Former Chief Operating Officer of Equity Broadcasting Corporation To Oversee All Operations of UPN Station

Steven Soldinger has been named Vice President and General Manager of WGNT Norfolk, it was announced today by Fred Reynolds, President and CEO of the Viacom Television Stations Group, and Dennis Swanson, the division's Executive Vice President/ Chief Operating Officer. Soldinger, most recently Chief Operating Officer/ Vice President, Television of the Little Rock-based Equity Broadcasting Corporation, will oversee all operations of the UPN station.

Meg LaVigne, who formerly oversaw operations of WGNT, will now focus exclusively on WUPA-TV, Viacom's Atlanta UPN station, where she is Vice President and General Manager.

WGNT is the top rated UPN station in the country. In addition to strong local programming and community outreach, WGNT is home to many of the top rated syndication programs on television, and will began airing "Dr. Phil," the second highest-rated talk show on television, in 2006.

Soldinger has close ties to Norfolk - his father was once Vice President/ General Manager?of CBS affiliate WTAR-TV (later renamed WTKR) for 18 years, as well as another 18 years as Vice President of NBC affiliate WAVY-TV.

"Getting someone of Steven's caliber and ties to Norfolk is a huge benefit to our company," said Reynolds. "Steven has a phenomenal 30-year track record in television, including experience in news, sales and operations, and has demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit in everything he has done. He helped build Equity Broadcasting from one full powered station to over 35 in just five years, and his work in overseeing operations of those stations and other subsidiaries of the company is incredible experience. Dennis and I are very pleased to welcome him to our group and to WGNT, which not only is the country's #1 UPN station, but a leader in community activism and outreach."

"This is the best of both worlds -- joining the Viacom Television Stations Group, which has experienced so much growth and momentum, and returning to my hometown where I have family, friends and business relationships," said Soldinger. "I've had a lot of great opportunities throughout my career, including building a station group from pretty much scratch, and I'm thrilled to follow that up with this new assignment."

Soldinger was most recently Chief Operating Officer/ Vice President, Television of the Equity Broadcasting Corporation (July 2000-present), where he dramatically increased the company's portfolio of stations, created a national rep firm, helped to develop industry-leading technology and advances in "central casting," and negotiated major contracts with cable operators. Previously, he ran his own group called Soldinger Communications Consultant (February 1999- July 2000). Before that, he served as General Manager and Group Manager of WBFF Fox 45 and WNUV WB 54 Baltimore, as well as WXLV ABC 45 and WUPN 48 in Greensboro, N.C. (1997-1999). He also served as Corporate Vice President, Television for Outlet Communications Inc. (1994-1996); General Manager for WYED/WNCN Raleigh/Durham, N.C. (1992-1994); General Manager/ Executive Manager for WCCB-TV Fox Charlotte, as well as the Hornets Sports Network (1986-1992); Owner and General Manager of WVAB Radio (1982-1986); Account Executive with WBAL Baltimore (1976-1982); Account Executive/ News Reporter from WTVR-TV CBS Richmond, Va. (1974-1976).; and News Reporter/ Photographer at WWBT NBC Richmond, Va.

The Viacom Television Stations Group consists of 39 stations, including 20 CBS, 16 UPN and three stations not affiliated with the major networks. The group owns multiple stations in nine markets.