LOS ANGELES, CA (Network LIVE) - Network LIVE, a joint venture between AOL, XM Satellite
Radio and AEG, announced today that the Company has secured exclusive rights for Rock in Rio, the world's largest multi-day music event. The agreement provides Network LIVE with the exclusive US and international sales and rights for all broadcast and media partners, outside of Portugal and Brazil. This will be the first year that Rock in Rio will also be made available for licensing to all broadcast distribution platforms including (where applicable) Internet, wireless/mobile, satellite and terrestrial radio and television, and on a global basis.
This year's festival will take place over two weekends on May 26-27 and June 2-4, and will include live performances on multiple stages by some of the biggest names in music, including Carlos Santana and Ivete Sangalo, as well as other cultural events and attractions, producing more than 90 hours of live music entertainment. Headliners for the last festival, taking place in 2004, included Paul McCartney, Sting, Britney Spears, Metallica, Peter Gabriel, the Foo Fighters and Alicia Keyes. Proceeds of the event have been benefiting various charities in Portugal and throughout the world. Rock In Rio is the largest music event in the world, celebrating its 20-year anniversary in 2005.
"Consumers have unequivocally demonstrated that they are eager to experience live global music events in a truly interactive way, and they want to supplement the TV experience with additional consumption methods," said Kevin Wall, CEO of Network LIVE. "With Rock in Rio, a monumental and historic music event, Network LIVE will deliver on our vision of offering fans worldwide great live music experiences - anytime, anywhere, on any device."
"As a huge communications project, our goal is to make it possible for all music and entertainment fans, in every part of the world, to experience and interact with the power of 'Rock in Rio', how they want, where they want and when they want," said Roberto Medina, the creator of Rock in Rio. "Rock in Rio will continue to grow across borders, into more and more of a global event. Network LIVE understands how to distribute live entertainment programming on their network as well as to third party networks in a compelling and engaging manner, while preserving the essence and value of the live event. Given the breadth of experience, partners and track record, Network LIVE is the ideal partner for Rock in Rio."
