SAN DIEGO, CA. (MediaFLO USA Inc.) - MediaFLO USA Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of QUALCOMM Incorporated, and MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today announced a multi-year licensing agreement under which MTV Networks will provide channels branded MTV, Nickelodeon and COMEDY CENTRAL to MediaFLO USA's mobile entertainment service. MediaFLO USA intends to offer this compelling, full-length content to subscribers 24/7 via their mobile phones in partnership with wireless operators, enabling consumers to enjoy their favorite programs on the go. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The relationship will bring consumers access to audience favorites including reality, entertainment and children's programming. MTV content includes the popular reality drama "The Real World;" Nickelodeon offers the pop culture phenomenon "SpongeBob SquarePants;" and COMEDY CENTRAL brings the Peabody and Emmy award-winning "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart."
"Our audiences are the 'mobile generation,' and we've built brands that are vibrant and accessible on every platform to connect with them wherever they are, in the most engaging way possible," said Judy McGrath, chairman and CEO, MTV Networks. "Our deal with MediaFLO USA enables MTV Networks to provide audiences with a rich new experience and strengthens our position on the forefront of mobile entertainment in the U.S."
"This partnership with MTV Networks is a powerful validation of the mobile multimedia opportunity in the United States, and it underscores the ability of MediaFLO USA to secure the very best content from the world's leading entertainment companies," said Paul Jacobs, chief executive officer, QUALCOMM.
"Our mobile video business continues to grow rapidly as we add more channels, more content and more distribution around the world," said Nicole Browning, president, affiliate sales and marketing, MTV Networks. "We're thrilled to be partnering with MediaFLO USA and leveraging their innovative service to increase the breadth of our wireless footprint and the depth of our audience connections."
"With must-see content from companies like MTV Networks soon to be available in the first TV-quality mobile media environment, MediaFLO USA is creating a new, additional avenue for audiences to connect with their favorite brands and programming," said Gina Lombardi, president of MediaFLO USA. "Our market research and consumer trials confirm that wireless subscribers expect exciting, high-quality entertainment and viewing experiences on their handsets, and MTV Networks provides the content that is at the top of their list."
Guided by extensive primary research and consumer trials, MediaFLO USA intends to secure familiar, premium brands from many of the world's leading media companies and leverage its nationwide multicast network to deliver full-length, TV-quality programming to mobile phones. The agreement with MTV Networks brings an engaging portfolio of youth- and young adult-oriented programming to MediaFLO USA's mobile entertainment service. MTV is the World's Most Valuable Pure Media Brand for the 7th year in a row, according to the Interbrand/Business Week 2006 survey, "The World's Most Valuable Brands;" Nickelodeon has remained the No. 1 rated basic cable network for more than 11 years, according to Nielsen; and COMEDY CENTRAL is television's only all-comedy network and is the No. 1 basic cable network in primetime among men ages 18-24 for the third straight year, also according to Nielsen.
According to MTVN Global Research, MTV Networks is the world's leading provider of wireless video programming. In the United States alone, MTVN publishes more than 600 clips and 30 hours of video across all the major wireless carriers.
