MTV Greenlights Two New Series And Picks Up Two Returning Hits For 2005

New Series Include the �Nick Lachey Project� (working title) and �Meet the Barkers� Featuring Travis from Blink 182 & Family

Channel Picks Up �Newlyweds� and �Ashlee� for Additional Seasons

NEW YORK, NY (December 2, 2004) � Brian Graden, President of Entertainment, MTV/VH1, announced today that he has greenlit two new series �Meet the Barkers� featuring Travis Barker of Blink 182 and his wife Shanna Moakler, and the �Nick Lachey Project� (working title) that captures America�s favorite pop star husband as he embarks on a breakout journey to find a record label and launch his solo career. It was also announced today that the third season of �Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica� and the second season of �The Ashlee Simpson Show� will return in January �05.

The last season of the �Newlyweds� was seen by over 40 million P12-34 viewers and was one of the top rated series in 2004. �The Ashlee Simpson Show� was a huge phenomenon that established Ashlee Simpson as a pop star in her own right. The series followed the making of Ashlee�s debut album �Autobiography� that skyrocketed to the #1 slot on the Nielsen SoundScan U.S. Album Sales chart (also known as the Billboard 200) in its first week and has sold over three million copies to date.

�Roughly 10 years ago, MTV broke the traditional fall and spring programming cycles and became the first channel to introduce a summer line-up.� said Mr. Graden. �Once again, we�re breaking the traditional TV model by introducing a constantly changing roster of original series 52 weeks of the year. �Newlyweds� and �Ashlee� and then Nick and the Barkers will be paired together and will represent the first wave in our move towards 52 weeks of originals in the 10 spot.�

�It has been amazing to see the immediate connection between our audience and Jessica, Nick and Ashlee. With the upcoming seasons of �Newlyweds� and �Ashlee� and the new �Nick Lachey Project ,� we'll take fans even deeper into their lives,� said Lois Curren, Executive Vice President, MTV Series Entertainment. �With �Meet the Barkers,� our viewers will get a glimpse of an entirely new side of rock �n roll family life.�

Background on the new original series is as follows:

�MEET THE BARKERS� - Opposites definitely attract when it comes to Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler. The tattooed, mohawked drummer of Blink-182 has found true love with a former Miss USA turned TV actress, and they�ve invited the whole world to watch as they begin their lives together. But, be prepared, because these aren�t your average newlyweds. From the first moment they appear onscreen, you�ll see just how unique Travis and Shanna really are. From hangovers and Playboy parties to Thanksgiving dinners and their one year-old�s first birthday party, Travis and Shanna are living the ultimate rock �n roll fantasy, while adjusting to parenthood -- and all that comes with it. With a new mansion, two kids and a hilarious set of friends and extended family, the Barkers are putting the �nuclear� in nuclear family.

Executives in Charge of Production: Lois Curren, Rod Aissa, Jesse Ignjatovic and Michelle Dix

THE NICK LACHEY PROJECT (working title) - MTV follows America�s favorite pop star husband through the most crucial months of his solo music career. After attaining huge success with his former band 98 Degrees and becoming a reality show sensation with �Newlyweds,� Nick may look like he has it all. However, his first love is music and he sets out to take his career to a whole new level. MTV cameras are given total access behind the entire process from Nick building a studio inside his home, hiring producers and writers, searching for a record deal, recording, and finally working with the label to get his CD in stores. Throughout the journey, Nick is completely submerged in the artistic process, while trying to maintain a business sense and make sure that his musical baby is delivered properly. He�s going to give it everything he�s got and he invites his fans along to hear the songs and see the stories that culminate with the release of his record. Executives in Charge of Production: Greg Johnston, Lois Curren, and Rod Aissa

Upcoming seasons of �The Ashlee Simpson Show� and �Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica� promise to be entertaining, as well, with excitement including the following:

�THE ASHLEE SIMPSON SHOW� � We watched Ashlee Simpson rise from being Jessica�s cool younger sister to a multi-platinum selling artist and this new season will capture the journey and everything that comes with mega-stardom. MTV captures it all, from her infamous �Saturday Night Live� appearance to product endorsement and movie deals, to preparing for her biggest musical challenge - her first nationwide tour. Throughout it all, Ashlee is challenged with reproving herself as a serious artist, while keeping her integrity and identity in tact. This season gives an intimate look into the crazy new world that only success can bring and culminates with Ashlee�s first ever tour.

Executives in Charge of Production: Greg Johnston, Lois Curren, and Rod Aissa

�NEWLYWEDS: NICK & JESSICA� � The Newlyweds are back with 10 brand new episodes of America�s favorite reality couple. The fame and excitement have only grown stronger in its third season, as we follow Nick and Jessica through such highlights including: the Newlyweds second anniversary in Napa Valley; Nick�s birthday celebration in Las Vegas; housebreaking their new dog Daisy and Halloween with Nick and Jessica. We�ll also give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Jessica as she prepares for her role as Daisy Duke and tries out stunt car training in the major motion picture adaptation of �Dukes of Hazzard!�

Executives in Charge of Production: Greg Johnston, Lois Curren, and Rod Aissa