The VH1 Save The Music Foundation Launches Songwriters Music Series Auction on Charitybuzz.com

Perez Hilton Donates Special-Edition Pink DROID RAZR MAXX by Motorola; Motorola Mobility Foundation Grants $10,000 on His Behalf

NEW YORK, April 10, 2012 -- On Tuesday, April 10th, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation will launch the first phase of the 2012 Songwriters Music Series auction at online charity auction house, Charitybuzz at: www.charitybuzz.com/Songwriters. A special-edition pink DROID RAZR MAXX by Motorola -- donated by Foundation supporter Perez Hilton and not available in stores -- is one of the many highlights in the auction. The Motorola Mobility Foundation has partnered with Hilton to offer this exclusive custom handset to the highest bidder, in addition to granting a $10,000 donation to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation on his behalf.

"The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is an incredible organization focusing on two areas that are very important to the Motorola Mobility Foundation: arts and education," said Eileen Sweeney, director of the Motorola Mobility Foundation. "We are excited that Motorola Mobility Foundation resources, as well as one of our most innovative products, are helping to contribute to such a worthy cause."

The 2012 Songwriters Music Series will launch in Chicago, IL with an acoustic performance by Award-winning, soul singer-songwriter Robin Thicke on Thursday, April 26th. A limited number of $100 Tickets are available at www.vh1savethemusic.org/songwriters.

This marks the first stop in the series, sponsored by Swiss watch company RAYMOND WEIL and William Hill Estate Wines, which will then travel to New York City in June and close out at the breathtaking William Hill Estate in Napa Valley this September. Last year's Songwriters Music Series featured performances by Glee star Matthew Morrison in New York, ACM Award-winning sibling trio The Band Perry in Nashville, Tennessee and GRAMMY® Award winning musician Colbie Caillat, as well as Billboard Magazine "2011 Artist To Watch" Andy Grammer in Los Angeles.

In addition to the pink DROID RAZR MAXX by Motorola, the Charitybuzz auction also features:

• Two tickets to the 2012 MTV Movie Awards
• Two tickets to the Here and Now Tour and a Meet & Greet with Gavin Rossdale
• Two tickets to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation Songwriters Music Series Chicago and a Meet & Greet with Robin Thicke and two tickets to the 2012 Comedy Central Awards

"The first phase of our 2012 Songwriters Music Series auction on Charitybuzz contains some incredible items and experiences," said Paul Cothran, Vice President & Executive Director of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. "From meet & greets with rock stars to passes to some of the most exclusive premieres and award shows of the year, fans can bid for these one-of-a-kind opportunities with all of the proceeds benefitting the VH1 Save The Music Foundation."

The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education programs in America's public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child's complete education. To date, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation has provided more than $48 million in new musical instruments to 1,800 public schools in more than 100 cities around the country, impacting the lives of over 1.8 million children. Thanks to the generous support of the VH1 Save The Music Ambassadors, including Katy Perry, Daughtry, Lupe Fiasco, Jordin Sparks, Matthew Morrison, Vanessa Carlton, AJ McLean and Gavin Rossdale, the Foundation is able to generate awareness about the importance of music in a child's education.

The Songwriters Music Series benefits the VH1 Save The Music Foundation in their mission to provide children with access to a complete education that includes music. These intimate evenings serve as a platform for energized, informed and socially conscious individuals to network amidst great music, a sponsored bar and food. Each event will also feature today's emerging musicians and most celebrated artists/bands performing hit songs in support of the cause. In total, the 2011 Songwriters Music Series raised over $358,000 , which was enough to restore 11 music education programs nationwide. This year, the Foundation hopes to raise even more so that a greater number of students are provided the tools they need to create, innovate and become the next great leaders in an increasingly competitive world.

Beginning April 10th, please visit www.charitybuzz.com/Songwriters to bid on all of the exciting items and for more information or to see how you can get involved please visit www.vh1savethemusic.org.

SOURCE VH1

VH1's Emmy Award-Winning "VH1 Rock Docs" Franchise Recognizes the 20th Anniversary of the L.A. Riots With "UPRISING: Hip Hop and the L.A. Riots" Premiering Tuesday, May 1 at 9PM*

NEW YORK, April 4, 2012 -- It has been 20 years since the L.A. Riots, the four days of unrest, looting and rage that paralyzed Los Angeles and sent racial shockwaves throughout the country. After decades of racial tension in South Central Los Angeles, VH1's Emmy Award-winning "VH1 Rock Docs" franchise explores the connection between the violence manifested on the streets during the 1992 riots and the rage expressed in Hip Hop by NWA, Dr. Dre, Ice T, and Ice Cube among others with VH1's "UPRISING: Hip Hop and the L.A. Riots" premiering Tuesday, May 1 at 9PM ET/PT on VH1.

Executive produced and narrated by Hip Hop legend Snoop Dogg and directed by Mark Ford , "UPRISING: Hip Hop and The L.A. Riots" tells the story of the most destructive riot in American history and is scored by some of the most iconic and controversial hip hop tracks of all time, such as NWA's "F Tha Police" and Body Count's "Cop Killer." With definitive first-hand accounts and exclusive rare footage that was locked away and hasn't been seen until now, the documentary gives an inside look at the four fiery days that left 53 people dead and over 12,000 arrested, "UPRISING" is told through the diverse perspective of the rappers, musicians, police officers and victims who lived through the landmark L.A. Riots in April, 1992. Viewers will also witness never-before-heard stories from well known figures and Hip Hop artists who were affected by or actual participants in the riots, including: Rodney King, Arsenio Hall, Ice T, Professor Todd Boyd (USC), Connie Rice (Civil Rights attorney), John Singleton, Too Short, KRS-One, Nas and Henry Watson (one of the "LA Four" convicted of beating Reginald Denny) and many more.

After making its successful debut and receiving rave reviews at the SXSW Film Festival this past March "UPRISING: Hip Hop and the L.A. Riots," puts a searing spotlight on race relations, revisits Hip Hop's warning of what was to come and documents the turbulent days of the riot with first hand accounts from residents that were caught in the cross hairs.

VH1's Emmy Award-winning Rock Docs are feature-length documentaries that tell unique stories of artists and music from a wide range of genres, styles and musical perspectives. "UPRISING: Hip Hop and the LA Riots" is executive produced by Mark Ford and Kevin Lopez for Creature Films and executive produced by Brad Abramson, Stephen Mintz, Shelly Tatro and Jeff Olde for VH1.

About Creature Films
Creature Films (www.creaturefilms.net) is a full service television and film production company and one of the leading producers of music driven entertainment. The company is owned and run by Mark Ford and Kevin Lopez. Together, they've produced over a hundred hours of television, with credits that include MTV's Laguna Beach and Taking the Stage, VH1's Behind the Music and Bravo's Kandi Factory.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 99 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, and extensive video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

SOURCE VH1

Jenny McCarthy Singles Out VH1 for "The Jenny McCarthy Show"

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 15, 2012 -- Jenny McCarthy will bring her over-the-top comedic sensibilities and classic self-deprecating humor to VH1 with a new series, "The Jenny McCarthy Show." Still in its early development stages, "The Jenny McCarthy Show" will celebrate as well as skewer everyone and everything in pop culture, news, fashion, TV, movies and the web. The series will also feature guest panelists and celebrity interviews. "The Jenny McCarthy Show" is set to premiere on VH1 in the summer/fall of 2012.

Jenny McCarthy's honesty, humility and humor have enabled her to transcend the boundaries of her roles as comedian, actress, host and author of seven New York Times best-selling books. Playing recurring guest roles on major network television shows, such as "Two and a Half Men," "Just Shoot Me," and "The Drew Carey Show," Jenny continues to be a sought-after comedic actress. Throughout her career, as a model, actress, author and activist, Jenny holds the unique ability to engage an audience of every age and gender.

"Jenny is a great comedic talent with a sharp wit and magnetic personality, and we couldn't be happier to welcome her to the VH1 family. Our viewers connect with smart, funny, and outspoken women and Jenny certainly represents all of those elements wrapped up in a style that makes people smile," said Jeff Olde, EVP of Original Programming and Production.

"The Jenny McCarthy Show" will be executive produced by Michael Davies for Embassy Row. Jenny McCarthy will also serve as executive producer. Executive producing for VH1 will be Shelly Tatro, Karla Hidalgo and Jeff Olde. Executives in charge of talent development will be Stacy Alexander and Trevor Rose. Jenny McCarthy and Michael Davies are both represented by WME.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 99 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, and extensive video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

SOURCE VH1

Sean Penn to Receive Joel Siegel Award at the 17Th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards

GEORGE CLOONEY TO PRESENT AWARD TO PENN

AWARDS CEREMONY TO BE BROADCAST LIVE ON VH1 THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2012 AT 8:00 PM ET/PT

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 9, 2012 -- The Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) announced today that renowned actor and humanitarian Sean Penn will be presented with the fifth annual Joel Siegel Award at the 17th annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards. The award will be presented by fellow actor and 13-time Critics' Choice Award nominee George Clooney. The ceremony will air live on VH1 on Thursday, January 12 at 8:00 PM ET/PT.

Given annually, this special award pays homage to beloved "Good Morning America" film critic and BFCA member Joel Siegel, who lost his long struggle with cancer in June 2007. It seeks to honor those who understand, as Joel did, that the greatest value of celebrity is as an enhanced platform to do good works for others.

Sean Penn founded the J/P Haitian Relief Organization in the immediate aftermath of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. Since then J/P HRO has led the effort to raise money and awareness in response to the disaster, which took more than 200,000 lives. Led by Penn, J/P HRO is dedicated to saving lives and bringing sustainable programs to the Haitian people quickly and effectively.

"We are extremely proud to be able to make this presentation to Sean on this night in particular, exactly two years after the devastating earthquake struck Haiti," says BFCA President Joey Berlin. "While it was heartening to see such an outpouring of support and aid for the Haitian people in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, the long-term commitment made by Sean and his organization is particularly notable. The Joel Siegel Award was created to spotlight such above and beyond efforts by the leading lights of our industry and its spirit is truly personified by Sean Penn."

Penn has been nominated for seven Critics' Choice Awards throughout his career, including two wins in the Best Actor category, for "Mystic River" and "Milk." His five additional nominations included Best Actor for "I Am Sam," Best Acting Ensemble for "Mystic River" and "Milk," Best Director for "Into the Wild" and Best Writer for "Into the Wild." In 2011, Penn starred in "The Tree of Life," a Critics' Choice Best Picture nominee.

The evening will also honor Martin Scorsese with the Critics' Choice Music+Film Award. In addition to this honor, Scorsese's film "Hugo" is nominated for 11 Critics' Choice Awards and he directed the Best Documentary Feature nominee "George Harrison: Living in the Material World." Hosts for the star-studded awards gala will be comedians Paul Scheer and Rob Huebel.

The Critics' Choice Movie Awards are bestowed annually by the BFCA to honor the finest in cinematic achievement. The BFCA is the largest film critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 250 television, radio and online critics. BFCA members are the primary source of information for today's film going public. Eligible films were released in 2011. The accounting firm of CMM, LLP tallied the written ballots.

Since its inception in 1995, the Critics' Choice Movie Awards has been a star-studded bellwether event of the movie awards season. Historically, the Critics' Choice Movie Awards are the most accurate predictor of the Academy Award nominations. Last year, for example, all four of the acting category winners at the Oscars – Colin Firth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale and Melissa Leo – first accepted their awards in the same categories at the Critics' Choice Movie Awards. In all, 18 of the 20 actors nominated for Oscars were first Critics' Choice Movie Awards nominees.

Final ballots for the 17th annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards will be sent to BFCA members on January 8, 2012 with a deadline for returning final ballots on January 10, 2012. For more information about the show visit CriticsChoice.VH1.com, "Like" VH1 on Facebook, and follow @VH1 on Twitter and use the hashtag #CCMA to talk about the awards!

The 17th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards is executive produced by Jesse Ignjatovic for Den of Thieves, Joey Berlin for Berlin Entertainment and Lee Rolontz for VH1.

About The Broadcast Film Critics Association:
The Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) is the largest film critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 250 television, radio and online critics. BFCA members are the primary source of information for today's film going public. The very first opinion a moviegoer hears about new releases at the multiplex or the art house usually comes from one of its members.

About Den of Thieves:
Founded in 2007 by Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager, Den of Thieves has quickly emerged as a force for ambitious event shows and uniquely stylized reality television series. Using their extensive experience working with talent, Ignjatovic and Prager launched Den of Thieves as the TV arm of the Warner Music Group in 2007. After a successful three year partnership there, they branched out and are now fully independent. With an array of formats ranging from Comedy Central's stand-up special "Russell Brand in NYC" to VH1's "The T.O. Show" to the MTV Video Music Awards, Den of Thieves continues to create, develop and produce original television.

About VH1:
VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 99 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, and extensive video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

About J/P HAITIAN RELIEF ORGANIZATION:
J/P Haitian Relief Organization is dedicated to saving lives and bringing sustainable programs to the Haitian people quickly and effectively. Following the tragic earthquake of 2010 J/P HRO began working immediately to make an impact in Haiti. J/P HRO works with both government and non-governmental agencies to deliver immediate results where the need is greatest. Efforts include but are not limited to providing emergency medical and primary care services, delivering badly needed medical equipment and medicine, distributing food and water purification systems, improving communication systems, and developing housing and education facilities. The goal of J/P Haitian Relief Organization is to help lift the nation of Haiti out of the rubble and give the Haitian people a better life. More information can be found at http://www.jphro.org/ .

SOURCE VH1