CMT Greenlights Four New Series for 2005

NEW YORK, May 3 -- Coming off its most-watched quarter in the network's history and the highly rated 2005 CMT MUSIC AWARDS, CMT continues its success with the addition of four new series, it was announced today at MTV Networks Upfront presentation by Brian Philips, Executive Vice President and General Manager, CMT. These new shows include MAN VS. VEGAS, TRICK MY TRUCK, AMERICAN SOLDIER and UNSUNG STORIES and are scheduled to air in third and fourth quarter 05.

"These new series reflect what CMT stands for -- bold, authentic and innovative programming," said Philips. "These programs also align with the themes and spirit of CMT's music."

Series descriptions are listed below:

In MAN VS. VEGAS, an ambitious high roller named Daren Leverenz seeks revenge on Las Vegas after losing three million dollars there in the late 1990s. Now, after selling most of his assets, he returns to Vegas armed with one million dollars, hell-bent on winning his money back. Along the way, he meets everyday tourists who become part of his mission to take on the town. CMT has ordered eight episodes of MAN VS. VEGAS, which is produced by Sokolobl Entertainment, with Sam Sokolow and Rob Lobl serving as executive producers.

A trucker's life on the road is hard enough, so CMT makes it a little easier by completely overhauling a well-deserving trucker's rig in TRICK MY TRUCK. Through a lot of hard work and the installation of some extravagant luxuries, our team of experts transforms not only the actual vehicle, but these trucker's livelihoods. TRICK MY TRUCK has received an eight episode order and is produced by Varuna Films, Inc., with Jason Morgan and Rob Zazzali serving as executive producers.

AMERICAN SOLDIER chronicles the heroism of a small town National Guard brigade as they are called to serve a tour of duty in Iraq. Making the ultimate sacrifice of God and Country, AMERICAN SOLDIER is a real-life "Band Of Brothers;" a courageous and patriotic look at a tightly-knit group of American heroes as they take to the ground in Operation Iraqi Freedom. CMT has ordered six episodes of this series produced by County Line Productions with executive producer, George Moll.

UNSUNG STORIES goes behind the headlines and tells the fascinating stories of real people through their own words and song. A hit songwriter takes their personal story and translates their experiences into music and lyrics, culminating with a live performance of the final song to the people who inspired it. CMT has ordered six episodes of UNSUNG STORIES, created by Kelly Newby.

Other upcoming programming on CMT includes the two hour documentary AMERICAN REVOLUTIONS: THE HISTORY OF SOUTHERN ROCK, which explores the birth of this American musical form from the Allman Brothers to the rise of Lynyrd Skynyrd, premiering in June; a two hour special from Triage Entertainment that follows a group of all-American girls vying to be named to the most iconic cheerleading team in America -- the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, premiering in November; and new installments of the successful music series CMT CROSSROADS, which explores the common country music roots of artists from diverse genres.

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 77.1 million households in the United States. Go to country music's biggest web site at http://www.CMT.com .

SOURCE CMT
Web Site: http://www.CMT.com