Expo Communications Launches Industry's First Consumer Information Network on TV, on Demand and Online

Expo Communications Launches Industry's First Consumer Information Network on TV, on Demand and Online

TV-Based Video Catalogue Showcases Best Product Demonstrations

NEW YORK, March 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Led by an extraordinary team of cable executives, Expo Communications has announced the launch of Expo TV, the first 24/7 branded TV network dedicated solely to helping consumers make better choices. The TV network will be available in the third quarter of this year and extends Expo's multiple platforms, which include an on demand service currently available in all of Insight Communications' on demand-enabled cable systems, and an online community website at http://www.expotv.com/. The announcement was made today by company CEO Daphne Kwon.

Expo TV is the first consumer-information network dedicated to branded long-form marketing and will offer consumers a TV-based video catalogue showcasing the best product demonstrations available. Featuring product experts, "VJ" guides and valuable consumer editorial content, the network will offer viewers a robust lineup of merchandise and services covering categories from electronics and technology to beauty, fitness and entertainment.

"The power of direct marketing on television has unleashed a multi-billion dollar infomercial business despite having been built in an overnight jungle where viewers are essentially left to fend for themselves," said Ms. Kwon. "We launched Expo TV to harness that consumer power by creating a legitimate place for quality marketers to connect with the viewers who want to watch and learn from them. Today's consumers are hungry for product research, and Expo finally provides a place for them to go on TV."

Under the leadership of co-founders Ms. Kwon and Bill Hildebolt, company president, Expo TV is backed by a top-tier team of executives and investors who hail from the cable industry including Dick Beahrs, former president of Court TV, Lisa Gersh Hall, president & COO of Oxygen Media, Nick Nicholas, former CEO of Time Warner, and Thayer Bigelow, former president of HBO.

Expo TV's on demand service launched on Insight systems in October 2004 and is available to all of Insight's digital customers via On Demand TV. Expo's service is available nationally to operators via Expo's VOD service partner TVN Entertainment.

"Expo TV presented a turn-key solution that offered our customers the convenience of shopping on our on demand platform," said Pamela Euler Halling, Insight's senior vice president of marketing and programming. "The popularity and usage of on demand programming continues to grow, and we were pleased to expand our service with EXPO's unique offering."

Expo takes advantage of video on demand's interactive platform by offering consumer-friendly navigation in categories such as Get Fit, Home Improvement, Gifts For Him, and Best Sellers. Viewers can click to view constantly-updated, quality products of interest to them at times most convenient for them.

Expanding Expo's multiple platforms, the new 24/7 linear TV channel will guide viewers through a carefully programmed day. Information-rich series, such as Plug and Play, featuring home electronic products, and Now Boarding, covering the travel industry, will be scheduled during primetime. Daytime will include more traditional direct marketing categories such as Fitness and Beauty, while the weekend will introduce the series Under One Roof on home improvement products and Run With This featuring sports and outdoor gear.

Category experts and Consumer VJs will accompany the audience throughout the day adding relevant "how to buy" information and other category-related advice. Expo TV also produces original independent programming such as Clip This!, television's only regularly scheduled program focusing on important consumer announcements.

"Whether it's a small luxury item like cosmetics or a major purchase like a new computer, consumers are hungry for reliable product information," said Mr. Hildebolt. "The Internet has proven that the more they know, the more they are likely to purchase, and the more they are likely to be loyal, satisfied, returning customers. For the first time, Expo introduces the television as part of today's consumer research process."

The Expo platform also integrates important interactive services online at http://www.expotv.com/. The website provides community elements such as product ratings and reviews, consumer polls, and newsletters, as well as further product research support such as manufacturer and purchasing information.

Expo TV provides a dependable destination for long-form advertising, empowering marketers to differentiate themselves in a cluttered, PVR-skipping world. Expo projects that over time, more branded marketers will utilize long- form as part of their marketing mix, allowing Expo to feature products and services never before available in a television-shopping environment.

Expo TV is a multiplatform programmer offering a 24/7 linear programming network, an intuitive VOD service, and a reliable online destination. Managed by a team of cable leaders, and backed by an advisory board of notable programming, advertising and financial executives, Expo TV is the first television network to offer a trusted destination for consumer information. Expo TV provides a seamless experience for consumers and offers affiliates and advertisers a differentiated programming partnership. More information about the company can be found online at http://www.expotv.com/

For more information:

Expo TV Linda Frankenbach 914-793-4409
Thi Luu 212-905-8951

PK Network Pat Kehoe 212-888-4700 ext. 218
Joe Boyle 917-376-3595

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.

Source: Expo Communications, Inc.

CONTACT: Linda Frankenbach, +1-914-793-4409, or Thi Luu,
+1-212-905-8951, both of Expo TV; or Pat Kehoe, +1-212-888-4700, ext. 218, or
Joe Boyle, +1-917-376-3595, both of PK Network

Web site: http://www.ereleases.com/
http://www.expotv.com/

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