Philippe Dauman, President and CEO of Viacom, Speaks Out in Support of the 'PROTECT IP Act'

NEW YORK, May 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In connection with the U.S. Senate introduction of the PROTECT IP Bill, which aims to fight the impact of online infringement and counterfeiting on American jobs, Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B) President and CEO Philippe Dauman released the following statement:

"The introduction of the PROTECT IP Bill today is an important step forward in the fight to secure American jobs. We appreciate the continued efforts of Senators Leahy, Grassley, Hatch and others to raise awareness of this critical issue, and look forward to working with Congress as they enact legislation to produce effective solutions to the threats of online counterfeiting and infringement.

"Online counterfeiting and infringement are serious and growing threats that have the potential to undermine America's economic resurgence.  With increasing sophistication, criminal elements are infecting the internet ecosystem with illegal, parasitic websites that steal the hard work of millions and expose innocent users to a spectrum of significant, real-world dangers.  

"In order to combat these evolving threats, law enforcement must be given the necessary tools to continue to effectively protect American workers.  Across the entertainment industry alone, more than 140,000 jobs have already been lost due to online piracy, and other IP-dependent industries are equally at risk."

About Viacom

Viacom is home to the world's premier entertainment brands. Through its BET Networks, MTV Networks and Paramount Pictures divisions, Viacom connects with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms in more than 160 countries and territories. With approximately 170 media networks reaching more than 600 million global subscribers, Viacom's leading brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV Land, Spike TV and Tr3s. Paramount Pictures, America's oldest film studio and creator of many of the most beloved motion pictures, continues today as a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. Viacom operates a large portfolio of branded digital media experiences, including many of the world's most popular properties for entertainment, community and casual online gaming.

For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com.

SOURCE Viacom