MTV Networks, a division of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), and Microsoft Corp. today announced that they have collaborated on the design and development of MTV Networks’ forthcoming digital music service called URGE. Set to debut in 2006, URGE will provide an immersive music experience and will be integrated into a forthcoming version of the Microsoft® Windows Media® Player. The collaboration unites MTV Networks’ music DNA, marketing strengths and powerful MTV, VH1 and CMT brands with the technology leadership and consumer reach of Microsoft.

URGE will offer rich entertainment programming and innovative tools designed to guide musical discovery and connect fans to the artists and music they love. Offering more than 2 million songs from the major labels and thousands of independents, URGE will encompass all musical genres, from alt-country to zydeco. In addition to a broad catalogue of music choices, URGE will deliver a deep well of exclusive MTV Networks programming and original, hand-crafted content.

URGE has garnered early support from Clive Davis, North America chairman and CEO of Sony BMG; Lyor Cohen, chairman and CEO of Warner Music Group; and musical superstars Alicia Keys, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, and Gretchen Wilson.

“We live to connect artists and fans in the most imaginative ways possible,” said Van Toffler, MTV Networks’ Music Group president. “With our new service, we will be able to satisfy music lovers’ urges for all things music. In many ways, URGE will serve as a ‘psychic concierge,’ introducing fans to new artists and helping them to develop a deeper connection to old favorites.”