MTV NETWORKS EUROPE CONTRACTS DIGITAL ASTRA TRANSPONDER MTV Central, MTV Extra, MTV Base, VH1 Germany, VH1 Export, VH1 Classic and M2 to launch at 19.2° East

MTV Networks Europe and Société Européenne des Satellites (SES), operator of Europe's leading ASTRA Satellite System, announce the signing of a long term contract for the digital transmission of at least eight customized music channels for different European language markets via ASTRA 19.2° East.

Starting December 13th, ASTRA 1G transponder number 118 (12,69900 GHz; V-polarization) hosts nine of MTV Europe's 24 hour program feeds: MTV Central, MTV European (including separate Spanish and French advertising windows), MTV Extra, MTV Base, VH1 Germany, VH1 Export, VH1 Classic and M2.

Said Simon Guild, Chief Operating Officer of MTV Networks Europe: "We can now look forward to bringing a richer and more localised channel offering to all of our markets. The success of the thematic digital channels in the UK has convinced us that we should create versions of them for audiences across Europe. Distributing these channels from the ASTRA satellite platform was a logical choice given the high penetration of ASTRA in the region."

Comments Yves Elsen, Commercial and Marketing Director of SES: "Viacom's MTV and VH1 music television channels have been longstanding users of analogue as well as digital ASTRA capacity. By contracting a full digital transponder at Europe's leading orbital position of 19.2° East for the distribution of additional language and music style versions of the renowned MTV and VH1 channels, MTV Networks further enriches the program choice available to ASTRA audiences across Europe."

For further information please contact: