Madrid Rocks!! MTV Selects Madrid as Host City for 2010 MTV EMAs

Event to be held at the Caja Magica on 7 November 2010

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Mar 16, 2010, 07:09 ET

MADRID and LONDON, March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV Networks International (MTVNI), a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), today announced that it will take this year's annual MTV EMAs to Madrid, Spain. Hailed as one of the most prestigious live music events in the world, the awards show will broadcast live from the Spanish capital. This is the second time in the Award's 17-year history that Spain has played host, the first being Barcelona in 2002. The 2010 Madrid EMAs will take place on Sunday, 7 November 2010.

Madrid was selected as the host city due to its vibrant and thriving music scene and level of support proposed by the Madrid City Council, Region of Madrid and the State Secretary of Tourism. Madrid is an open-minded city where culture, entertainment and business share an attractive, thriving space. Thanks to its modern and cosmopolitan flare and the friendly and passionate character of Madrilenians, the Spanish capital makes everyone feel right at home while providing them with some of the world's most interesting tourist attractions.

Renowned for attracting the hottest names in music, this year's event promises to be bigger than ever. Spanish for 'The Magic Box', Caja Magica is a modern, multifunctional sports complex designed by award-winning French architect Dominique Perrault. Known for constantly transforming itself, the complex is located in the Manzanares Park, a short distance from the centre of Madrid, and the main stadium seats 12,500.

"Madrid is the ideal host city for this year's event as we are also celebrating the 10th anniversary of MTV Spain. The spirit, culture and vitality of the city and its people coupled with MTV's ability to deliver unique, star-studded experiences promise to make this year's EMAs truly spectacular," commented Antonio Campo Dall'Orto, Executive Vice President of Music Brands and Managing Director of South Europe for MTVNI. "The EMAs are a celebration of MTVNI's commitment to offering our viewers the best musical talent and live performances in the world."

Raffaele Annecchino, Senior Vice President and General Manager of MTV Networks Iberia, adds: “Hosting the MTV EMAs 2010 is such big news for MTV, for Madrid and of course for all the Spanish people. We are given the opportunity of hosting this huge event in a very special year for MTV Spain: we are celebrating our 10th anniversary!”

In Spain, MTV Networks offers three leading pay TV channels; MTV is a youth reference for music and culture, Nickelodeon is the top performing pay TV kids channel, and Paramount Comedy is the undisputed leader in stand-up and comedy programming. Viacom Media, its commercial arm, offers a wide range of media, digital and 360 business solutions to advertisers.

The 2009 MTV EMAs was held in Berlin and hosted by singer Katy Perry. Beyonce was the major winner taking home a total of three EMA trophies - Best Female, Best Song and Best Video. Other winners included Eminem for Best Male, while Jay-Z triumphed in the Best Urban category. U2 delivered an iconic performance at the Brandenburg Gate and clinched a well-deserved Best Live Act. Creative powerhouse Lady Gaga was honoured in the Best New Act category while Green Day scored a victory over the Best Rock contenders.

Since its inception in 1994, the EMAs have established a reputation as one of the most sensational music award shows in the world. Ground-breaking multi-platform viewing options combined with dazzling performances from A-list stars makes for an electrifying atmosphere where anything can happen. Past performers have included global superstars Beyonce, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Jennifer Lopez, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Prince, REM and U2.

About MTV Networks International

MTV Networks International includes the premier multimedia entertainment brands MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, MTVNHD, TMF (The Music Factory), VIVA, Comedy Central and Game One. MTV Networks' brands are seen globally in 640 million households in 161 countries and 34 languages via 170 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 400 digital media properties. The company's diverse holdings also include interests in television syndication, digital media, publishing, home video, licensing & merchandising and feature films. MTV Networks International is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

Notes to Editor:

Created with the aim of honouring the music and artists that fans love, the MTV EMAs take place in different cities every year. Past host cities include Berlin (2009), Liverpool (2008), Munich (2007), Copenhagen (2006), Lisbon (2005), Rome (2004), Edinburgh (2003), Barcelona (2002), Frankfurt (2001), Stockholm (2000), Dublin (1999), Milan (1998), Rotterdam (1997), London (1996), Paris (1995) and Berlin (1994).