New York, NY – April 8, 2002 – Donald Trump. Woody Allen. Spike Lee. Gwyneth Paltrow. Jerry Seinfeld. What do these people have in common? Each are New York celebrities and each better call their agent, because they will now have to compete for media exposure with hundreds of regular New York television viewers who will participate in this year’s search for the next generation of celebrities sponsored by MuchMusic USA and THE WIZ.
MuchMusic USA, the only viewer-driven all-music network, announced today that they will begin a series of auditions throughout the year at THE WIZ stores for anyone who wants to be on television and reap the great American benefits of media exposure.
“People are sick of watching and reading about the same celebrities all the time and MuchMusic USA thinks its time to empower television viewers and help create needed change. It is time we give everyone their 15 minutes of fame,” stated MuchMusic USA President Marc Juris.
Starting on Thursday, April 18th, from 3:00 – 6:00 PM ET, at THE WIZ’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to give their opinions on music, culture, news, and talk about some of their favorite music videos with the hopes of becoming new on-air talent for MuchMusic USA. Those who have successful auditions will have the opportunity to get airtime nationwide on MuchMusic USA shows, such as Tastemakers, Soundtrack to Your Life, and others. The auditions will take place each Thursday afternoon throughout the spring and summer. In the coming months, MuchMusic USA plans to take these celebrity searches around the country.
“Celebrity and fame should not be just for the privileged few,” Juris continued. “MuchMusic USA’s success has been based on one simple, but revolutionary, concept – empowering our viewers. We connect viewers with artists, rely on viewers to host our shows, and, through the web, give them programming power. This open audition expands our mission by taking the power of celebrity away from the rich and selective and giving it to the people.”
For the auditions, MuchMusic USA will have a permanent corner window on the busy street level of THE WIZ- 5th Avenue store, 555 Fifth Avenue at 46th Street. Those who audition will receive a coupon for a 10% discount on CDs at The WIZ priced at $13.98 and up.
To learn more about MuchMusic USA or for more information about the dates and times of THE WIZ celebrity auditions, web used may go to www.mmusa.tv.
| WHAT: | Launch of MuchMusic USA and THE WIZ Search for the Next Generation of New York Celebrities
| WHEN:
| Thursday, April 18th from 3:00- 6:00 PM EST
| WHERE:
| Front Window of THE WIZ, 555 Fifth Avenue (corner of 5th and 46th Street) New York City, Store Phone: 212-557-7770 | |
About MuchMusic USA
MuchMusic USA is the nation’s only viewer-driven all music network, featuring music videos and live concerts in an all-music-all-the-time format. The network programming is viewer influenced and generated. On MuchMusic USA, viewers voice their opinions, influence what’s on the air, participate in discovering new music and even create music video programming to air on the network. For more information about MuchMusic USA, please visit our Web site at www.mmusa.tv.
About Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc.
MuchMusic is owned and managed by Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc., a leader in news, sports and entertainment programming. A subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation and NBC, Rainbow manages American Movie Classics, WE: Women’s Entertainment, Bravo, The Independent Film Channel, MuchMusic USA, Rainbow Sports Networks, News 12 Networks, and MetroChannels as well as the Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation and Rainbow Network Communications. In addition, Rainbow is a fifty-percent partner in FOX Sports Net. MuchMusic USA is one of the assets included in the Rainbow Media Group tracking stock (NYSE: RMG), a series of Cablevision common stock. MGM owns a 20% stake in four of Rainbow’s national networks – AMC, Bravo, IFC, and WE: Women’s Entertainment.
About THE WIZ
THE WIZ, a subsidiary of Cablevision, is the tri-state area’s premier consumer electronics retailer. Operating in 43 locations, THE WIZ offers more than 30,000 products and services including Optimum Online, Cablevision’s high-speed Internet service, and iO: Interactive Optimum, Cablevision’s digital television service. The WIZ offers customers the latest in audio, video, computers, home office products, music and movies. For more information visit www.thewiz.com.