Ambassador Wayne and Deputy Chief of Mission Thomas Kelly in the inauguration of MTV offices

March 18, 2009

Ambassador Wayne and Paula Guerra

Ambassador Wayne and Deputy Chief of Mission Thomas Kelly participated on March 19 of two events for the inauguration of MTV Network offices in Buenos Aires.

In the morning, Deputy Chief of Mission Thomas Kelly participated in the inauguration ceremony led by President of Argentina, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, who cut the ribbon and toured the company’s facilities before providing remarks highlighting the importance of MTV’s investment.  After the ceremony, attended by several MTV executives from the United States, Mr. Kelly  said “ I congratulate MTV Networks Latin America for their new facilities and their commitment to keep investing in Argentina to promote local creativity and talent” 

Following the morning’s event, Ambassador Wayne attended MTV’s inaugural party that was held at their facilities in Palermo Soho.  Attendees included several Argentine officials as well as local celebrities.  Argentine Rock band Miranda performed live at the celebration. 

MTV Networks Latin America, a division of Viacom Inc. reinforced their operations locally by moving their offices from Miami to Buenos Aires in 2008.  MTV’s strategy reaffirmed their commitment and investment to the Argentine market, based largely on the ease of accessing a talented and creative work force.  Executives highlighted the fact that content produced at MTV’s facilities in Buenos Aires is aired throughout MTV stations worldwide.  MTV Networks Argentina employs 200 people with hopes of expansion in the near future.

The Ambassador commented that “MTV’s move to Buenos Aires is another excellent example of a U.S. multimedia production company’s commitment to the Argentine market due in large part to the magnitude of a talented and artistic pool of Argentines that represent some of the leaders in the industry today.”