London, June 2nd 2008: MTV Networks UK is re-launching MTV News to strengthen its commitment to delivering youth focused news to its audience on Monday 9th June. The re-launch, showcasing a completely new look, with updated graphics and a brand new MTV News logo, includes a new presenter, weekly show and web site, where MTV fans will have access the latest stories from the world of music, celebrity and entertainment.
Rickie Haywood-Williams will continue to host the hourly MTV Daily bulletins as well as a new 30 minute weekend show - The Cube (working title) premiering Saturday 14th June, on MTV ONE @ 12.00pm. The weekly show will feature an in depth look at stories from the previous week as well as exclusive interviews with stars of music and entertainment.
New presenter Laura Whitmore - winner of ‘Pick Me MTV’ - joins Rickie on MTV News and The Cube. Laura, 22, from Bray, Ireland, beat thousands of wannabe presenters in a MTV UK/ MySpace search for the new face of MTV News. She will be making her TV presenting debut on 9th June from 4pm.
MTV News will also continue to commission News Specials, which have consistently performed well. These special reports have always tackled issues that resonate with MTV’s audience. Past topics included youth crime and violence, sex and body image. Rap Under Fire was a documentary investigating the potential link between gun crime and Urban music, featuring artists such as 50 cent. MTV News Specials has also covered topics such as global warming with Al Gore’s Global Warning. Later this year MTV News will re-visit the topic of youth violence with a new special report.
Underlining MTV UK’s multi-platform commissioning, the MTV News web site (www.mtv.co.uk/news) will be redesigned. The new dedicated site also launches on 9th June 2008 and will enhance the online experience with deeper news content including videos, blogs and podcasts.
“MTV News is evolving and adapting to suit our viewers needs giving them access to the content they want across multiple platforms” says Lisa Stokoe, Executive Producer, MTV News, “The success of the News section on mtv.co.uk suggests our users are keen to read entertainment news online, and the refreshed news site ensures that MTV News will become a one stop destination for all music, celebrity and entertainment news”.
Since MTV News launched in 1987, it has broken some of the hottest stories in celebrity gossip and entertainment. For example, most recently, MTV News exclusively revealed that Mariah Carey’s rumoured second wedding in New York for her friends, reportedly costing £2 million, was not true.
For Further Information Contact:
Hannah Wilkinson
Communications
MTV Networks UK & Ireland
020 7 284 6345
Hannah.wilkinson@mtvne.com
About MTV Networks UK & Ireland:
MTV Networks is the largest television network in the world and a leading creator of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks' brands can be seen globally in 508.3 million households in 160 countries and 32 languages via 142 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 300 digital media properties.
MTV Networks UK & Ireland operates 3 channel groups – Comedy, Kids and Music.
Our ten branded music and entertainment channels comprise of MTV One, MTV One +1, MTV Two, MTV R, MTV Hits, MTV Dance, MTV Base, VH1, VH1 Classic and TMF. They feature the best in music alongside popular shows such as Pimp My Ride, The Hills, Laguna Beach, My Super Sweet 16, Punk'd and Cribs. MTV Network's music channels are available on Sky, Cable (through Virgin Media) and Freeview, reaching larger audiences than at any time in UK history, with an average of over 17 million viewers each month according to BARB research.
Paramount Comedy and Nickelodeon in the UK are part of the MTV Networks International portfolio of channels through joint ventures with BSKYB.
In addition, MTV Networks is a pioneer in digital media, winning awards for its interactive and online services, as well as being the first media company to offer made-for-mobile 3G video content. Since 2005 MTV Networks UK & Ireland has offered mobile distribution of four TV channels (MTV Snax, MTV Trax, Paramount and Nickelodeon).
MTV Networks is a unit of Viacom
