CME in Deal for Czech MTV

LONDON/HAMILTON, September
18: Central European Media Enterprises (CME) has clinched a deal with MTV
Networks International for a dedicated MTV channel in the Czech Republic that
is set for launch next year.

The multi-year licensing
agreement grants CME the rights to launch a localized MTV channel in the Czech
Republic, as well as the opportunity to distribute the channel via cable and
satellite platforms in the Slovak Republic. This follows the December 2007
agreement that saw CME’s PRO TV subsidiary take over the operations of MTV
Romania, in a similar licensing agreement.

MTV Czech is set for
launch in the first half of 2009, operating as a lifestyle channel for Czech
youth, delivering international and local music and long-form programming. It
will be available as part of TV Nova's family of terrestrial and cable
entertainment and thematic channels. MTVNI will work closely with CME and TV
Nova to offer viewers a mix of locally produced content, Czech adaptations of
MTV formats and international hits like Pimp My Ride and Cribs, subtitled in Czech.

Bhavneet Singh, the
managing director and executive VP of emerging markets at MTVNI, said,
"The Czech Republic has been a priority market for us for some time now
and we're delighted to announce this deal and the extension of our strategic
partnership with CME. This is the very first MTVNI service to launch in the
Czech Republic, marking a real milestone in our network's history, and further
strengthens our MTV brand footprint across Central and Eastern Europe. Our aim
is to provide the best content across multiple media platforms and create the
ultimate go-to entertainment destination for Czech youth."

Michael Garin, CME's CEO, added: "We are thrilled to be launching MTV in the
Czech Republic. Our strong partnership with MTV enhances our ability to deliver
our multichannel strategy. We now have 22 networks across our markets and look
forward to working with MTV to expand further."

Petr Dvorak, the general
director of TV Nova, added, "We are excited to have the opportunity to
include MTV into the TV Nova group of channels. We believe that MTV Czech will
complement our existing portfolio of channels, giving our viewers and
advertisers an even more complete media offering. With the digitalization
processes in the Czech and Slovak Republics already under way, we will be able
to offer the audience additional program diversity under the Nova
umbrella."

—By Mansha Daswani