May 10, 2011 – Touchdown Media Inc., the leading Multicultural advertising firm, today announced the launch of  the fourth season of the MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee. MetLife, a  leading global provider of life insurance and other financial services, returns as the title sponsor of the contest.

  The event is open to children of South Asian descent up to 14 years of age. It will give South Asian children a chance to test their spelling skills in their core peer group. Interested spellers need their parent or guardian to register them online at www.southasianspellingbee.com.

  Organized by Touchdown Media Inc., the 2011 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee will be conducted in 10 locations across the United States starting June 18. Regional level events will be held in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, New Jersey, DC Metro, New York and Boston. All events will be free to attend and open to the public.

  “It\'s great to be celebrating the 4th year of the South Asian Spelling Bee. With the help of our sponsors and media partners, a great platform has been built for the community where spellers can test their skill and have the thrill of being on television. We have expanded to 10 cities across the US, adding Atlanta to the roster and look forward to another great season in 2011.” said Rahul Walia, CEO of Touchdown Media Inc. and founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee.

  Each competition will begin with a written test of 25 words. The participants must spell 15 or more words correctly to advance to the afternoon oral round, which will be conducted by experienced pronouncers and judges. The top three in the oral round will receive prize money.

  The top two spellers of each regional competition will advance to the finals to be held in New Jersey in August. Like last year, MetLife has inducted the $10,000 champion’s scholarship that will be awarded to the winner at the finals.

  “MetLife is proud to once again sponsor the South Asian Spelling Bee, and to help children enjoy a fun, educational event,” said Laurel Daring, assistant vice president of Diverse Markets at MetLife. “We’re also pleased to continue helping families develop financial strategies to achieve important goals, like attaining the best education  for their children.”

 As always, The 2011 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee will be telecast on Sony Entertainment Television, Asia in over 120 countries. Sony Entertainment Television Asia has the broadcast rights and will be showing the contest worldwide (except India and Pakistan) on their channel.

 Jaideep Janakiram, Head – North America, Sony Entertainment Networks said, "We are delighted to see the South Asian Spelling Bee in its 4th season on Sony Entertainment Television, Asia. We pride ourselves on quality family based content and consistently delivering innovative programming to our diverse audience, our passion in partnering with the best events is no exception. The Spelling Bee is a fantastic platform for youth of all ages to showcase their language skills, dedication and self-motivation. SET Asia is always looking to entertain and to involve our international viewers in shows such as Boogie Woogie and the Spelling Bee. SET Asia plans to considerably enhance international viewer participation in its premium programs"

 For a complete schedule, registration and any other information, please visit www.southasianspellingbee.com.