ARIA AND MTV NETWORKS AUSTRALIA JOIN FORCES IN AN EXCLUSIVE PAY TV PARTNERSHIP

Sydney, September 13, 2007 - ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) and MTV Networks Australia have today announced an exclusive partnership set to further boost the profile of   Australian music. The formation of this strategic media partnership will see MTV Networks Australia (MTVNA) acquire the exclusive pay TV rights to all of ARIA’s key events and properties. The arrangement allows MTVNA to build exclusive programming around these entities and partner with ARIA closely, adding a further boost to their local programming.

Mr Denis Handlin AM, Chairman of ARIA and Chairman and CEO SONY BMG Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand, emphasised today why this new partnership was so appealing to both parties, “We were so impressed by the enthusiasm from MTV Networks Australia. When they learned we were looking to form an official alliance they showed a tremendous amount of zeal for the concept via innovative and passionate ideas, and creativity. They are pioneers in the music television genre and are a strong group of like-minded people who share our commitment to the local industry.  The board of ARIA and myself look forward to working with MTV Networks Australia”.
 
Mr Dave Sibley, Managing Director, MTV Networks Australia, echoed the thoughts of Mr Handlin saying, “We've been investing in local music content for a little while now, and we're grateful that ARIA has recognised this. We look forward to an even closer relationship with the Australian music industry and to using our various channels both here and abroad to benefit local acts.”
 
Mr Stephen Peach, CEO of ARIA, explained that this type of arrangement will be something ARIA looks to explore more of in the future.  “We have a dedicated team on board, searching out like-minded media entities with an interest in celebrating the amazing success and potential of Australian music. The partnership with MTV Networks Australia will strengthen the position of all ARIA’s key events and properties and ensure they remain at the forefront of music culture in Australia.  We intend to set a new benchmark in content/medium delivery”.

MTV Networks Australia’s relationship with the Motorola ARIA Chart and Hall Of Fame commences immediately, with their focus on the ARIA Awards commencing at the conclusion of this year’s event.  To accommodate the partnership MTV Networks Australia has created a new role specifically devoted to the implementation and management of the ARIA properties.   Former VH1 and Digital Media Marketing Manager Annette Staglieno, has been appointed ARIA Project Manager on behalf of MTV Networks Australia with her role commencing immediately.
 


About ARIA
ARIA is a national industry association representing major and independent record producers, manufacturers and distributors. It acts as an advocate for the Australian music industry, administers the labeling code of practice, provides a ‘blanket’ non-exclusive licensing function for copyright users and compiles industry information and research. For more information: http:www.aria.com.au

About MTV Networks Australia
MTV Networks Australia is a 24-hour music and entertainment network targeting 16-29 year olds on the FOXTEL, Optus, AUSTAR, and AUSTAR Digital platforms.  MTV Networks Australia consists of 3 channels MTV, VH1 and TMF as well as broadband channel MTV Overdrive. Visit mtv.com.au.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 120 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 these networks trademarks of MTV Networks.  MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 95 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television MTV Networks International includes the premier multimedia entertainment brands MTV: Music Television, VH1, Nickelodeon, TMF (The Music Factory), VIVA, Paramount Comedy and Game One seen in 420 million households in 164 countries and 18 languages via 104 locally programmed and operated TV channels and 90 Web sites. The company's diverse holdings also include interests in television syndication, digital media, publishing, home video, radio, recorded music, licensing & merchandising and two feature film divisions, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. MTV Networks is a unit of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).