MUMBAI: The 2006 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) will return to New York City. The 23rd annual awards show will air live in the US from Radio City Music Hall on 31 August. The return of the VMAs marks the 13th time that the star studded music awards show will be held in New York and the 10th time at the Radio City Music Hall.

The show's host, performers, nominees, and presenters for the show will be announced soon.

The 2006 VMAs will be a multi-screen experience for fans that will live and breathe on every single MTV platform -- MTV, MTV2, mtvU, mtvUber, MTV.com, MTV Overdrive, wireless, and more! More details on the VMAs' multi-screen elements will be announced shortly.

MTV US president Christine Norman says, "We will take the VMAs show to unprecedented levels with fans interacting with music and stars through every single screen of MTV.

"The 2006 VMAs will take advantage of the new ways the MTV audience is connecting with entertainment -- broadband, wireless, online -- these additional platforms will make this year's show even more interactive and engaging, beaming the insanity directly to fans.

"New York is our hometown and we are really looking to showcase the music, culture, and people from every borough of this amazing city on TV, online, broadband, and wireless to fans around the globe."

New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg says, "We are proud that MTV has made New York its home for the past 25 years, and once again has selected the Big Apple as host for the 23rd Annual MTV Video Music Awards. An event of this magnitude and cultural importance will generate tremendous media exposure and with the thousands of visitors expected will yield a positive economic impact projected in excess of $25 million."

New York City Big Events president, Maureen J. Reidy says, "We welcome the MTV Video Music Awards back to world's most powerful and commanding stage. With New York City's passion and enthusiasm and our planned celebrations, this year is sure to be the best ever."

Utilising the business model created by NYC Big Events, a series of events and promotions is being planned for the months and weeks leading up to the live telecast. Extending far beyond the walls of Radio City Music Hall, all New Yorkers and visitors alike will have the opportunity to participate in special MTV performances, exhibits, educational and sporting activities.