MTV to launch new television network dedicated to Caribbean music and culture

Wednesday, June 1, 2005

NEW YORK, USA: Tempo, a new cable television network dedicated to Caribbean music and culture, will be launched by MTV Networks (a division of Viacom Inc.) in October of 2005. The new channel will be advertiser-supported, and will target all people with a passion for the Caribbean lifestyle.

The channel will provide a mix of original and acquired programming that is vibrant, relevant to its audience and true to the spirit of the Caribbean and its culture.

Tempo will launch in October 2005 in markets across the Caribbean through its distribution deal with Innovative Cable TV and additional distributors that will be announced in the coming months.

The network will debut in North America in 2006. Tempo joins Viacom’s roster of popular and highly-targeted cable networks which includes MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET and Spike TV.

“MTV Networks is committed to identifying underserved communities and creating the most innovative, exciting and authentic channels for them, and with them,” said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO, MTV Networks. “Tempo will be built around music, and be dedicated to all things Caribbean: music, food, travel, sports, culture and more. And, I am very grateful to MTV Networks’ Frederick Morton, who with his passion for this region and its culture, nurtured this idea and spearheaded the development of the network.”

“Tempo presents another exciting opportunity for us and our partners to reach a thriving and growing audience — first in the region itself and next year, in the U.S, ” said Van Toffler, President MTV Networks Music Group. “We’re thrilled to partner with industry leaders Innovative Cable TV and Cable & Wireless and with the Caribbean Tourism Organization to unveil Tempo during Caribbean Week 2005. Additionally, we are especially pleased to have Wyclef on board to work on some of the new programming.”

“Caribbean people are a melting pot of nationalities bound together by a shared history and a strong sense of regional pride. They have a passion for living life which shines through every aspect of the culture, making them and the region compelling to advertisers, visitors and other consumers of Caribbean culture,” said Frederick Morton, Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of MTV Networks, who is developing the network. “Tempo will be the bridge to this culturally rich and trendsetting community. As a native son of the Caribbean, I am thrilled to be at the forefront of developing what will soon become the ultimate source of all things Caribbean, the ambassador of a dynamic people, a magnetic culture and an undeniably breathtaking destination.”

“Tempo is the answer to a longstanding need and opportunity in the cable landscape. It is a real pleasure to bring our customers a channel we know they want, and are sure they will enjoy,” said Jennifer Matarangas-King, President and General Manager of Innovative Cable TV. Innovative Cable TV is a subsidiary of Innovative Communication Corporation.

“We are so pleased to see that MTV Networks has filled a much needed gap in the Caribbean marketplace – a pan-regional channel, available to everyone in the Caribbean and beyond. There is no doubt that the demand is out there and we look forward to the great possibilities,” said Howie Crotin, Advisor, Caribbean Cable Co-Op

“Tempo provides us with a unique and powerful opportunity to reach our consumers throughout the Caribbean, and we are both excited and proud to be the charter sponsor of the latest cutting-edge channel from MTV Networks,” said Rachelle Franklin, Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing, Cable & Wireless, Caribbean Region.

“Cable & Wireless has provided services in the Caribbean for over 125 years. We’ve evolved with the region,” said Franklin. “Sponsoring Tempo is a chance for us to celebrate island heritage and contribute to the community’s future.”

The partnership between MTV Networks and Cable & Wireless is a three-year exclusive agreement and will enable customers of Cable & Wireless’ mobile brand, bmobile, to access exclusive Tempo mobile ringtone and wallpaper boutiques. “We’re particularly pleased that later this year our bmobile customers will be able to download some really cool content to personalize their phones. Expressing your own energy, excitement, and dynamism -- that’s what the bmobile brand is all about,” said Franklin.

The announcement will coincide with the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s “Caribbean Week 2005” in New York City, an annual celebration of Caribbean culture that runs from May 29 to June 4. A star-studded launch event concert will take place on Tuesday, May 31st at the South Street Seaport, Pier 16 and will include performances by Wyclef Jean, Rupee Kevin Lyttle, NORE, Elephant Man, Machel Montano, Doug E. Fresh, Oro Solido and others. Additionally, Mighty Sparrow, The Lord Defender, Rihanna, Edwin Yearwood and Luciano will be among those making special appearances at the event.

"As Tempo represents a positive cultural influence for all people of the Caribbean, we are proud to announce a creative partnership with a true ambassador of the Caribbean, Wyclef Jean. We will work with him to develop some original series and documentaries, and look for his expertise to help shape the musical taste and tone of the network. Wyclef's business acumen and creative talent will be a tremendous asset to Tempo, we're proud to have him on board,” said Morton.

Tempo will air a mix of original and acquired programming, including series, specials, movies, documentaries and sporting events. The channel’s shows will include offerings from MTV Networks’ long form programming library as well as series from local Caribbean networks.

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