In an unprecedented global music initiative, MTV Networks services around the world will air customized programming from the upcoming Live 8 concerts being held in multiple international venues on July 2nd, potentially reaching a world-wide audience of more than 1 billion people. Audiences in the Middle East will be able to view these programmes on MTV exclusively on the Showtime Network.
On Friday 1st July, to mark the G8 Conference being held in Gleneagles in July and as companion programming to MTV's coverage of the Live 8 Concerts, MTV will present a unique 1 hour programme designed to explain the issues being discussed at the G8 and giving many of the artists taking part in Live 8 and young people from around the world a chance to put their questions to UK Prime Minister and G8 Chair Tony Blair. Bob Geldof will also be present to follow up on questions when appropriate.
MTV Europe will be airing 8 minute hourly bulletins comprised of performances, backstage interviews and specially created packages from 15:00 KSA until 02:00 KSA. On July 3 at 11:00 KSA and repeated at 17:00 KSA, the day after the concerts take place, a one-hour Live 8 special with featured global performances will be broadcast on MTV Networks music channels around the world.
As the motivating force behind 1985’s Live Aid concert, Sir Bob Geldof is leading the effort for this year’s Live 8 concerts, alongside formidable international campaigns whose goals are to eradicate poverty in the world’s poorest countries. “Make Poverty History” in the U.K. and in the U.S., DATA’s “One” Campaign led by Bono, each with millions of supporters around the world, have joined forces for a “Global Call to Action Against Poverty.”
“Our proudest moments are when we use our unique global position to help connect our audience with the important events of the day and offer a creative outlet for artists to express themselves about the issues of our time,” said Judy McGrath, MTV Networks Chairman. “Live 8 is one of those moments and we’re glad to join our musical brothers and sisters in every corner of the world to help shine the spotlight on ending poverty.”
Commented Van Toffler, President of MTV Networks Music Group, “Music has always served as a lightning rod for social change and commentary. Over the last few weeks, an incredible passion has been building around Live 8’s mission and we want to help bring that passion back to our audience. By empowering our viewers to take action against poverty, we're reinforcing the message that as world citizens, we're all in this together."
About Showtime
In the Middle East, Showtime is the trading name of Gulf DTH which is a joint media venture between the Kuwait Projects Company (Holding) and Viacom Inc.
Showtime is the premier digital satellite pay-TV network in the Middle East and North Africa. Headquartered in Dubai Media City, Showtime also has offices in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and London. The network offers 50 premium television channels, including 40 exclusive channels, 10 CD audio channels, with a broadcast reach of 22 countries. With a combination of house channels including The Movie Channel, Movietime, Al Sha Sha, Paramount Comedy Channel and TV Land, and pass through channels Showtime boasts exclusively such global brand names as Discovery, E! Entertainment, Hallmark, MTV Europe, and Extreme Sports amongst others.
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with 100 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, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 80 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.
