MTV Latin America Unveils New Talent Search Initiative

MIAMI, March 28: MTV Latin America has
launched La Zona, a multiplatform initiative that includes a new talent search reality
series.

Through
this initiative the network kicks off its pan-regional talent search contest,
La Zona de Combate, in search of the best new artists in Latin America. La Zona de
Combate
will select the three artists, produce a music video for each one and rotate
them on the network. In addition, MTV will document their road to success in a
span of six weeks with a new reality series. The three finalists will be
selected by a panel of MTV experts. The reality show’s winning artist will have
an opportunity to attend and perform live during Los Premios MTV Latin America
2008, as well as the chance to sign a contract with a record label.

The
network also announced the launch of La Zona TV, where MTV VJ Jazz in
Mexico and MTV VJ Federico in Argentina will highlight talent from the website
lazona.com. La Zona TV premieres April 2 at 8:30 p.m.

José
Tillán, the senior VP of creative, content and music for MTV/VH1 Latin America,
noted: “This project will be a great opportunity to showcase some of the
amazing undiscovered artists in the region. La Zona TV will be a weekly
destination on MTV where we will highlight some of these artists and offer a
select number of them a unique platform to become the next big star.”

“This
ambitious project will cross platforms with a 360-degree experience including
on-air, off-air, online and mobile, creating as such an integrated experience
for our fans in the region,” said Luis Goicouria, the VP of digital media for
MTV Networks Latin America. “La Zona.com is a clear example of the Viacom
strategy to further connect with our audience and offer viewers the opportunity
to interact with other users who have the same interests through multiple
platforms.”

All
of the activities, shows and events under La Zona are sponsored by
Samsung and Movistar Latin America.

—By Mansha Daswani