale ("High School Musical"), Alyson
Stoner ("The Suite Life of Zach & Cody"), Devon Werkheiser (Ned's
Declassified")

ABOUT "SHREK THE THIRD":


When Shrek married Fiona, the last thing he had in mind was becoming the next King. But when Shrek's father-in-law, King Harold, suddenly croaks, that is exactly what he faces. Unless Shrek (with the help of his trusted companions Donkey and Puss In Boots) can find a suitable King for Far Far Away, the ogre could be stuck with the job. The most promising candidate, Fiona's cousin Artie, an underachieving Medieval high school slacker, proves to be more of a challenge than they bargained for.

RELEASE DATE: May 18, 2007

ALL PRESS MUST BE ACCREDITED TO COVER THE EVENT

For further information, please call:

Broadcast - Gail Silverman - (323) 956-4721
Print/Radio - Sonya Ede - (323) 956-8975
Photo - photo_rsvp@paramount.com

(Logo:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991206/PARLOGOhttp://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040816/LAM079LOGO)


PRNewswire -- April 30

Photo: NewsCom:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991206/PARLOGO
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040816/LAM079LOGO
AP Archive:

http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Paramount Pictures


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

COMEDY CENTRAL(R) Heats Things Up This Summer With All-New Series and Specials as Well as Returning Favorites

COMEDY CENTRAL(R) Heats Things Up This Summer With All-New Series and Specials as Well as Returning Favorites

--------

New Originals Include Series 'Lil' Bush' and 'American Body Shop'

--------

All-New One-Hour, Stand-Up Specials From Brian Regan, Daniel Tosh and Gabriel Iglesias

--------

The Annual 'COMEDY CENTRAL Roast'

--------

New Episodes From Returning Favorites 'Mind of Mencia' and 'Web Shows'

--------

NEW YORK, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- COMEDY CENTRAL fans get ready! Summer 2007 will be chock full of brand spanking new comedy. From new series ("Lil' Bush," "American Body Shop") to new specials ("Brian Regan," "Daniel Tosh: Completely Serious") to returning series ("Mind of Mencia," "Web Shows"), COMEDY CENTRAL is the best place to tune in and cool down in the months to come.

The following are descriptions of new series, new specials and returning series premiering in Summer of 2007:

JUNE 2007

"Larry the Cable Guy: Morning Constitutions" - World Premiere Stand-up
Special Premieres Sunday, June 3 at 8:00 p.m.


The early bird might be out catching the worm, but this morning riser has got only one place to be. As king of his castle, Larry the Cable Guy needs a throne from where he can spout off his stories and COMEDY CENTRAL is giving it to him. Come join Larry for the World Premiere of "Larry the Cable Guy: Morning Constitutions" and see what it takes to "git-r-done!"

"Brian Regan Special" (working title) - World Premiere Stand-up Special
Premieres Sunday, June 10 at 10:00 p.m.


The utterly sarcastic Brian Regan is back on COMEDY CENTRAL, this time for his first one-hour original stand-up special. Tune in as Regan unleashes his thoughts on the absurdities of ordering coffee, cooking pop tarts and trying to buy a refrigerator. Plus, check out as Regan ventures into the familiar world of family vacations, games you played at childhood birthday parties and the dreaded world of science fair projects. It's a guaranteed hour of side- splitting, snow cone-ordering comedy.

"Lil' Bush" -- Series Premiere
Premieres Wednesday, June 13 at 10:30 p.m.


"Lil' Bush" follows the misadventures of Lil' George Bush and his precocious pals Lil' Condi, Lil' Rummy and the unintelligible, foulmouthed wisecracker Lil' Cheney. They're like the Lil' Rascals with access to the A- Bomb; getting into mischief, learning stuff, and squaring off with their many rivals like Lil' Kim Jong-Il and Lil' John Kerry. Each week we follow our Lil' gang (along with irascible dad George Sr., sweetly sinister Bar, and dumb as paint Jeb) as they get mixed up in all sorts of crazy adventures from taking a field trip to Iraq to just taking crank. We'll watch with wonder as they grow up into real deciders. If you're looking for laughs mission accomplished.

"Daniel Tosh: Completely Serious" -- World Premiere Stand-up Special
Premieres Sunday, June 17 at 10:00 p.m.


Daniel Tosh is in the O.C. and he's not holding back! Watch him add some fast-pace humor to this sleeping community as he rants about the concept of affirmative action for white basketball players, sock puppets who like it rough and how he woke up a racist after falling asleep to CMT. If you love flip-flops and hate Nebraska, tune in for Daniel Tosh's seriously absurd new special.

JULY 2007

"Web Shows" -- All-new Episodes
Premieres July 2 at 2:00 a.m.


Shorts from comedycentral.com and Atom Entertainment make up this cutting edge series. "Web Shows" is an on-air, late-night jukebox format for COMEDY CENTRAL's original digital shorts for which the network began production for comedycentral.com in November 2005. Each episode of "Web Shows" will feature a line-up of original programming including animation, live-action narratives, topical stand-up performances and sketch comedies. Among the series are "Baxter & McGuire," from "King of Queens" creator Michael J. Weithorn and Nick Bakay, "Golden Age," which was an official selection of the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, the Telly Award-winning "I Love The 30's," "The Watch List," the first-ever stand-up show to feature an all Middle-Eastern line-up and many others.

"Mind of Mencia" -- All-new Episodes
Premieres July 8 at 10:00 p.m.


Shot in the studio and on location, "Mind of Mencia" is based on Mencia's unique point of view of the world including such topics as ethnic stereotypes, race relations, immigration, war, patriotism, capitalism and family and is presented with brutal honesty and unrelenting provocation. The show includes Mencia's comments on pop culture and current events, man-on-the-street interviews, commercial parodies, as well as interaction with the studio audience. COMEDY CENTRAL rolls out the remaining eight original episodes from the hit series' third season.

"American Body Shop" -- Series Premiere
Premieres Sunday, July 8 at 10:30 p.m.


Stop by COMEDY CENTRAL for a tune-up as "American Body Shop" reveals the mysterious and hysterical world of car maintenance, body work and the people who toil in it. "American Body Shop" is an improvised narrative in the same vein as the network's hit series, "RENO 911!," which will, as "RENO" did to the world of law enforcement, shed a whole new light on the way people look at their local auto body repair shops and the often eccentric characters who work there.

AUGUST 2007

"Gabriel Iglesias Special" (working title) - World Premiere Stand-up
Special Premieres Saturday, August 4 (time TBD)
Get ready for all-new comedy from funny man Gabriel Iglesias.

"The COMEDY CENTRAL Roast" - All-new Special
Date and Roastee TBA


We only "Roast" the ones we love and COMEDY CENTRAL makes sure that the entire country gets to see just how much love there is to go around. In 2004, the annual Roast underwent a facelift courtesy of COMEDY CENTRAL. Gone are the formal black tie, dais and orchestra. It is a hip, free-for-all, rock-n- roll feel as contemporary legends are "Roasted," to the delight of all. Celebrities who have been successfully "Roasted" on COMEDY CENTRAL in the past include Drew Carey, Jerry Stiller, Rob Reiner, Hugh M. Hefner, Chevy Chase, Denis Leary, Jeff Foxworthy, Pamela Anderson and, most recently, William Shatner. The year's "Roastee" is TBA.

COMEDY CENTRAL, the only all-comedy network, currently is seen in more than 91 million homes nationwide. COMEDY CENTRAL is owned by, and is a registered trademark of, Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned division of VIACOM Inc.'s (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:and)(NYSE:VIA.B) MTV Networks. COMEDY CENTRAL's Internet address is http://www.comedycentral.com/.

For up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs visit Press Central, COMEDY CENTRAL's press web site at http://www.comedycentral.com/press.

*All Times ET/PT


Source: COMEDY CENTRAL

CONTACT: Jamie Lee of COMEDY CENTRAL, +1-212-767-3949,
jamie.lee@comedycentral.com

Web site:

http://www.comedycentral.com/


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Profile: intent