May 14, 2002/ FW/ -- On August 29, 2002 at 8:00 PM (ET/PT), Radio City Music Hall hosts the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards.

Historically aired on the first Thursday of September, the show was moved one week prior out of respect for the one year anniversary of the events of 9/11.

"Our plan is to throw the last big bash of the summer with the Video Music Awards," quoted Mr. Van Toffler, President of MTV & MTV2 on the announcement. "By bringing together artists, fans and the city's creative community for MTV's biggest night of the year, we hope to show our love and support for the place we truly call home everyday."

MTV Video Music Awards is MTV's most visible awards show, with a viewing audience of over 1 billion via MTV's 35 channels reaching 382.1 million households around the world as well as through syndication.

The show in August marks the fourth straight year that the VMA will emanate from New York City. New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said on the announcement of the VMA staying in New York for a fourth year, "As the music capital of the world and MTV's homebase, there is no better place on earth to host MTV's annual music awards extravaganza."

"This star studded event has become of New York City's signature awards show," Mayor Bloomberg added.

With the successful 2001 MVA, executive producers Salli Frattini and Dave Sirulnick, together with producer Alex Coletti are returning at the helm of the show. Under their guidance, the 1999 and 2001 MVA were the most watched and second most watched VMAs respectively in the channel's history.

Ballots for "2002 MTV Video Music Awards" will be sent out to an exclusive industry group and viewers who will determine nominees for the telecast.

Approximately 500 viewers and individuals representing record labels, music journalists and video producers, select the nominees.

For more information about the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards, please log on at: www.mtv.com.