Verizon announced separate content agreements with The America Channel, Blackbelt TV, Expo TV, LIME and the Pentagon Channel, giving future Verizon FiOS TV viewers more choices of entertainment and informational programming.

Under the agreements, Verizon will carry the channels on Verizon FiOS TV when it launches later this year. They will complement other major cable and network channels available to Verizon subscribers.

"These specialty channels add to the robustness of our channel lineup," said Terry Denson, vice president of programming and marketing for FiOS TV. "Viewers are looking for programming that speaks to their specific interests, and these channels deliver quality content to their audiences 24 hours a day."

Verizon previously announced agreements with network groups such as NBC Universal Cable, Starz Entertainment Group, Showtime Networks, A&E Television Networks, Discovery Networks and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., and is close to finalizing agreements with several other major content-partners.

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

Terms of the agreements with the channels announced today were not disclosed.

The America Channel

An independently owned, new cable-programming network set to launch in 2006. The America Channel will explore and celebrate America, its communities, real heroes, and ordinary people who accomplish the extraordinary.

BlackBelt TV

Blackbelt TV is a new 24-hour martial arts action-entertainment cable network targeting the highly sought-after young adult male audience. The channel offers everything from kung-fu to karate as well as an extensive library of martial arts films, classic and new martial-arts television series; fights from all over the world; Japanese animation ("anime"); health, fitness and self-defense programming; and original shows like "Soul of the Champion."

Expo TV

The first TV network offering interactive, on-demand shopping for popular products in categories such as electronics, sports, beauty, fitness and entertainment. Expo TV's helpful consumer environment also features independent editorial content, community product reviews and professional buying experts. Verizon will also carry Expo TV's new linear channel, launching in late 2005.

LIME

Healthy living with a twist, LIME is a 24-hour television network that speaks directly to a growing community of people who want to lead a healthier, greener, and more balanced life. With programs ranging from yoga, Pilates and tai chi, to healthy eating and alternative healing, to personal growth and the environment, LIME allows audiences to tap into this content on their own terms and timeframe.

The Pentagon Channel

The Department of Defense's 24-hour cable television channel, broadcasting military news and information for and about the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces -- Active Duty, Guard, and Reserves. The Pentagon Channel broadcasts Department of Defense news briefings, military news, interviews with top Defense officials, and information about the work of our military. For more information and to watch the Pentagon Channel live and via video-on-demand, visit it online at pentagonchannel.mil.