CMT GROWS TO EIGHTY MILLION SUBSCRIBERS
02/07/06
Network Crosses New Distribution Threshold in 2006
NASHVILLE – February 7, 2006 – CMT’s growth continues as the network is now available in 80.9 million homes increasing its reach over five percent from a year ago, it was announced today by Brian Philips, EVP and general manager, CMT and Nicole Browning, president, affiliate sales and marketing, MTVN. The network recently secured distribution with such partners as Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, Verizon FiOS, Charter and GForce.
“Passing the 80 million subscriber mark is an incredible achievement and a testament to the demand and the programming expertise of the CMT brand,” said Browning. “Reaching this milestone is a clear example of CMT’s success.”
“CMT’s momentum is a tribute to the strength of our music genre,” said Philips. “This has been CMT’s biggest year ever on all fronts, and we’re delighted that even more of our fans will have access to our music and content. Our massive distribution gives us leverage to strengthen our connection with fans from coast-to-coast. This new highwater mark reinforces CMT’s leadership in our business.”
CMT’s programming can be seen on-demand through Charter, Comcast, Cox and Verizon, and is available through Verizon’s new FiOS IPTV service. In addition, Amp’d Mobile and Verizon Wireless subscribers can access such hit CMT programs as “CMT Insider” and “Studio 330” directly on their handsets.
Coming off its most successful year to date, CMT finished 2005 as its most watched year ever. CMT.com remains the world's No.1 online source for country music, growing some 66% in usage over the past year.
CMT made history last month with the premiere of the 2006 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT as it ranked as the most watched program in the network’s history, winning its time period against all other basic cable networks. Its ratings success continues with launch of new series such as TRICK MY TRUCK; and the 2006 CMT MUSIC AWARDS has been a perennial ratings winner.
Upcoming CMT original programming includes the songwriter-based series Unsung Stories; and more episodes of the critically-acclaimed CMT Crossroads series. This year will also bring the much-anticipated, first original film from the new CMT Films division, BROKEN BRIDGES, starring country superstars Toby Keith and Willie Nelson.
CMT, America’s No. 1 country music network, carries original programming, specials, and live concerts and events, as well as a mix of videos by established country music artists and new cutting-edge acts, including world premiere exclusive videos. Founded March 6, 1983, CMT, owned and operated by MTV Networks, reaches more than 80 million households in the United States. Go to country music’s biggest web site at www.cmt.com.
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PRESS CONTACTS:
Lisa Chader 615-335-8405 lisa.chader@cmt.com
Amanda Murphy 615-335-8408 amanda.murphy@cmt.com
