This builds on the commitment Tim Davie, Director of BBC Audio and Music, made earlier this year to significantly improve DAB coverage in the UK in 2010/11.

In 2010 residents of the Rhondda Valley, Windermere, north Northamptonshire, Rochdale and Littleborough, the Sevenoaks Weald and north Kent and South Hams have been able to receive digital radio for the first time.

Scotland has seen a significant improvement in coverage for the BBC's UK-wide digital radio services with transmissions starting in Oban, Fort William, throughout Dumfries and Galloway, and into the north-east of the nation with coverage now throughout Aberdeenshire.

Meanwhile, five new transmitters for Northern Ireland have improved coverage across the province, extending the network into Enniskillen, Ballymena, Coleraine, and Larne, as well as improving reception for a fifth of the population with a new transmitter in north Belfast. As a result, the coverage of these services has leapt from 75% to 85% of Northern Ireland – with further improvements to come in 2011.

The roll-out is not only adding new areas into the coverage of the network but also improving reception for existing listeners in certain areas. In 2010 reception has been improved for households in Cornwall, Plymouth and Dartmoor; Aberdeen; Suffolk and north Essex; Dundee; Dumbarton and Helensbrough; Belfast; Fife; and London.

The roll-out will continue in 2011, with new transmitters for Saffron Walden, east Devon, Sunderland and High Wycombe due on-air in the first few weeks of the year. The BBC remains on target to meet its aim of DAB serving 92% of the population by the end of 2011.

Alix Pryde, Controller BBC Distribution, whose team have worked with transmission provider Arqiva to bring the transmitters on-air, says: "We're committed to guaranteeing access to the BBC's digital radio services and the roll-out of our DAB network is a key part of that. We've had a great year and are looking forward to a busy 2011, with a further 40 transmitters to bring into service."

Tim Davie said: "It is excellent news that more listeners will be able to enjoy the full range of BBC services. Driving up national DAB coverage is an important part of building a digital future for radio."

His journey to save the "American dream" through song and not let his home slip into foreclosure has already been featured on a Capital Public Radio program on the battles facing the long-term middle-aged unemployed.

Paul lost his job as a 26-year veteran sheet metal worker for Local 162 at the start of the recession in 2007. With the economy plunging and construction coming to a drastic halt, Paul and his wife Cindy, a legal assistant, needed to find new ways to survive in the slow economy.

"When I got laid off, the union's list of out-of-work of men was over 200. My wife and I knew this problem was bigger than us and we had to do something to make some extra money," Paul said. Their biggest fear is that they will lose the home they bought in 1996 after years of hard work to save up the down payment. By making huge family sacrifices, including having no health insurance, the Hensleys have managed to keep their home – for now – using Paul's unemployment benefits and Cindy's income.

The album "Destitute Legend," with many of the songs devoted to the struggles facing so many American families today, was written over the three years Paul was laid off. During those years, his wife took full charge of creating this late-in-life career as a songwriter and began learning the ropes of managing and promoting Paul. Now that the album is finished and the release date is set for Dec. 31, Paul is hoping to sell his music on iTunes and generate enough money to help pay for his mortgage and keep his house.

"I need to do this now more than ever because my unemployment benefits are going to be cut," Paul said. Although the jobless benefits have been extended for him for two months, the job outlook is not optimistic for Paul in 2011.  Once the benefits run out, Paul and his family, along with many other Americans, soon will be destitute with no unemployment benefits.

Contact: Heidi Van Zant, sierra2@jps.net or 530.886.0788

SOURCE PaulRossHensley.com

Rusty Egan and Steve Strange brought you the Blitz Club in 1980, the cradle that not only spawned the musical soundtrack to a generation but also the styles, fashions and very fabric of the 80s. Thirty years may seem a long time to wait before launching a record label of the same name, but the sound of the Blitz is as fresh today as it was all those years ago on a side street offCovent Garden .

The Blitz Club are planning a reunion at the original Blitz Club in Covent Garden on 15 January 2011; we have Steve Strange and Rusty Egan available for interview should you wish to speak with them about the event.

They are also planning on rereleasing their famous track ‘Fade to Gray’ and there is also talks of a 4th Visage album next year.

For more information just contact Vicky Berry on vicky@quitegreat.co.uk or call her on 01223 410000.

Watch a video montage of scenes taken from the original Blitz Club below: 

Special encore broadcast of Paul McCartney's historic performance from the world famous Apollo Theater

Live concert broadcasts from across the country by Furthur, The Disco Biscuits, Southside Johnny, Patti Smith, The Avett Brothers, Phil Vassar, Drive-By Truckers, Pitbull, Little Feat and the Metropolitan Opera

Special performances by Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra, David Bowie, Flaming Lips, Jack Johnson, Phoenix, Bachman & Turner, Peter Noone, Gerald Albright and Vampire Weekend

Live DJ sets from Paul Oakenfold and Swedish House Mafia's Steve Angello and special, exclusive sets by Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, Swedish House Mafia's Axwell, as well as a special presentation of Tim Berg presents "Avicii LEV7LS"

"New Year's Nation" pop-up channel serves as North America's party soundtrack for New Year's Eve

NEW YORK, Dec. 23, 2010 -- SIRIUS XM Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) announced today that it will celebrate the new year with a wide-ranging lineup of live concerts, special performances, exclusive DJ sets, a special New Year's Eve music channel and various year-end countdowns.

SIRIUS XM will broadcast Eminem's sold-out "Home & Home" concert, recorded live at Comerica Park in the rap legend's hometown, Detroit, MI, exclusively on his SIRIUS XM channel, Shade 45, SIRIUS channel 45 and XM channel 66. The highly acclaimed concert features appearances by 50 Cent, Drake, B.O.B. and Dr. Dre. The concert will air on Friday, December 31 at8:00 pm ET.

Listeners will also hear a special encore broadcast of Paul McCartney's performance from the world famous Apollo Theater fromDecember 13. The concert, which celebrated SIRIUS XM reaching 20 million subscribers, was broadcast live on six SIRIUS XM channels. The special encore broadcast will air on The Bridge, SIRIUS channel 33 and XM channel 27, on Friday, December 31at 9:00 pm ET.

SIRIUS XM listeners will hear live concert broadcasts from all over the country featuring an eclectic lineup of world-class talent, including Furthur's concert from Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, CA; The Disco Biscuits' concert from the Tower Theatre in Philadelphia, PA; Southside Johnny at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ; Patti Smith at Bowery Ballroom in New York City, NY; The Avett Brothers' at Asheville Civic Center in Asheville, NC; Phil Vassar's concert from downtown Nashville, TN; Drive By Truckers' concert from Terminal 5 in New York, NY; Pitbull's concert from House of Blues in Las Vegas, NV; and Little Feat's concert at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA.

SIRIUS XM listeners will also hear broadcasts of historic and special concerts by Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra, David Bowie, Flaming Lips, Jack Johnson, Phoenix, Bachman & Turner, Peter Noone, Gerald Albright and Vampire Weekend.

Internationally-renowned DJ Paul Oakenfold will spin live from Rain in Las Vegas and Swedish House Mafia's Steve Angellowill DJ live from Roseland in New York, NY. In addition, listeners will hear DJ sets by Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, Swedish House Mafia's Axwell, as well as a special presentation of Tim Berg presents "Avicii LEV7LS" on New Year's Eve. The DJ sets will air on Electric Area, SIRIUS channel 38 and XM channel 80.

Real Jazz, SIRIUS channel 72 and XM channel 70, presents NPR's 30th "Toast of the Nation" featuring live jazz, coast to coast, with performances from Dianne Reeves, Lionel Loueke Trio, Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra with Nnenna Freelon, Jimmy Heath,Cyrus Chestnut, Nicholas Payton and Benny Green.

Metropolitan Opera Radio, SIRIUS channel 78 and XM channel 79, will present a live broadcast of the new production premiereVerdi's:  La Traviata.

SIRIUS XM's New Year's Nation channel, SIRIUS channel 3 and XM channel 23, is custom-created to serve as the ultimate soundtrack to New Year's Eve parties around the country and will feature the biggest, upbeat party hits from genres across SIRIUS XM's music platform. The channel will launch on Friday, December 31 at 12:00 pm ET and will air through Saturday, January 1 at 11:59 pm ET.

SIRIUS XM's various decades and wide-ranging genre channels will each offer special New Year's Eve programming, including countdowns, the best of in-studio performances, interviews and more.

For more information, please visit www.sirius.com or www.xmradio.com.

NORWALK, Conn., Dec. 23, 2010 -- SMIRNOFF®, the world's best-selling vodka, announced NYC-based deejay and producer, DJ Scratch, as the winner of the brand's first ever reality television show, Master of the Mix. In a quest to crown the hottest DJ in the world, Master of the Mix hosted multiple DJs in cities throughout the world to determine the ultimate mix master. Recognized and praised for his scratching ability and unbelievable skills on the turntables, DJ Scratch sent home some of the world's hottest deejays week after week and was crowned the winner last night, taking home the grand prize of $250,000.  The shows judges, Grammy nominated producer/DJ, Just Blaze, and world famous DJ, Kid Capri made the final decision. Serving as guest judges were SMIRNOFF Vodka's Brand Director, David Tapscott and pioneer DJ Grandmaster Flash.  

"We are so proud to announce DJ Scratch as the winner of the first season of Master of the Mix," said David Tapscott, Brand Director, SMIRNOFF. "Master of the Mix has been our first venture into reality television and we're not only thrilled at the incredibly positive response we've received from SMIRNOFF fans and hip hop enthusiasts alike, we're so glad to have DJ Scratch, a respected deejay and responsible nightlife maven, serve as a representative of the brand."

DJ Scratch was judged based on his technical ability, track selection, originality, and crowd response; and with a name like DJ Scratch, it wasn't too difficult for the world-renowned scratcher to impress both the judges and the crowds. As the winner of the first season of Master of the Mix, DJ Scratch earned himself serious bragging rights in the deejay community and took home $250,000 in cash and prizes, including a personalized SMIRNOFF bottle. 

The competition, which kicked off in the Hollywood Hills and traveled to Sin City, Miami, New York, and London, saw fierce competition from 6 other renowned deejays including: DJ Revolution; DJ Mars; DJ Rap; DJ Jazzy Joyce; Rich Medina; and Vikter Duplaix. The finale culminated in a battle between Vikter Duplaix and DJ Scratch in London at the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project, a global cultural exchange between 14 countries. The last competition of the season challenged the two hip hop heavyweights to a classic deejay battle. Under the lights of one of London's hottest parties, DJ Scratch's skills on the turntables were undeniable as he proved himself worthy of the title "Master of the Mix." As the winner, DJ Scratch will serve as the face of Master of the Mix, making appearances at Smirnoff events throughout 2011.

For additional information, please visit www.masterofthemix.com. And while mixing it up, always remember to enjoy SMIRNOFF responsibly.

Technopraise — a breakthrough label and genre founded in Nashville by Russian-born producer Yuri Mamchur — starts with American dance and pop and adds European trance/house/techno rhythms. "Mary Did You Know?" is Technopraise's inaugural release. (www.technopraise.com) Technopraise's advisors include music industry legend Tim DuBois, Managing Executive of ASCAP in Nashville, and Dr. Kenton Lee, the Fine Arts Minister of Life Center Church in Tacoma, Washington.

"Nashville's Technopraise is an exciting trend in Christian music and the Nashville scene," says DuBois. "The electronic dance sound will help reach hearts of teenagers and people worldwide with the Christian message."

"Technopraise is a breath of fresh air on the contemporary worship music scene," says Dr. Lee. "At first listening, one may think it is just for young people. But I have discovered that it is pleasing to many age groups, for it offers inventive, new sounds, and gives renewed wings to the timeless Good News. Yuri Mamchur ingeniously has brought us another genre!" adds Dr. Lee.

"This new genre allows worship songs to reach Asian, European, and other global markets," Mamchur says. "Many kids worldwide who love Jesus will appreciate worship songs in a style that they already like. Those who don't know Jesus still can enjoy these incredible songs and their redeeming message," Mamchur adds.

"As Christians, we should be global trendsetters," Mamchur says. "This means pairing soulful vocals with techno beats and spreading the Gospel in universally approachable ways." Technopraise takes God's message to the greatest global audience through a musical style that dominates overseas and has grown rapidly here in the last two years. The new label is releasing "technopraised" versions of Christian songs sung by a young, ascendant artist named Jocelyn Lee on a five-track EP "transformed" for Christmas 2010.

Mamchur grew up in the then-Soviet Union in a Russian Orthodox family. While he generally understood Christianity, he did not personally find Jesus until after moving to America in 2003. Mamchur discovered Christian music in 2005. While traveling between America and Europe in 2007, Mamchur noticed that Europeans avoided worship music, as it seldom matched their tastes.  In 2009, Mamchur began his MBA studies at Nashville's Vanderbilt University. Last spring, he won Vanderbilt's Summer Enterprise Grant, declined regular MBA internships, and began producing Christian techno music. Says Mamchur: "I am living the American dream."

Watch "Mary Did You Know" video below: 

Tapping Gracenote's Global Media Database®, the largest and most comprehensive media database in the world, MusicID with Lyrics lets consumers obtain music information by searching artist or track name, or by simply holding their phone up to music playing nearby. Once the artist or track is identified, the magic begins as the Gravity Mobile service delivers comprehensive information including lyrics, cover art, biographies, recommendations and links directly to online music stores for purchase.

The holidays will lead to another record-breaking season for app consumption on mobile devices, according to mobile analytics firm Flurry, which reports downloads for smartphone apps were up 25 percent over the four days of theThanksgiving holiday. And MusicID with Lyrics for the iPhone, launched in May 2009, is one of the most popular music apps on the U.S. market, spending time earlier this year as the top selling paid app in the iTunes App store and several months as the store's leading paid music app.

In May 2010, Gravity Mobile announced its international version of MusicID for the iPhone had been released in 90 countries supporting Japanese, French, German and Spanish languages. Within a month after its global launch, MusicID was one of the top 10 music apps in 13 countries, including the number one music app in Sweden and South Africa, and the number one app overall in Japan and Germany.

Also in May of last year, MusicID received the Mobile Merit Award for "Best iPhone App." The Mobile Merit Awards recognizes companies, individuals and technologies that have shaped the way in which the world communicates today. Gravity Mobile has been responsible for many award-winning innovations made possible through a combination of its market-leading mobile technology, cutting edge applications and UI design capabilities, and a proven track record of delivering best-in-class mobile solutions.

The MusicID app can be downloaded from the Android Marketplace for $2.99.  

Through "Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity," users can play music any time on a wide variety of Internet-connected Sony devices including Sony's 2010 models of network-enabled BRAVIA® TV, Blu-ray Disc™ player, Blu-ray Disc Home Theater system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system as well as VAIO and other personal computers. It will also become available on a wide range of Sony's portable devices, as well as on Android-based mobile devices and other portable devices.

"Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity" is initially available in the U.K. and Ireland with service availability in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, New Zealand and U.S. to be announced in due course during 2011.

"Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity" is the next extension of services 'powered by Qriocity.' Sony debuted "Video On Demand powered by Qriocity™," a premium video streaming service, in the U.S. in April 2010 and expanded the service to France,Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.K. in November 2010. Through "Video on Demand powered by Qriocity" customers can instantly rent from a growing library of thousands ofHollywood blockbuster movies across Sony's 2010 models of network-enabled BRAVIA TV, Blu-ray Disc player and Blu-ray Disc Home Theater system.

"As we continue to expand Qriocity globally, these services 'powered by Qriocity' offer a single ID log-in and wallet solution, and empower users to easily consume content including music and video across a growing number of integrated devices," said Kazuo Hirai, President of Networked Products & Services Group, Sony Corporation. "Seamless accessibility to content through these fresh user experiences will enrich Sony's network service offerings and continually add value to the unique aspects of Sony's network-enabled products."

Sony has developed "Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity" in partnership with Omnifone, a leading provider of cloud-based unlimited music services, with Omnifone contracted by Sony to coordinate content licensing as well as development and delivery of the service, leveraging its existing expertise in the music industry.

"Omnifone is delighted to partner with Sony to bring 'Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity' to hundreds of millions of Sony and other devices," said Rob Lewis, Executive Chairman of Omnifone. "'Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity' is designed to bring digital music into the homes and living rooms of consumers, as well as to PCs and portable devices, with every users' music experiences synchronized automatically across their devices without needing to manage media files."

"Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity" Features

With Basic (pounds Sterling 3.99 in the U.K. and 3.99 Euros in Ireland) and Premium (pounds 9.99 in the U.K. and 9.99 Euros in Ireland) monthly subscription plans, "Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity" offers breadth of content and easy music discovery, features cited as most important by music enthusiasts.

Unlike many other popular music services, the basic plan permits unlimited forward skipping of the songs to ensure users discover music they want to hear. With access to an expanding catalogue of about six million songs, the basic plan works as an infinite ad-free radio station and subscribers can listen to dozens of personalized channels – categorized by genre, era as well as mood through SensMe™(*1) – without the requirement to download or manage their music files.

Additionally, the premium subscription plan offers a one time 30 day Premium free trial enabling users to listen in full to every song on demand, create personal playlists of favorites, and gain access to premium Top 100 channels which are regularly updated with the latest hits.

By studying users' listening habits, incorporating their 'like/dislike' song ratings, analyzing their existing music collections and more, "Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity" adapts to users' music preferences and constantly tailors music channels to offer the most compatible and enjoyable list of songs. Therefore, the more you listen, the more uniquely personalized your music channels become.

Furthermore, users can also synchronize their existing music files and playlists from other media players including iTunes® into "Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity," and enjoy their existing music at any time across all compatible devices(*2).

As the follow up to her RIAA GOLD certified debut album In A Perfect World... the Grammy nominated singer and new face of AVON will perform her newest single Pretty Girl Rock (produced by Ne-Yo). An ode to self confidence, the video for the single was shot by famed director Joseph Kahn (U2/Gwen Stefani) and has everyone from Perez Hilton to Billboard Magazine ecstatic about Keri's tribute to women like Janet Jackson, Diana Ross and TLC that have rocked throughout the ages. Additionally, the video for her debut single Breaking Point (produced by Timbaland) has hit #1 on BET 106 & Park while becoming the #1 added record to Urban Radio after recently performing the song on BET's Black Girls Rock. Recently seen at The American Music Awards, the songwriter also graces the current covers of both Vibe Magazine and Jones Magazine.

Executive produced by super producers Timbaland and Polow Da Don, the new album features appearances by Kanye West, Chris Brown, Rick Ross, J-Cole and additional musical contributions by Timbaland, Polow Da Don, Danja, Ne-Yo, John Legend, Boi-1da, Stargate, Jerry Wonder and Chuck Harmony.

The album encompasses the past two years in Keri's life as she's gone from a hit songwriter responsible for hits by Britney Spears, Pussy Cat Dolls, Mary J. Blige, and Usher to a Grammy nominated singer with #1 songs under her own belt. Representing a myriad of sounds, the Timbaland–produced Breaking Point is a bluesy call to arms; the kind of song a woman listens to as she musters up the courage and conviction to leave a no-good relationship. Whilst on the other side of the spectrum, the raw and infectious The Way You Love Me feat. Rick Ross, produced by Polow Da Don is a club-thumping message to female empowerment. But that's not to say Hilson's music doesn't speak to the fellas, "I write from a female perspective, but I'm also telling men what women are really thinking and feeling about them."

"Keri's intense focus on No Boys Allowed has been inspiring to both Timbaland and I, in and out of the studio. This will definitely be one of the best albums of 2010/2011," says Polow Da Don, Co-Executive Producer of the album and Zone 4 President.

No Boys Allowed is a deeply personal project designed to bring women to their feet. The provocative title, is not what you may think, says Hilson. "It's not about excluding men. It's more about women understanding that there comes a time in your life when you want a man. A real man. A grown up. Not a boy. And that's not a bad thing."

For more information, log onto www.kerihilson.com

The year-long ratings gains were fueled by MTV's diverse programming slate of hit reality series, new scripted comedy and live award telecasts.  Excluding sports, MTV nabbed all 20 of the top 20 cable telecasts of the year among P12-34, topped by the "2010 Video Music Awards." Further, MTV secured eight of the top 20 original cable series of the year, including the top two spots with "Jersey Shore" (#1) and "Teen Mom" (#2).  In addition, MTV's sibling network MTV2, which has the highest concentration of young males on TV, had its best year ever, up 4% over 2009.  

MTV's dramatic growth extended to the online space.  With more than 57 million unique visitors according to comScore Media Metrix numbers (November 2010), the MTV Music Group experienced 200% year-over-year growth, making it the #1 destination for music.  

"In 2010 we've seen enormous ratings growth as a result of the process we began almost two years ago to reinvent MTV for a new generation," said MTV General Manager Stephen Friedman.  "We continue to rally the organization around a new brand filter that is clearly gaining traction with the millennial audience as we see broad-based ratings gains across our programming lineup.  We look forward to a strong 2011 when we'll further diversify our lineup with new scripted series 'Skins' and 'Teen Wolf' alongside returning hits like 'Jersey Shore' and 'Teen Mom 2."  

ADDITIONAL KEY LINEAR HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2010 INCLUDE:

• "Jersey Shore," MTV's most-watched series ever, more than doubled (+119%) its season one average (5.7 vs 2.6)
• Season two of "Teen Mom" saw ratings increase 57% over season one's average (3.6 vs 2.3)
• The "2010 VMAS" delivered a 10.0 rating (P12-34) and 11.4 million total viewers, making it the #1 cable telecast of the year.
• MTV's original comedy series "The Hard Times of RJ Berger" culminated with season-high ratings of 1.3 (P12-34) and 1.3 million total viewers, up 20% from the season average

Source: Nielsen.  Live+SD. 12/28/09-12/19/10 v. 12/29/08-12/20/09, or as dated.  P12-34 unless noted. Series rank=TP trackage average, ranked on 000s, regularly scheduled, 3+ tcs, premieres only.

With total worldwide album sales topping 10 million units powered by their indelibly melodic, Grammy-nominated Top Ten singles, Gin Blossoms—Robin Wilson, Jesse Valenzuela, Scott Johnson and Bill Leen, are back and in peak form.  Says the San Antonio Express-News of "NO CHOCOLATE CAKE": "Gin Blossoms tug at the heart strings like few pop bands... power pop nirvana." The eleven new tracks were written, produced and performed by the band with the help of John Richardson (drums) and Danny Wilde on keyboards and additional production (of The Rembrandts).  The band will be touring extensively throughout 2010 and 2011.

For more information visit: www.429records.com

Capturing their first of three Grammy Awards as "Best New Artist" of 2005 and going on to sell more than 15 million albums worldwide, Maroon 5 won over fans and critics alike with the hybrid rock/R&B sound they introduced on their debut album Songs About Jane. They followed up with the double platinum album, It Won't be Soon Before Long, which included hits like "Makes Me Wonder" and "If I Never See your Face Again." In September 2010, the band released their third studio album Hands All Over, which was produced by studio legend Robert John "Mutt" Lange and notched a #2 debut on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. Most recently Maroon 5 received a Grammy Award nomination for "Misery," the debut single off Hands All Over in the category of "Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals." The nod marks the group's seventh Grammy nomination overall and 4th in that category. Hitting the airwaves this summer, "Misery" skyrocketed into the top 10 on the Top 40 radio chart within four weeks of its release, marking it the band's fastest rising chart success to date. Maroon 5's releases have gone gold and platinum in over 35 countries around the world, including Hands All Over, which was certified gold by the RIAA inDecember 2010. www.maroon5.com

"The nominees, presenters and guests in the house at the annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards are all A-list," said Tom Calderone, President, VH1. "We've been huge supporters of Maroon 5 since the beginning of their career, and watched them become an international success.  Having them join our production as the house band brings an unprecedented level of excitement and musical talent to the show."  

The 250 members of the BFCA, the largest film critics' organization in the United States and Canada, representing television, radio and online critics, selected nominees in each of 25 categories.  The awards are bestowed annually to honor the finest in cinematic achievement.  Eligible films were released in 2010. The accounting firm of Gregory A. Mogab tallied the written ballots.

Historically, the Critics' Choice Movie Awards are the most accurate predictor of the Academy Award nominations.  All four major acting category winners at the Academy Awards in 2010 were first Critics' Choice Movie Awards winners in the same categories and were present at the January 15, 2010 ceremony to graciously give their first acceptance speeches of the awards season. The BFCA also recognized "The Hurt Locker" for "Best Picture" and Kathryn Bigelow as "Best Director," making her the first female to win the award. "The Hurt Locker" and Bigelow also went on to win the Academy Award for "Best Picture" and "Best Director" but were both overlooked at the Golden Globes.

The 16th annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards, honoring the finest in cinematic achievement among 2010 film releases, announced its nominees on Monday, December 13, 2010. Final ballots will go out to the BFCA members on January 10, 2010with the deadline for returning final ballots happening on January 12, 2010. For a full list of this year's nominees and information about the show visit CriticsChoice.VH1.com. The site also offers VH1.com's Award Season Twitter Tracker where users can see the awards show buzz that's happening on Twitter in real time and Quick Critic, an opportunity to share short film reviews for a prize that includes a trip for two to next year's Critics' Choice Movie Awards. Additionally, interviews with many of the acting nominees can be found on the BFCAs' site CriticsChoice.com .

The 16th 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 98 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

SOURCE VH1

Tyrone Simmons, a/k/a "Young Caliber," an aspiring 28-year-old rap artist from Atlanta, Ga., has filed suit in the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York seeking damages for copyright infringement and other claims. Specifically, Simmons alleges that he purchased an exclusive license for all of the rights to use, record, publish, re-produce, perform and/or sell the "I Get Money" instrumental beat, from which the song is titled, from its producer William Stanberry, a/k/a Apex, and that Stanberry and others, including 50 Cent, knowingly infringed upon his rights.

The named defendants in the lawsuit include Stanberry, his company Apex Productions, LLC, 50 Cent, Universal Music Group, Inc., Interscope Records and certain of its subsidiaries, Aftermath Entertainment (founded by popular rap artist Dr. Dre), G-Unit Records and Shady Records (co-owned by rap artist Eminem).  

"The misappropriation of copyright-protected material is an endemic problem in the music business, and particularly in the genre of hip-hop/rap.  This is one such case," said Louis D. Tambaro, an attorney at Red Bank, N.J.-based Marks & Klein, LLP, one of the firms representing Simmons. "Our client was granted exclusive rights to the 'I Get Money' instrumental and was unceremoniously cut out of the loop when the defendants realized they had a huge hit on their hands."  

"This type of infringement is simply not fair and will not be tolerated," added Kevin B. Legreide, an attorney at Legreide & Ceres,Toms River, N.J., which also represents Simmons.  

SOURCE Marks & Klein, LLP

The website describes its dedicated team as "a small crew of dedicated music nuts," "homegrown in Austin, Texas" and "passionate about bringing new music to new ears." Harnessing the organics of local music and the power of the social web,Austin Music Weekly is filling an online gap for music fans – in Austin and around the world - as well as local bands.

"Los Tigres del Norte and Friends: MTV Unplugged" will feature Juanes, Calle 13, Zack de la Rocha (Rage Against the Machine/One Day as a Lion) and Andres Calamaro, among others, who will join the group for an intimate performance of some of their greatest hits including "La Puerta Negra", "Lagrimas del Corazon", "Golpes en el Corazon", "Senor Locutor", "La Jaula de Oro" and "America", among many others. The multiple Grammy award-winning group will also embrace a message of peace with a performance of "Perdonen mi Canto".

"Los Tigres del Norte's storytelling has become legendary and serves as the soundtrack to the lives of multiple generations of Hispanics living in the US," commented Jesus Lara, Senior Vice President of Music & Talent Strategy for Tr3s: MTV, Musica y Mas. "This event will mark a historical moment for the Mexican music culture and we are honored to add this musical milestone to the 'MTV Unplugged' franchise." 

"We're thrilled to join the extraordinary list of artists that have performed on the 'MTV Unplugged' stage, and bring Regional Mexican Music to such a celebrated concert series.  We are looking forward to the opportunity to revisit many special moments in our career, while also creating new interpretations with a wide array of special guests," commented Los Tigres del Norte.

Juanes commented, "Los Tigres are the rock of the culture. It's an honor to join them for this 'Unplugged'. I love their music, attitude and career."

Charlie Singer, SVP of Content and Creative for Tr3s, will serve as Executive Producer, and Jesus Lara as Co-Producer of the "Los Tigres del Norte and Friends: MTV Unplugged". The show's Producer will be Audrey Morrissey from Live Animals, which will also serve as the production company.

Juanes has become the leading all-Spanish language music artist in the world over the course of the last decade, often mentioned alongside artists such as Bono and Bruce Springsteen for his belief in the possibility of social change through music. With more than 15 million albums sold and a slew of Grammy and Latin Grammy wins, Juanes' new album "P.A.R.C.E." is already getting high praise and topping the Billboard charts. The album's first single "Yerbatero" (unveiled to a global audience at the World Cup) has reached #1 in 19 countries, and according to Billboard, the new second single "Y No Regresas" has already charted as Juanes' 17th Top-5 title on the Latin Pop-Airplay Chart.

Calle 13 revolutionized Urban Latino music five years ago with their breakthrough debut and continues to speak as the uncensored voice of their generation. With two GRAMMY and ten LATIN GRAMMY awards to their credit, Rolling Stone has described the two brothers as "hitmakers with globe-trotting tastes, a riotous sense of humor & unstoppable groove," while Slaterecognizes Calle 13 as "one of the sharpest hip-hop acts in any language."  With the recent release of their fourth album "Entren Los Que Quieren," (Everyone Is Welcome), Calle 13 continue to shock the Latin music establishment (as they did with the controversial video for "Calma Pueblo") and demonstrate why NPR recently declared the Puerto Rican stars as: "one of the most exciting and creative groups to hit the Latin Alternative scene in the last decade…  much more than a band of musicians: They are poets, fighters, comedians, journalists, satirists and political activists… Calle 13 is exactly what Latin music needs right now: an injection of rebellion, thought and real sexuality."

Zack de la Rocha, known as the lyricist and vocalist of Rage Against The Machine, is an American musician, poet and activist of Mexican, German and Irish descent.  He has spent a majority of his adult life dedicated to the revolutionary movement for social, political and ethnic reform for minorities.  Using music as his platform for change, the vocalist for the Grammy Award winning, multi-platinum rock band Rage Against the Machine and One Day As A Lion has organized campaigns like The Sound Strike, rallying against Arizona's SB1070 immigration law, and is a proud supporter of United Farm Workers and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.

From his early beginnings as a keyboardist for Raices, at just 17, to a successful solo career, Andres Calamaro has become one of the top Spanish rock musicians of our time. A Latin Grammy and Gardel winner, Calamaro is currently showcasing his latest album, "On The Rock", which is posting among his bestselling albums and increasing his fan base throughout Latin America.