Affiliate Sales/Marketing to Be Re-Branded as Content Distribution and Marketing; Department Moves to Account-Focused Structure Under New Leadership of Executive Vice President Denise Dahldorf

NEW YORK, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — MTV Networks (MTVN) and BET Networks (BETN), units of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , today announced a new structure and business strategy for their Affiliate Sales and Marketing group, under the leadership of that department’s newly appointed Executive Vice President, Denise Dahldorf. The group will be re-branded Content Distribution and Marketing, MTVN and BETN, and will implement an account-focused structure to model and best serve the evolving needs and direction of the company’s distribution partners.

"We’re content creators, and we want our world class content available to as many people, on as many platforms as possible," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO, MTVN. "The name ‘Content Distribution and Marketing’ conveys the full multiplatform scope of our distribution efforts, and opportunities we mine not only on linear television, but across online portals, wireless, VOD, download-to-own and other emerging platforms."

McGrath continued, "Under Denise’s leadership, our new account-focused structure for Content Distribution and Marketing positions us to meet the needs of our distribution partners across all platforms, and to ensure that our content is available in every home, on every screen."

"We are extremely excited about working with Denise and the team she has put in place," said Debra Lee, Chairman and CEO, BET Networks. "She is an exceptional dealmaker, and she understands the power and relevance of the brands in BET Networks’ portfolio."

MTV Networks currently has agreements in place with all the major cable and satellite distributors, giving the company an industry-leading 25% share of the domestic cable market, according to Nielsen. The company is fully distributed in free video-on-demand enabled households, offering 100 content hours across VOD channels from brands including MTV, VH1, COMEDY CENTRAL, CMT, Nickelodeon, and Logo. MTVN continues to partner with cable operators on interactive television applications, and rollout new products across all platforms, including the high definition network MHD, exclusive broadband products such as Nick Arcade and MyNoggin.com, and URGE Radio.

New Leadership

In her role as Executive Vice President of Content Distribution and Marketing, Dahldorf oversees all distribution activities for MTVN and BET Networks, working to strategically secure and maintain distribution for channels including MTV: Music Television, MTV 2, MTV Tr3s, VH1, VH1 Soul, VH1 Classic, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Spike TV, COMEDY CENTRAL, Logo, TV Land, Noggin, The N, CMT; and BETN’s BET, BET Gospel, BET J, and BET Hip Hop. She reports to MTVN’s acting COO, Rich Eigendorff.

Prior to this position, Dahldorf served as Senior Vice President, Cable Sales, Distribution and National Accounts, for MTVN. In that role, she was responsible for sales, marketing and contract negotiations for all cable affiliates. She also oversaw the domestic distribution and marketing of 29 video networks and broadband services URGE.com and MyNoggin.com. Dahldorf joined MTV Networks in 1994 as Director, Affiliate Services.

"The goal for our new structure is to more closely align ourselves with the varied distribution partners we serve," said Dahldorf. "We’re moving from a regional model to an account-focused model, and we’re elevating key personnel to offer the best service and solutions for our partners in television, portals, wireless, and every other available screen."

In line with this new account-focused structure for Content Distribution and Marketing, MTVN announced several promotions assigning responsibility for its cable and satellite content distribution accounts. Samantha Cooper, Meg Lowe and Courtney Menzel have all been promoted to the Senior Vice President level, responsible for leading MTVN’s distribution efforts across all platforms, with all partners. All report to Dahldorf.

Also, Juliette Morris will assume leadership of the department’s marketing arm, as Senior Vice President, Content Distribution Marketing, MTVN and BETN, reporting to Dahldorf. In this role, Morris will oversee all content distribution marketing and local ad sales for MTVN’s and BET Networks’ brands. She joined the company two years ago from HBO, where she was Vice President of Affiliate Marketing for HBO and Cinemax.

Additionally, Greg Clayman, Senior Vice President, MTVN Mobile Media; and Jason Witt, Senior Vice President, Online Distribution and Partnerships, MTVN Global Digital Media will continue to manage mobile partnerships and guide the company’s portal deals, respectively. Clayman and Witt report to Mika Salmi, President, MTVN Global Digital Media, with a connection to Dahldorf.

MTVN also today announced a new organizational strategy for its Advertising Sales division, designed to enhance the company’s client focus and foster further development of innovative marketing solutions. Under the new structure, MTVN will realign its channels into three demo-specific, strategic selling "clusters," to leverage the individual strength of its portfolio of multiplatform brands, while taking full advantage of the efficiencies achieved when working within specific demographics and audience behaviors. The clusters are joined by specialized units within the Ad Sales division, including Digital Advertising Sales, and the new MTVN Brand Solutions and MTVN Generator units, which focus on client partnerships spanning MTVN’s brands, and new business opportunities, respectively.

About BET Networks, MTV Networks and Viacom

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the leading provider of media and entertainment for African Americans and consumers of Black culture on a global basis. The primary BET cable network reaches more than 84 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET Digital Networks — BET J, BET Gospel, and BET Hip-Hop — are brands that combine to serve a broader and more diverse audience than the core network. BET.com is the number one Internet destination for the target audiences. BET Mobile delivers music, gaming, and video content to the target audiences on wireless devices across virtually all service providers. BET Event Productions is a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe. BET International delivers BET content to the consumers of Black culture around the world. BET Networks inspires its audiences to make a difference in their lives and communities with a broad and impactful pro-social agenda. Touch BET; pro-social initiatives that help stop AIDS and obesity and shed light on the legendary contributions African Americans have made to this world includes Rap-It-Up, Speak Now, BET Foundation and A Healthy BET.

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 135 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/THE N, 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 200 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.

Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics. Engaging its audiences through television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom reaches its audiences wherever they consume content. Viacom’s leading brands include the multiplatform properties of MTV Networks, including MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, TV Land, Logo and more than 135 networks around the world, as well as digital assets such as Neopets, Xfire and Atom Entertainment; BET Networks; Paramount Pictures; Paramount Home Entertainment; DreamWorks; and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at http://www.viacom.com/.

Source: MTV Networks

CONTACT: Lauren Hurvitz, +1-212-846-8036, lauren.hurvitz@mtvstaff.com,
or David Bittler, +1-212-846-5263, david.bittler@mtvstaff.com, both of MTV
Networks

Web site: http://www.mtv.com/
http://www.viacom.com/

Graffiti is the new cool and is currently used by corporations and businesses worldwide as a way to get ‘streetwise’. Today’s pieces will be tomorrow’s classics and you can learn the methods and techniques used by professional graffiti artists much more easily nowadays simply by logging on to the internet and accessing http://www.graffitimasterclass.com

London, UK (PRWEB) February 28, 2007 — Artists are coming off the street and into offices bringing graffiti as a lost art form back into society.

For thousands of years humans drew on walls with gorgeous works of art from the Egyptians to Michelangelo.

Today, it’s often viewed as a disgusting thing with criminal charges laid around the world on a daily basis.

New website launched (www.graffitimasterclass.com) reveals the strategies used by underground graffiti artists which now bring these methods to the mainstream through murals, album covers, magazines, posters and websites.

This has created a whole new media industry and is slowly gaining recognition as a new form of sought after art in the same way that paintings have been for centuries.

Recently, well known artists such as Robert Banks, AKA Banksy, have created works of graffiti that have sold for as much as $90,000 or more and are constantly purchased by celebrities such as Angelina Jolie.

You too can learn this art with:

* online videos filmed in high definition showing a professional graffiti artist as he starts at home with a blank piece of paper and ends up with a full size masterpiece, created in an afternoon with narration revealing all the tips and tricks that professional graffiti artists use and a cool hip/trip hop soundtrack.
* a bonus feature showing a heat of ‘Secret Wars’ in London with 4 renowned graffiti artists battling for supremacy and judged on their style, technique, originality and attitude.
* extra tips and tricks for artists & articles by e-mail detailing the lifestyle that is graffiti and how it’s becoming more accepted as a legitimate art form in the 21st century.

Gain the recognition, money, fame and street cred that is now becoming associated with graffiti. Stop hiding in the closet – log on to www.graffitimasterclass.com to find out what it’s all about.

Neil Campbell
Graffiti Masterclass
http://www.graffitimasterclass.com/
01622 721449

HOLLYWOOD, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — American Southwest Music Distribution, Inc. (OTC BB: ASWD) announces that Screw-U Records, with whom American Southwest Music has a multi-artist distribution agreement, has entered into a multi-album recording deal with Huntsville, Alabama rap group X.O. The group consists of James Hunter (p.k.a "Mata"), Legunter Robinson (p.k.a. "Gunt"), and Craig Mathews (p.k.a. "Jhi Ali").

"We are definitely excited about joining the Screw U family. Screw U is doing big things and this gives us a great platform to showcase our music," commented Jhi Ali.

Remarked Screw-U-Records CEO Walter Goodin, "X.O. is the real deal. Through our distribution agreement with American Southwest Music Distribution and Universal Republic, X.O. will be one of the most popular new rap groups of 2007."

About Screw-U-Records

Screw-U-Records is a dynamic, young record label headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama with offices in Hollywood and Atlanta. The company has an outstanding track record of discovering and successfully marketing independent artists throughout the country. For more information, go to www.screwurecords.net.

About American Southwest Music Distribution

American Southwest Music Distribution: ASWD (www.aswmd.com) is a publicly traded company formed by music veterans David Michery and Robert Guillerman. The company has partnered with Universal Records; divisions of UMG Recordings Inc. to form a niche in the production marketing and distribution of fresh musical talent via traditional and nontraditional vehicles. The company is pleased to announce that their CEO David Michery has been featured on Market News First (www.mnl.com), please visit the website for more information.

Cautionary Statement: This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21 E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Although American Southwest Music Distribution, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any assumption could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion should not be regarded as a representation by American Southwest Music Distribution, Inc., or any other person that the objectives and plans of American Southwest Music Distribution, Inc. will be achieved.

CONTACT: Meredith, (416) 871-0655

Source: American Southwest Music Distribution, Inc.

New York, NY, February 27, 2007 – The latest releases from Akon,

Wu-Tang Clan, David Banner, and Pharoahe Monch are now just a phone call

away.  SRC Records has partnered with BeatPhone (www.BeatPhone.com) to

create a music hotline that lets fans hear new singles right over the

telephone by calling 212-937-7722(SRC2). 

    "We reached out to Steve Rifkind because he has always embraced

creative marketing strategies to promote his artists, going back to the

street teams of the early ’90s with Loud Records," says Dorsey West,

founder of BeatPhone.  "Promoting music over the telephone allows SRC to

build a buzz for new songs without worrying about Internet leaks by letting

fans hear tracks on the hotline without being able to download them."

    Calls to the SRC Hotline are billed just like a regular phone call

and no additional charges apply.  Artists and record labels interested in

promoting their music over the telephone can visit the BeatPhone website

at http://www.BeatPhone.com or call 312-377-6657.

For:  BeatPhone, 831 W. Maple Ave., PMB 212, Homewood, IL, 60430.

Contact:  Dorsey West, (708)829-4493, dwest@beatphone.com.

It’s the assumed assumption that there are very little female mc’s in the UK and if you were to ask around, some may only be able to mention a handful, from such artists as Lady Sovereign, Miss Dynamite Shysite and Estelle but don’t be fooled by these stats. The UK has an abundance of mc’s many of whom are making a name for themselves on the underground circuit.

Two such mc’s are Jai (JAI (Pronounced J a.k.a Just an Identity) and Diva Spark (a.k.a Hip-hop’s Boricua) two individual mcs who meet on the open mic circuit and joined forces to produce their first collaboration mixtape project titled HERStory Vol.1 which is released on Lcm records (Life Changing Movements) and is available from Monday 12th February 2007.

HERStory vol.1 features some underground heads such as Manage & Conflix, Matrix, Genesis Elijah & Malik (md7) Grymey D, Logic (pdc) Nutty P, Flirta D, Staxz and Leeo. Tracks off HERStory vol.1 promises to take the listener on a journey that explores the minds and perspectives of two female lyricists with an immense passion for Hip-Hop and street poetry. It is extremely versatile in sound ranging from personal experiences, political views, ways of life, rebelling conspiracies to just kicking back and catching jokes. HERStory vol.1 provides tracks to provoke thought, entertain, shock and soothe who would have thought that could be possible on one CD

‘ HERstory Vol1 has been a real growth process for me personally from a spitter to an artist, 2006 was the start of it and now its time to let them know from every angle, you cant doubt it cos everything you hear on this CD is truth, this is our way of painting that’ …..JAI

‘I believe music is a chance at a voice in a silenced society so I’ve always found hip-hop as a chance to release. This mix tape has tracks on it for everyone from your Nan to the streets there’s even something for the dance floors. This mix tape is just the start for us making history HERstory´….DIVA SPARK

tRack listing

1.       Her Story Intro
2.       we’re doing it
3.       writing durrty
4.       Tru shattered glass feat. Manage & conflix
5.       London burning , remix feat matrix
6.       don’t cha
7.       hiphop feat genesis elijah & Malik (md7)
8.       connect & flow
9.       runnin’ str8spitten feat grymey d logic (pdc)
10.   its nutd feat nutty p
11.   sickening times
12.   flow for the streets feat flirta d
13.   fall down
14.   bars all day
15.   party in the booth feat staxz
16.   mind wars feat leeo
17.   herstory
18.   troubled
19.   try
20.   so pure
21.   unity (how high)
22.   herstory outro

This is just the first instalment from both Diva Spark and Jai who are currently, back in the studio working on the 2nd volume. You can catch both these artist over the next couple of months performing tracks from the album. We can guarantee that this won’t be the last time we will be hearing from both these artists as they lay down their statues as two mc’s not to be over looked.

For more details or to purchase HERStory vol.1:
El: herstory@hotmail.co.uk
W: www.myspace.com/divaspark
W: www.myspace.com/justjai

Notes to EDITOR’S & DJ’s

To review, interview or get a copy of HERStory Vol. 1 then get in touch.

LittleOne: +44 (0) 7958 710 433

E: info@femaleallstarsacademy.org

Female All Stars Academy – Creative Forum
Web Portal for Women in the Creative Industry

PRESS/BOOKINGS/MANAGEMENT/SPONSORSHIP/PARTNERSHIP/GENERAL
Email: LittleOne – info@femaleallstarsacademy.org
Web: www.femaleallstarsacademy.org (launching 2007)
Web: www.myspace.com/femaleallstarsacademy

TELPHONE & ADDRESS
Please inquire.

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER:
femaleallstars@hotmail.com (or add us to yours ONLY for all related like minded Organisations)

STAY IN CONTACT
MSN: femaleallstars@hotmail.com
MyspaceIM: Femaleallstarsacademy
Skype: Femaleallstarsacademy
Blackberry Messenger: littleone@instantemail.t-mobile.co.uk

On Saturday February 24th, 2007 Black Hand Entertainment CEO Chaz "Slim" Williams continued his prison tour by making a stop at the Federal Penitentiary in Coleman, Florida. This stop on the tour was a part of a Black History Program titled "Black Block History". Tupac’s father, Mutulu Shakur created the title and concept of the program in an attempt to unite street blocks with prison blocks. In doing so the goal was to reduce black on black prison and gang violence around the country. Other goals included aiding in the elimination of the black prison revolving door syndrome, promoting education, garnering legal support against excessive sentencing, and bringing a code back to the street.

The program incorporated workshops and performances by Ja Rule, Grafh, Prinz, and Mike Beck. Charles Dutton, (of television sitcom ROC) also participated at a nearby medium security federal prison in the Coleman Prison Complex. Disturbing The Peace President Shaka Zulu’s father also headed a workshop at the maximum security facility.

The tour is heading to New York’s Rikers Island, Sing Sing, and Arizona State Penitentiary during the month of March.

–
Sneek
www.myspace.com/J23ball
=============================
HipHopGame TV Host
http://www.hiphopgame.com/hhgtv.php3
=============================
Writer
www.SmokingSection.net
=============================
Marketing/Internet Promotions Coordinator
Black Hand Ent.
www.Grafh.com
www.BlackHandEnt.com
=============================
Sneekpeek@gmail.com
Mobile: 614-477-7262
www.RockandRollisDead.net

The “Who Is Rameen” campaign signifies an overdue artist prolonged for over ten years, the anticipated release of the campaign marks the foundation of a multifaceted rapper. Rameen delivers a mature and introspective style of Hip-Hop, his Rap consists of contemporary social issues and intricate topics on a universal level. Rameen brings out a common ground with listeners through painting a palette of realism and close caption lyrics of everyday life. Perspective and Understanding is a recurring theme in Rameen’s music and this is to be what will catch listener’s attention.

In focus of the ”Who Is Rameen” campaign is the highly user-friendly website which has been designed to monitor visits. The intention of the website is to create a following of Rameen, raise awareness and create brand recognition. Also a highly sophisticated blogging system in video format will be accessible through “In The Lab” which is forecasted to be the most visited section of the website alongside “3WTV”, which is the media section with stream able audio and video clips. Also an integrated booking system for promoters and media will be accessible on the website.

As the online campaign will reach a worldwide audience Guerrilla Marketing tactics will reach various local markets. Posters and flyers are means of promotion and targets have been set to London, Paris, Germany, Switzerland and the U.S.

Having to spend his childhood on the move between America and Europe he is currently based in London, U.K and has come to turns that independently releasing his material is the best way to do justice to himself and his music.

It’s the regeneration of the new generation visit www.whoisrameen.com and sign up to the newsletter.

Release date: 26th February 2007
MySpace: www.myspace.com/rameenmusic

Credentials:

www.whoisrameen.com is administered by Faizal Khan based in London, UK. With background in Marketing & Promotion, Brand Management and Music Video Production he is in charge of Business and Legal Affairs.

Contact:
Faizal Khan
+44 (0) 79 17 17 69 84
Khan@fkbeyond.net

New York, New York – Hip Hop music producer Ski Beatz—best known for producing some of the most critically acclaimed records of Jay-Z’s career, as well as for his innovative production with the hip-hop group Camp Lo—is back at work in NYC after spending a few years in his hometown of Greensboro, NC.   Ski is ready for an eventful year of ground-breaking sounds and new business ventures. He’ll be focusing on more than just one venue of music this year; not only will his attention be on producing albums, but Ski will also have a hand in television, video games, internet, and creating his own material.

Ski has recently appeared in Scratch magazine and on BET’s "106 & Park" program, and was featured alongside some of the greatest hip hop producers of all time—DJ Premier, Kanye West, Just Blaze, and RZA, to name a few—in "Beat Kings," a documentary DVD about hip-hop production. And although Ski has been getting the respect he deserves from the press, his peers and fans alike, he is very eager to introduce his music to new audiences as well. 

Armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of music and a unique business perspective (he has been active in the music business since the age of 16), Ski has big plans for 2007, including re-branding his own record label, Roc A Blok.   He has been in the studio with DTP (Ludacris’ record label) artists Shareefa and Serious Jones, as well New York based rappers Cover and REBEL. He’s also close to finishing up two brand new Camp Lo albums, and he recently produced seven tracks for Blacksmith recording artist Jean Grae’s upcoming album.

Never one to allow the limits of the traditional "record producer" role to get in the way of his progress, Ski recently produced original music for an MTV show called "Adventures in Hollyhood", an upcoming comedy-reality series featuring the Academy Award winning rap group Three 6 Mafia. 

In addition to his other ventures, Ski also has a business deal with the company ToneMaker – he provides them with original music for use in a program that enables subscribers of Sprint, Verizon, Boost, and Amp’d Mobile to create unique ringtones by mixing and altering audio tracks ( i.e. drum loop, guitar loop, bass loop, etc.) "Embracing new technology and being aware of all of the potential opportunities during this transition period is so important for anyone involved in the entertainment business right now," Ski says. "The record industry has been on the decline, but the music business is alive and well."   Ski even runs his own website, skibeatz.com, where music producers can buy libraries of drum sounds that they can download and incorporate into their own compositions.

Finally, Ski is working on two of the most personal records of his career – an instrumental album titled "On Deaf Ears" that is sure to leave a lasting impression on music aficionados from all walks of life, as well as a full-length compilation album featuring an impressive roster of hip-hop all stars.

During his time in North Carolina, Ski honed his skill by taking his musical talent up to a new level.   He polished up his piano-playing abilities while also taking up guitar and other instruments. "I’m a musician now," says Ski. "I started out with strictly sampling, but now I incorporate original music into samples for a new sound … the music that’s out right now is too ‘cookie-cutter’", he continues. "Everything sounds the same. We need more creativity, more risks fueling the hip hop scene." Ski goes on to offer, "If you need a fresh innovative beat, come see me and I’ll make one for you."

To learn more about Ski Beatz and his upcoming projects, visit www.almgroup.net/skibeatz or www.myspace.com/skibeatzmusic

- – -

Contact: ALMG

John Notarfrancesco
Phone: 973.991.1351
john@almgroup.net
www.almgroup.net/skibeatz

www.myspace.com/skibeatzmusic

Apparel from Brand Jordan, Apple Bottom, G-Unit Clothing, The Steve Harvey Collection, Monif C., LRG, Baby Phat and Amaya Swimwear also Featured

NEW YORK, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ — Television’s best dressed hour returns to show what’s "in" during BET’s annual fashion and music fete, RIP THE RUNWAY at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, March 6, 2007. Hosted by R&B singers Chris Brown and Ciara, RIP THE RUNWAY will a mix and match urban, high-end, and swimwear against a backdrop of electrifying musical performances.

Fresh off Project Runway and primed for the BET catwalk, MYCHAEL KNIGHT is one of the most popular designers to recently emerge on the scene and has quickly become a household name. Other fashion lines burning up the runway this year are: the ultimate in urban sportswear, BRAND JORDAN; the fashion- forward women’s wear line, APPLE BOTTOM; high end swim couture AMAYA SWIMWEAR; merging hip-hop and high class fashion, BABY PHAT; representing the "style of the streets," G-UNIT CLOTHING; clothing for elite individuals who like to stand out from the crowd, THE STEVE HARVEY COLLECTION; bringing a "Casual Sense Of Couture" to the plus-size market, MONIF C.; and "it’s all fun and games until someone gets fly," LRG.

In addition to the latest in fashion, explosive musical performances will add fire to the catwalk. Soul singer Musiq Soulchild who’s latest single, "Buddy" is burning up the charts; newcomer Mims whose blazing debut, "This is Why I’m Hot," has become the latest rap anthem; Alabama rapper Rich Boy, known for the hot club banger, "Throw Some D’s"; and R&B singer Lloyd, who is dominating the charts with the hit single, "You," are guaranteed heat up the runway.

Viewers can also look forward to appearances by Nelly, Steve Harvey and 50 Cent as their clothing lines blaze the runway. See what happens when street meets chic in this year’s sizzling premiere of RIP THE RUNWAY airing Wednesday, March 14 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET.

About BET Networks

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the leading provider of media and entertainment for African Americans and consumers of Black culture on a global basis. The primary BET cable network reaches more than 84 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET Digital Networks — BET J, BET Gospel, and BET Hip-Hop — are brands that combine to serve a broader and more diverse audience than the core network. BET.com is the number one internet destination for the target audiences. BET Mobile delivers music, gaming, and video content to the target audiences on wireless devices across virtually all service providers. BET Event Productions is a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe. BET International delivers BET content to the consumers of Black culture around the world. BET Networks inspires its audiences to make a difference in their lives and communities with a series of impactful pro-social initiatives under the Touch BET umbrella.

http://www.bet.com/

Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: Marcy Polanco, +1-212-975-3327, Marcy.Polanco@BET.net, or Anne
Williams, +1-202-608-2063, Anne.Williams@BET.net, both of BET Networks

Summit Returns with Mission to Connect Musical Worlds While Making a Global Impact

Atlanta, GA – (February 2007) – The International Soul Music Summit (ISMS) returns to Atlanta, Georgia, July 25th – 29th , 2007 with a new theme, more artists, networking and nightlife activities.   

With the theme: Underground Meets Mainstream: It’s Time to Connect , the International Soul Music Summit is ready to make a global impact. The largest music conference in the world dedicated to the soul genre; the International Soul Music Summit provides mainstream, emerging and independent soul artists, retailers, consumers and executives with information, networking opportunities, and technology on how to build noteworthy careers while continuing to make passionate, timeless music.

Terry Bello, Executive Producer/Creator of The International Soul Music Summit and Billboard’s 2006 Music Director of the Year, says this year’s summit will be the event of the soul music world. The first conference, planned in only six weeks, attracted attendees from across the US and as far away as London . By broadening our theme, we have invited people from other music scenes to honest, open and frank conversations about music. We have opened the door for artists to speak directly to the decision makers who are placing music and generating spins. Bello, a longtime radio personality and the voice of soul radio says, "My goal is to educate people about this music and do everything possible to get this scene and the music to the next level. Like Jazz and hip-hop before us, this music is underground now but is poised to be the next big thing."    

Components of the 2007 International Soul Music Summit, July 25 – 29th, include:

Ø      Panels (artists, retail, radio, management, performance, consumers etc.) 

Ø      Live Performances & Concerts/Acoustic Jam Sessions

Ø      Themed Networking Sessions/ISMS Network

Ø      Unsigned Artists Showcase

Ø      The Angel Awards

Hotel and registration specials are now available for a limited time online @ www.soulsummitonline.com. Sponsors on board at press time include Heineken, BETJ, Rolling Out and The Music Choice.

About ISMS:

Birthed in 2006 by "the voice of soul" and Billboard’s 2006 Music Director of the Year, Terry Bello, The International Soul Music Summit is the largest music conference in the world dedicated to the soul music genre. The inaugural conference created in 6 weeks brought over 500 attendees from as far as London, England. Among the artists who have supported this event are Trina Broussard, Rashaan Patterson, Peven Everett, Jaguar Wright, Heston, Eric Roberson, Martin Luther and Grammy Award Winner Gordon Chambers. The International Soul Music Summit prides itself on being the internationally known summit that provides informative and relevant panels along with networking & technology sessions on the future of soul music. The 2007 International Soul Music Summit will take place in Atlanta, GA, July 25 – 29th, 2007.

For more information on The 2007 International Soul Music Summit, hotel accommodations, performance and panel schedules, visit www.soulsummitonline.com or call the ISMS Hotline @ 917. 804.4926. For media inquires or interview requests contact jGlass communications @ 678.789.5824 or jglasspr@gmail.com.