NICKTOONS OPENS THE NEXT CHAPTER OF VOLTRON(TM) IN VOLTRON FORCE(TM), PREMIERING JUNE 16, 8:30 PM (ET/PT)

New Animated Action-Adventure Series Features New Recruits and Voltron Formations, Plus All-New Theme Song from Grammy Award(R)-Winning Producer/Artist Swizz Beatz

NEW YORK - May 23, 2011 - Nicktoons, the fastest growing kids' network, brings the iconic franchise Voltron(TM) to a new generation with the brand new animated series, Voltron Force(TM). The series will launch as a commercial-free presentation of the 90-minute movie, "Voltron Force: New Defenders Trilogy," Thursday, June 16, at 8:30 p.m. (ET). The half-hour series, which features an all-new theme song produced and recorded by Grammy Award(R)-winning producer and artist Swizz Beatz, follows the adventures of a new class of recruits as they join forces with the original team to fight evil by forming Voltron, the legendary super robot. The first original Voltron content in 10 years, this new iteration from World Events Productions in association with Classic Media and Kickstart Productions will feature never-before-seen Voltron configurations when the team's Lions unite. The series will regularly air Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. (ET) on Nicktoons.

"Voltron Force stays true to the concepts that made the original such a success, but also takes the action, adventure and fantastical robotic creations to the next level," said Keith Dawkins, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Nicktoons and TeenNick. "As a fan myself, it's exciting to see the saga continue and for our network to be part of the brand's legacy."

"I'm truly excited to be involved in the re-emergence of this classic cartoon," said Swizz Beatz. "I enjoyed watching Voltron as a child and now can enjoy it with my own kids."

The original robot-action show, Voltron: Defender of the Universe, has become a massive pop-culture success since its launch in 1984. The series' signature maneuver of combining forces to attain a common goal has resonated with many, earning references on television shows (such as South Park, The Fairly OddParents and Lost), by hip-hop artists (Swizz Beatz, Busta Rhymes, Eminem, Wu Tang Clan, among others) and by athletes (like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Amar'e Stoudemire, Laurence Maroney and Chris Paul). The series also has a loyal Hollywood following of celebrities such as Jonah Hill, Megan Fox, Seth Green and Zach Galifianakis, to name a few.

Set five years after Voltron: Defender of the Universe, Voltron Force follows three new recruits - Daniel, Vince and Larmina - as they get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to train alongside their heroes - Keith, Lance, Hunk, Pidge and Allura - and learn to fly incredible robot lions. The series will journey to new planets, discover new powers and unearth ancient secrets. Voltron will be needed once again to combat a rising evil in the galaxy and a tyrant from within. Bonds will be formed, friendships will be tested and plenty of laughs will be had as the Voltron Force gels together as a team in an epic battle of good versus evil.

In the 90-minute movie premiere, "Voltron Force: New Defenders Trilogy," Daniel and Vince are recruited into an underground resistance movement led by former members of the Voltron Force to recover the keys to the lions. They soon meet fellow classmate Larmina, and the three cadets are introduced to their Voltcoms, an advanced wrist device that acts as an activation key to the lions. Their Voltcoms are also capable of generating unique weapons and powers based on personality and fighting styles. As the new cadets explore the Castle of Lions and uncover clues to Voltron's origins, the original Force gets their groove back to form Voltron once more, determined to take on the duel-threat of King Lotor's Robeast and Sky Marshal Wade's war machine.

On Nicktoons.com, a dedicated Voltron Force show page will feature video clips, full episodes, flipbooks, characters profiles, a dedicated message board and exclusive weekly printables. A new printable, featuring exclusive character art, will become available every Thursday during premiere episodes. Additionally, on May 27, Nicktoons.com will launch a new game, "Voltron Force: Ultimate Victory," which will allow users to play as all five Lions and transform into Voltron. During the on-air premiere of Voltron Force on June 16, the network will also offer a Game Code that unlocks the bonus and unlimited "blazing sword" in the game.

About Classic Media

Classic Media, one of the world's largest independent entertainment companies, is a leader in reinventing the classics of yesterday and creating the entertainment classics of tomorrow. The Company owns and manages a globally-recognized portfolio of well-known family and pop-culture entertainment brands, including Casper the Friendly Ghost, Where's Waldo?, The Lone Ranger , Lassie , Postman Pat , and new global brands Tinga Tinga Tales and Guess with Jess . Big Idea Entertainment, a member of the Classic Media family, is the leading faith-based studio and producer of children's programming, including the best-selling animated series, VeggieTales. More than 3,600 hours of Classic Media programming is distributed in more than 170 territories worldwide and showcased in multiple formats, including TV, film, home video, consumer products, publishing, digital, and music. Visit us at http://classicmedia.tv.

About World Events Productions

St. Louis-based World Events Productions, Ltd. (WEP) has produced and distributed children's animation for over 25 years. WEP is the IP holder for shows including: Voltron, Defender the of the Universe, Voltron: The Third Dimension, Denver the Last Dinosaur, Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs and Vytor the Starfire Champion, among others. WEP is a Koplar Communications company. WEP is represented by United Talent Agency. For more information visit www.wep.com and www.voltron.com.

About Kickstart Productions

Kickstart Productions was established by Jason Netter in 1999 as a live action and animation production company. Kickstart is one of few companies which has an experienced production background in all entertainment media. Kickstart has built on its production expertise and began acquiring, developing and producing their own projects that they are able to own and manage. The company is vertically integrated to maximize the market potential of its intellectual properties, and is structured to co-finance, produce, market and distribute animated and live action productions on a worldwide basis. Recent productions include: Voltron Force, Speed Racer: The Next Generation, Wolverine and the X-Men and the hit movie Wanted starring Angelina Jolie. Visit us at www.kickstartent.com and www.kickstartcomics.com

About Nicktoons

Nicktoons is the fastest growing kids' network and offers programming such as NFL's Rush Zone: Guardians of the Core, Dragon Ball Z Kai, Fantastic Four: The World's Greatest Heroes, Iron Man: Armored Adventures, Wolverine and The X-Men and Speed Racer: The Next Generation, as well as a roster of hits that have defined kids' and animation lovers' TV, including Avatar: The Last Airbender, Invader Zim, Danny Phantom, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius. Nicktoons currently reaches almost 58 million homes via cable, digital cable and satellite, and can be seen on Cablevision, Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, Cox Communications, DirecTV, DISH Network and Time Warner Cable. Nicktoons and all related titles and logos are property of Viacom, Inc.