Memphis makes bid for MTV awards show

The city would spend about $500,000 for police, fire and emergency services if the MTV Video Music Awards are held here this fall, according to the lead recruiter on the project.

Rey Flemings, president and chief executive officer of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission, said that amount should represent the total public investment required to land the televised awards ceremony.

Mayor Willie Herenton has committed to provide free police, fire and emergency services for the event if MTV chooses to hold it in Memphis.

The cable network says it hasn’t made a decision yet about the location for this year’s show, which is tentatively scheduled for sometime in early September.

Flemings said other cities that have hosted the MTV awards ceremony in previous years have agreed to pay for police, fire and emergency services associated with the event.

“This is purely what it takes to go after shows like this,” Flemings said.

If MTV selects Memphis, Flemings estimated the event would generate spending “north of $30 million” within the community.

Several City Council members have said they support Herenton’s decision to offer free services for MTV, just as the city did for the Lennox Lewis-Mike Tyson heavyweight boxing match in 2002.