America Channel Secures Over 50 Million Video Homes In Europe And Middle East, In Comprehensive Distribution And Services Agreement With BT

America Channel Secures Over 50 Million Video Homes In Europe And Middle East, In Comprehensive Distribution And Services Agreement With BT

Millions Abroad to Receive Channel Dedicated to Exploring and Celebrating America, its Communities, Local Heroes, and Ordinary People Who Accomplish The Extraordinary

HEATHROW, Fla., April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The America Channel announced today that it has entered into a long-term distribution and services agreement with BT Americas, a division of BT, for delivery of The America Channel to an estimated 50 million households via the HOT BIRD(TM) and EUROBIRD(TM) satellites. Under the agreement, BT will provide digital conversion, backhaul, multiplexing, technical support, customer service, encryption, program origination, ad insertion, and uplink services, as well as capacity on the HOT BIRD and EUROBIRD satellites located at the 13 degrees East longitude and 28.2 degrees East longitude orbital slots, respectively.

"There is a global fascination with all things American," stated Doron Gorshein, CEO of The America Channel. "We believe The America Channel - a network dedicated to exploring and celebrating our diverse communities, local heroes and ordinary people who accomplish the extraordinary -- will find a substantial international audience. At the same time, we believe that by providing this window into America, the channel can build bridges and help the world to better understand our communities, cultures, and way of life. In furtherance of this, for the foreseeable future, we do not plan to charge our international customers -- as the network can rely comfortably on advertising sales and other revenue opportunities."

With immediate access to tens of millions of DTH homes, a freely competitive environment, and a product that is unique on the dial, The America Channel believes it is poised to become the next great American global network. Intense interest in American culture, lifestyle and values could drive significant traffic to the network.

"The magnitude of this transaction creates a new economic paradigm for the channel," added Gorshein. "The international markets are fertile grounds for American entrepreneurs, and we look forward to working with our partners abroad to deliver great programming to their audiences."

Chuck Pol, President of BT Americas, said: "BT is able to provide The America Channel with a customized worldwide global network solution, effectively and efficiently. Our experience, extensive global reach, highly skilled engineers, and affordable value proposition give The America Channel and other independent American networks the ability to compete in the international marketplace."

Initially, The America Channel's highest European penetration levels will be in Germany, France, Poland, Spain, U.K., as well as portions of Russia. In the Middle East and North Africa, highest penetration levels will be in Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Algeria. Most of the initial 50 million homes will receive The America Channel via Direct-To-Home (DTH) unencrypted satellite delivery. Subsequent European cable rollout of The America Channel is expected to generate subscriber growth in the UK and across the continent.

In addition to 50 million DTH homes, the region also has approximately 70 million cable homes accessible via HOT BIRD, which The America Channel will seek to penetrate. Following launch in Europe and the Middle East, The America Channel anticipates expansion into Asia. The America Channel previously announced that it will be available on approximately 90% of the projected domestic U.S. telco video space.

About BT:

BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in more than 160 countries. Its principal activities include networked IT services, local, national and international telecommunications services, and higher-value broadband and internet products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.

In the year ended 31 March 2005, BT Group's revenue was 18,623 million pounds with profit before taxation of 2,354 million pounds.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.

For more information, visit http://www.bt.com/aboutbt .

About BT Media and Broadcast:

BT Media and Broadcast (BTM&B) is the digital media and broadcast solutions arm of BT, which is responsible for the provision of fully managed broadcast services and the development of the commercial opportunities presented by digital content. Its international customer base includes content and rights owners and distributors within the television, film and media industries, along with corporate businesses and governments.

BTM&B provides bespoke satellite and fibre-based solutions, using sophisticated digital content and data management technology, to transport and manage video, audio and data. Delivering live broadcasts from major international events, providing digital terrestrial TV (DTTV) networks and direct to home (DTH) satellite platforms and storing and securely distributing video content to broadband devices, providing corporate data networks and rich media communication services are just some of the areas in which BTM&B excels. An industry pioneer, BTM&B aims to deliver the highest quality of service, flexibility and efficiency through advanced technology and industry expertise.

BTM&B is part of BT Global Services. BT Global Services is BT's business services division, which serves multi-site organizations with European operations. For more information, please visit: http://www.bt.com/media-broadcast .

About The America Channel:

The America Channel is an independently owned new cable programming network launching in late 2006. The America Channel will explore and celebrate America, its communities, real heroes, and ordinary people who accomplish the extraordinary.

Source: The America Channel

CONTACT: Doron Gorshein, The American Channel, +1-407-333-3031

Web site: http://www.americachannel.us/
http://www.bt.com/aboutbt
http://www.bt.com/media-broadcast

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