CHUM International Signs Licensing Agreement with Much Czech

CHUM International Signs Licensing Agreement with Much Czech a.s. for New MuchMusic Channel Format in the Czech Republic

January 23, 2006, TORONTO - CHUM International (CI) today announced the signing of a major format licensing agreement with Much Czech, a new company being incorporated by central Europe-based entrepreneur Nicolas Boissin and Stephen Kines, Principal, kines development of Prague, for a MuchMusic channel format in the Czech Republic. The new music service will originate from Prague and be made available to over 1.5 million consumers, with anticipated launch in 2006.

CI will consult on the development of the new service based on CHUM Television’s successful streetfront/storefront MuchMusic channel in Canada. Much Czech will have exclusive rights to the MuchMusic brand including programming, promotional formats and creative services elements, in addition to access to MuchMusic’s architectural and technical design and guidance on all aspects of the channel’s management, marketing, advertising sales, distribution and production.

The music station will also adopt CHUM Television’s distinctive and internationally-acclaimed approach toward localism, delivering content that is reflective of the culture and audience it serves. Locally-produced programming and viewer interactivity will be a cornerstone of the station’s mandate. In addition to offering the best in top musicvideo flow, live performances and interviews with today’s top Czech personalities, Much Czech will offer international musical artists and celebrity guests, the latest entertainment news and exclusive MuchMusic programming,

"We look forward to bringing the successful MuchMusic brand that has resonated with audiences the world over to viewers in the Czech Republic" said Kevin Byles, Vice President and General Manager, CHUM International. "This MuchMusic format will bring to Czech audiences a tailor-made channel that offers the best of both worlds - a premiere music station customized with a local edge"

Nicolas Boissin is the former head of Vivendi Telecom in the Czech Republic and Poland, and founder of BSO. kines development is the development arm of the number one-rated central European telecom media technology boutique law firm, kines.

"Much Czech has partnered with well-known local production companies as well as bidders for digital licences" said Stephen Kines. "The content will be delivered on a variety of outlets starting with an exclusive launch of a fresh daily music/celebrity/fashion clip service on a mobile platform, then a daily afternoon block and weekend evening block on one of the major terrestrial stations, leading up to the launch of the full 24-hour channel on cable, satellite, digital terrestrial, mobile and IPTv"

"There is a tremendous absence of local and interactive high quality TV content on the Czech market. With alternative ways of transmission such as mobile and TV over DSL, which are very much suited to a music station, we intend to provide Czech consumers with exciting content that they can all be a part of due to the unique MuchMusic style" said Nicolas Boissin.

CHUM’s successful MuchMusic format is seen in over 20 countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The service is also available as a branded program block via the Orbit satellite service in 32 countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa, and in Indonesia on O Channel.

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 45 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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