Kick Off Your Shoes And Put Your Toes In The Sand: MTV Heads To Key West For Season 17 Of "The Real World"

MTV�s Longest Running Series To Start Production in Key West, Florida in Q4 �05

New York, NY, August 5, 2005 � MTV: Music Television, Bunim-Murray Productions and the city of Key West announced today that the 17th season of �The Real World� will begin production in Key West, Florida Q4 �05. The next season of the popular MTV reality series is scheduled to premiere Q1 �06 and is slated for 24 episodes.

Currently in its 16th season, �The Real World� series continues to generate strong ratings and is the highest-rated show on cable this summer among P12-34. The eighth episode of this season (8/2/05) is the highest rated telecast for the year-to-date on cable among P12-34. �The Real World Austin� is over-delivering last season-to-date by 21% among P12-34 and is the most watched show in its time period among P12-34 across all of television, even out-delivering broadcast. The last season, �The Real World Philadelphia� reached nearly 110 million viewers P2+.

�The Keys will make the perfect location for the 17th season of �The Real World�� said Lois Curren, Executive Vice President, MTV Series Entertainment. �Between the exciting nightlife and diverse culture of Key West, we�re excited to see what storylines emerge in the new season.�

�When we told potential cast members that we had chosen Key West as the location for season 17, we were met with universal cheers,� said Jon Murray, Creator and Executive Producer of �The Real World� and Chairman of Bunim-Murray Productions.

�Our island has much to offer,� said Key West Mayor Jimmy Weekley. �We have great weather, a beautiful coral reef and tropical waters, historic buildings and landmarks, superlative arts and museums, and limitless dining and nighttime entertainment opportunities. Add to that our diverse and friendly population and viewers will see why people seek Key West as a place to visit often, as well as one to call home.�

�We welcome the opportunity to host the 17th season of �The Real World,�� stated Florida Keys & Key West Film Commissioner, Rita Brown. �We hope the striking beauty of our islands which bask in turquoise waters will light up the television screens.�

�The Real World� pioneered reality-based television debuting its first season in New York City. Each season, the show brings seven young strangers to live together in a new town and rolls the cameras 24-7, witnessing as their lives intersect, their ideas are challenged, and their passions emerge.

The finale for �The Real World Austin� is scheduled for November �05. Past seasons of �The Real World� have taken place in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Miami, Boston, Seattle, Hawaii, New Orleans, Chicago, Las Vegas, Paris, San Diego, Philadelphia and Austin.

�The Real World� was created for MTV by Jon Murray and Mary Ellis-Bunim of Bunim-Murray Productions, and Jon Murray serves as Executive Producer. Jim Johnston and Joyce Corrington are Co-Executive Producers of �The Real World: Austin� and Drew Tappon and Jacquelyn French are Executives in Charge of Production.

MTV is carried locally in Key West, FL on Comcast Cable.