CHUM Television Orders Three New Canadian Dramatic Series

March 16, 2006 -- (TORONTO) – CHUM Television has ordered three new original drama series – The Murdoch Mysteries, a 13-episode spin off of the hugely-successful made-for-television movie franchise, Blood Ties, based on the popular Tanya Huff vampire novels and the mystery series Across the River to Motor City.

"CHUM has a long history of support for homegrown production and these series will see us further our commitment to developing Canadian drama that connects with our viewers" said Roma Khanna, Senior Vice President, Content, CHUM Television. "We will be bringing our audiences three exciting new programs that are set in Canada and feature strong, dynamic, original storylines that combine universal appeal with a uniquely Canadian perspective"

"We are very excited about these productions", said Diane Boehme, Senior Director, Independent Production, CHUM Television. "Blood Ties will appeal to anyone with a thirst for romance and vampire lore while Across the River to Motor City offers engaging characters and a unique perspective that has not previously been explored on television. The Murdoch Mysteries were so well received as MOWs, that we felt obligated to satisfy our audiences’ very clear desire for more"

The Murdoch Mysteries, from Shaftesbury Films, builds on the success of the highly-rated Detective Murdoch Mysteries made-for-television movies adapted from Maureen Jennings’ best-selling mystery novels. The series, set in 1895 Toronto, combines compelling Victorian tales of murder with the fast-paced, visually-intriguing styles of today’s leading crime series. Casting and pre-production for the series is expected to begin this summer. (13 x 60’)

Blood Ties is based on Tanya Huff’s internationally popular "Blood" novels. When her latest love interest turns out to be a 450-year-old vampire and the caseload of her fledgling P.I. agency shifts from fraud artists and cheating spouses to battles with ghosts, ghouls, zombies and demons, ex-police detective Vicki Nelson realizes that her life will never be the same. The series will be produced by Kaleidoscope Entertainment and goes into production later this summer. (22 X 60’)

Across the River to Motor City is a mystery series spanning two eras, two countries and two unforgettable characters. As an insurance investigator in 1960s Windsor and Detroit, Ben Ford weathered the storms of those tumultuous years. Four decades later, a long-buried tragedy leads his daughter Kathleen to unravel the secrets and lies at the heart of her troubled relationship with her father – secrets Ben will risk everything to keep. The series is being produced by Jonsworth Productions in association with Devine Entertainment and will begin shooting in the fall. (6 x 60’)

With confirmation of the new productions, CHUM Television also announces it will not be ordering additional seasons of The Collector and Godiva’s.

CHUM Television is a division of CHUM Limited (TSX: CHM/CHM.NV.B, www.chumlimited.com), one of Canada’s leading media companies and content providers which owns and operates 33 radio stations, 12 local television stations and 21 specialty channels. CHUM’s original content is seen in over 130 countries worldwide and is distributed via new media platforms, including interactive television, wireless services and exclusive CHUM-branded Internet properties.

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Mary Powers

CHUM Limited

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