Verizon and GSN, the Network for Games, Sign Distribution Deal

NEW YORK - Verizon today announced an agreement for distribution of both GSN, the Network for Games, and GSNi, GSN's new interactive play-along service.

Verizon will offer GSN on Verizon FiOS TV when it launches later this year, and plans to add GSNi to the lineup in 2006. Verizon will deliver FiOS TV via its fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network, which enables it to provide GSN's interactive service while still using traditional QAM technology for linear service.

GSN and GSNi join other networks to be offered on Verizon's new TV service, including those from A&E Television Networks, Turner Broadcasting System Inc., Discovery Networks, NBC Universal Cable, Showtime Networks and Starz Entertainment Group, among others.

"Whether viewers are watching their favorite game shows or competing against the contestants, they will enjoy the spirited game-play on both of these networks," said Terry Denson, vice president of programming and marketing for FiOS TV.

Said Jan Hatcher, senior vice president, distribution, GSN: "We are thrilled to be Verizon's first interactive partner on its ground-breaking FiOS TV service. As the leader in interactive television, we, too, embrace new technologies. We are proud to have both of our services included on Verizon's lineup, and we're looking forward to working with Verizon to bring the excitement of GSNi's interactive play-along to their customers."

GSN, the Network for Games, offers a diverse slate of competition programming that includes game shows, alternative sports series, documentaries and casino game programs. Its schedule contains hits like "The Amazing Race" and "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?" as well as compelling and diverse original series such as the word-guessing game show "Lingo;" the contemporary billiards show "Ballbreakers;" the updated high-energy version of the playground classic, "Extreme Dodgeball;" and GSN's unique take on television poker, "Poker Royale."

FiOS TV will deliver hundreds of digital video and music channels, high-definition programming, video-on-demand content, interactive programming and an interactive programming guide as well as other customer-friendly features via the company's fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) broadband network. Verizon is already constructing FTTP networks in parts of 15 states, more than half of the states where it offers landline communication services.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

GSN

GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming. The network features game shows, reality series, documentaries, alternative sports programs and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN has allowed viewers to play-along with on-air programming via their computers and GSN.com for some time. The recent launch of GSNi (GSN Interactive) has taken interactivity to the next level, affording viewers the chance to play-along with TV shows using only their remote controls. Reaching more than 57 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN's press website at corp.gsn.com.

Verizon Communications Inc.

With more than $71 billion in annual revenues, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon has a diverse work force of more than 214,000 in four business units: Domestic Telecom provides customers based in 28 states with wireline and other telecommunications services, including broadband. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 47.4 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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