SAN JOSE, Calif., October 10, 2005 - In conjunction with today's launch of mtvU Über, aspiring student broadband creators may soon realize their visions thanks to grants announced today and sponsored by Cisco Systems® and mtvU, MTV's 24-hour college network.
Cisco is teaming with mtvU on a national "Digital Incubator" project to discover the next digital media broadband creators. The project will fund students or student groups to create games, movie shorts, music videos, or other content tailored for mtvU Über, MTV Networks' first channel distributed in its entirety over broadband. Streaming 24/7 and on demand, "mtvU Über" is available everywhere for viewers at www.mtvU.com.
"Broadband is coming into its own as a legitimate medium for creativity," said Cisco Senior Vice President, Dan Scheinman. "The convergence of high-speed Internet and entertainment, coupled with networked consumer electronics devices, creates unique opportunities for digital artists to explore new forms of storytelling. We are committed to helping these new forms of storytelling emerge, and through our relationship with mtvU, encouraging students to create unique digital content for broadband."
"Cisco and mtvU are giving college students the tools to create the next generation of broadband content," said Stephen Friedman, GM, mtvU. "We are discovering an entire generation of digital pioneers and giving them a national platform, via mtvU Über, to showcase the future of this medium."
As part of the contest, Cisco and mtvU will award ten $25,000 grants to empower collegiate students to create and drive mtvU Über's programming content. Additionally, Cisco will provide technology support and expertise as needed. All ten projects will premiere on mtvU Über in the spring of 2006, as well as other digital platforms depending on the project. Additionally, three of the ten winning students or teams will be selected for behind-the-scenes features covering their creative process on-air on mtvU.
For official rules and to complete and submit a grant application, please visit www.mtvU.com. The deadline to enter is 5:00 p.m. EST Friday, December 2, 2005 and is open to either undergraduate and graduate students or student teams.
mtvU and mtvU Über
Broadcasting to over 730 colleges across the country, with a combined enrollment of over 6.8 million, mtvU is the largest, most comprehensive television network just for college students. 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, mtvU can be seen in the dining areas, fitness centers, student lounges and dorm rooms of campuses throughout the U.S. For more information about mtvU, and for a complete programming schedule, visit www.mtvu.com.
mtvU Über is the first MTV Networks channel distributed in its entirety via broadband, streaming 24/7 and on demand, featuring all of mtvU plus exclusive new music, original shows and student-produced programming for college students and music fans everywhere.
mtvU and mtvU Über are part of the Viacom International Inc. family which also owns the MTV Networks programming services MTV, MTV2, VH1, Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, TV Land, Spike TV, CMT and others.For more information and to experience "mtvU Über" visit www.mtvU.com.
