CHUM International and Guardian Media Group

March 9, 2006 -- (TORONTO) – CHUM International (CI) and Channel M Television Limited, a division of Guardian Media Group of the UK, one of the world’s premiere media groups, have signed an agreement for a full-scale local television format for the Channel M television station in Manchester.

CHUM International, which has been a programming provider and consultant on Channel M’s news format since 2004, will now consult on the development of a full local station format based on CHUM’s distinctive and internationally-acclaimed streetfront Citytv. The deal will see the re-formatting of Channel M to the unique Citytv television style based on a strong local voice, with locally-focused programming and high-energy newscasts, that celebrates and reflects the diversity of the community it serves.

“Our unique local news style and original CHUM programming have been extremely well received by audiences in Greater Manchester,” said Kevin Byles, Vice President and General Manager, CHUM International. “We now look forward to building upon our terrific relationship with the talented Channel M and Guardian Media Group teams, to offer a Channel M that will go even further to reflect the excitement and vibrancy of Manchester.”

Mark Dodson CEO Guardian Media Group Regional Media Ltd. said, "Over the past five years, we have developed a great working relationship with the CHUM team over in Canada and have incorporated a lot of what we have learned from them into our own plans for Channel M.

"Consequently, Channel M is now the best performing RSL TV station in the U.K. and with the continued help from our colleagues and friends at CHUM, along with the significant backing of the Guardian Media Group, I am confident that we can grow and develop the station proposition.

“This development will mean that GMG in Manchester will have its broadest-ever portfolio of media products, making it one of the most significant voices in the city region. Our move across onto a broadcast platform is tremendously exciting and gives GMG far greater reach and flexibility in the city than it has ever had in its history.”

Channel M is the first urban local television station in the UK and the only station to offer news that is local rather than regional. Located in the distinctive landmark Urbis building in the city center, Channel M interacts on a daily basis with the people and life of Manchester. In 2004, after only a few months on air, the CHUM-formatted Channel M News was nominated “Best Local News” by the Royal Television Society, and in 2005 it won the Society’s award for “Best Newcomer.”

Channel M is free to air on UHF channel 39 and on digital NTL cable channel 26 to Greater Manchester’s two million residents. Channel M News is at the forefront of the Channel M schedule, which also includes original & popular CHUM shows such as FashionTelevision, Star! at the Movies, and MovieTelevision. Channel M will be available on the SKY satellite platform beginning April 10th.

CHUM’s successful Citytv format is seen throughout Canada in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg, and has been adapted in Barcelona and Bogota.

Channel M TV station holds the restricted service licence to broadcast free-to-air across Greater Manchester. It is accessible from both terrestrial and digital platforms and broadcasts a mix of news, sport and entertainment for the people of the Manchester city region. Channel M is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guardian Media Group plc.

CHUM International (www.chumtv.com/international) is the development and distribution arm of CHUM Limited, one of Canada’s leading media companies and content providers. CHUM International distributes CHUM-owned and independent multi-platform programming worldwide and develops international licensing arrangements for CHUM’s original channel formats. CHUM content is seen in over 130 countries across a variety of delivery platforms including traditional broadcast outlets, interactive television, mobile and wireless services. CHUM channel formats are currently seen in over 70 countries across Scandinavia and Nordic territories, Middle East and North Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

Contact Information

Mary Powers

VP Communication

CHUM Limited

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