EPIX™, the new premium entertainment joint venture formed by Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), announced today the appointment of long time MTV Networks veteran Courtney Menzel as senior vice president of Content Distribution.

“During her twelve years with MTV Networks, Courtney has gained a reputation for delivering outstanding results, working tirelessly and thinking big – traits that EPIX was designed to exhibit,” said President of Studio 3 Networks Mark Greenberg. “She has outstanding relationships with major distributors in the satellite, cable and telecommunications world and we know Courtney will be a key driver behind our success.”

EPIX will offer video-on-demand services, original series, music and comedy specials and roughly 15,000 movies from Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate, delivering content on multiple platforms. The brand will launch on television in the fourth quarter of 2009 and on broadband in May 2009. In February, EPIX greenlit its first original series pilot, the Lionsgate Television produced drama Tough Trade, slated to debut in 2010.

Most recently, Menzel served as senior vice president of National Accounts for MTV Networks. In that role, she cultivated the company’s relationships with major distributors including Comcast Corporation, Charter Communications and Mediacom Communications Corporation. Menzel will continue to report to Denise Denson, executive vice president of Content Distribution and Marketing for MTV Networks, the division of Viacom that manages affiliate and marketing services for EPIX.

“Courtney’s tireless work and ambition have led to productive and profitable relationships with distributors, making her a valuable asset to our team over the years,” added Denson. “Courtney’s successes at MTV Networks are the result of consistently performing exceptionally and she will bring the same fire to the EPIX team.”

“EPIX is undoubtedly going to revolutionize entertainment, charting a course in content distribution other networks are sure to follow,” said Menzel. “This brand is ahead of it’s time in terms of offering such compelling movie and entertainment programming on multiple platforms. I am excited to get behind EPIX and truly believe it will be a game changer for the industry.”

Before joining MTV Networks, Menzel served as Marketing Director of Ad Sales for Cox Communication. Prior to that position, she was Promotion Manager for Cosmopolitan.

Menzel received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from University of Delaware in 1988.

About Studio 3 Networks

Studio 3 Networks is a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF). In the Fourth Quarter of 2009, Studio 3 Networks will launch EPIX, a branded next-generation premium entertainment channel, video on demand and Internet service that combines new and classic feature films and original programming, including series, music and comedy specials. Studio 3 Networks will control all rights to EPIX’s programming.

EPIX will have exclusive access to Paramount, Paramount Vantage, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies released theatrically on or after January 1, 2008 and MGM, United Artists and Lionsgate titles released theatrically on or after January 1, 2009. It will also have access to more than 15,000 motion picture titles spanning the vast libraries of the studios and will feature new original television series and live event programming. Differentiating itself from existing networks, EPIX will deliver content on multiple platforms and include interactivity that will significantly enhance the entertainment experience. Viacom will provide operational support, including marketing and affiliate services through its MTV Networks division.