MTV & Verizon Team Up for an MTV VOD First on Verizon FiOS TV

MTV & Verizon Team Up for an MTV VOD First on Verizon FiOS TV

Verizon FiOS TV to Offer On-Demand Episodes of the Anticipated New Series 'Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew' Just 24 Hours After MTV Debut on February 7 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt

NEW YORK, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV (http://www.mtv.com/) and Verizon announced today that Verizon FiOS TV will be the exclusive on-demand provider of full episodes of the anticipated new series, "Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew" (http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/dance_crew/series.jhtml). In an MTV VOD first on Verizon FiOS TV, the episodes will be available just 24-hours after the MTV premiere on February 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Additionally, leading up to the premiere, Verizon FiOS TV is already providing exclusive access to MTV dance- related content including the hottest dance trends emerging in New York City and Los Angeles, and step by step dance instructionals given by dancers featured on "America's Best Dance Crew."

"We are always looking for opportunities to enhance the viewer experience, and we are excited to be working with our friends at Verizon FiOS TV who clearly share the same goal," said Juliette Morris, SVP of Content Distribution and Marketing for MTV Networks. "Together we are can provide an almost immediate On Demand experience for one of MTV's most anticipated new series this spring, thereby supporting the value of the platform, and increasing buzz and awareness around the live linear premiere."

"We're delighted that our Verizon FiOS TV customers will have exclusive on-demand access to MTV's next great series," said Terry Denson, vice president -- Verizon FiOS TV content and programming. "Customers increasingly are turning to FiOS TV for viewing experiences they can't find elsewhere, and we're happy to join with MTV to provide another platform for their newest content," Denson said.

"Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew" is the first dance competition series showcasing dance crews rather than individual dancers. Week after week, each dance crew will work to show-off their most innovative choreography and sick dance skills. Mario Lopez ("Dancing with the Stars") will host and judges JC Chasez (N*Sync), hip hop sensation Lil Mama, and choreographer Shane Sparks ("You Got Served") will evaluate the dance crews. They won't be the only judges as fans also chime in to determine the two weakest crews each week that will battle for their lives, with only one surviving to dance another day. With a crew eliminated weekly, only the strongest will survive to be crowned "America's Best Dance Crew," winning a stellar cash prize and touring contract.

Verizon FiOS TV provides MTV programming as a part of its Free On-Demand service. Verizon delivers FiOS TV on the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network all the way to customers' homes in parts of 13 states. There will be significant off-channel media supporting the On Demand partnership around this series and targeting potential FiOS TV customers in key markets.

"Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew" is executive produced by "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson, Rob Lee (Bayonne Entertainment), Hip Hop International's Howard Schwartz and Karen Schwartz (the creators of the USA & World Hip Hop Dance Championships), Harriet Sternberg (Dream Merchant 21) and Joel Gallen (Tenth Planet Productions). David Auerbach and Brooke Karzen are the executives overseeing the project for Warner Horizon Television ("The Bachelor;" "The Search For The Next Pussycat Doll"). Drew Tappon and Lauren Dolgen are the executives overseeing the project for MTV.

About MTV

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:VIA.B), is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 130 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services. The network also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 66 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of nearly 235,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

Verizon's Online News Center: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news.

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Source: MTV

CONTACT: David French of MTV, +1-212-846-6406,
David.french@mtvstaff.com; or Sharon Cohen-Hagar of Verizon, +1-908-559-3470,
sharon.cohen-hagar@verizon.com

Web site:

http://www.mtv.com/
http://www.verizon.com/

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