Russian World TV Channel Added to MHz NETWORKS Worldview Format

Russian World TV Channel Added to MHz NETWORKS Worldview Format

Nation's First Non-Commercial Russian Programming Stream Developed to Foster Cultural and Educational Exchange

WASHINGTON, April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- MHz NETWORKS (MHz) today announced Russian World TV as the latest addition to its national WORLDVIEW programming stream. Through this feed, Russian World TV is available throughout the United States on public television systems and Globecast DTH satellite service. The first non-commercial stream of its kind, the Russian programming stream includes news and public affairs shows, films, documentaries and a children's programming block. The national audience is expected to reach 10 million homes by September 2006. Additionally, this partnership lays the groundwork for future initiatives, such as a reciprocal program stream to Russia and a version of MHz's "Capital Cities" program linking the citizens of Moscow and Washington, DC, a commercial-free talk show between the two countries.

"MHz is committed to delivering globally diverse, independent programming to viewers throughout the United States. As such, we are extremely excited to be doing this important work with Russian World TV," said Frederick Thomas, Executive Vice President of MHz. "Our mission is to present multiple sides of current and cultural affairs -- whenever possible -- allowing viewers a chance to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world at large."

The influx of Russian immigrants in the United States, estimated to be eight million, plays a considerable role in the decision to bring Russian programming to America. "It's a strong market that is very passionate about its television," says Thomas. "However, there is an even larger audience that Russian World TV hopes to gain through MHz's WORLDVIEW service -- English speakers -- through the subtitling of its daily newscast. This newscast is just the start of Russian programming for the WORLDVIEW service."

"There are multiple dimensions to this relationship -- Russian programming, culture, and media -- that will benefit tremendously from having been introduced to the U.S. market. Further, this announcement underscores the importance of working together to better foster relations between two great countries," stated Galina Sviridova of Russian World TV. "Now as we move forward, we are extremely excited about the prospect of expanding this partnership to continually provide a fresh perspective of Russia today, its culture and its people to American audiences."

Launched in February 2006, MHZ WORLDVIEW is an internationally diverse 24/7 programming stream for public television stations around the U.S. The feed aims to attract globally-aware viewers with a wide range of international programming blocks including world news, foreign affairs, international mysteries, world music, sports and foreign films. All of the programming is in English or subtitled.

Russian World TV, owned and operated by VKT-R (Russia), has several independent agreements with Russian television stations and other program- producing entities that allow the group to offer the country's most comprehensive programming available. Transmitted from Moscow, programming includes newscasts, popular talk and game shows, educational and children's programs, entertainment, sports and travel shows, as well as new and classic movies, documentaries and cartoons.

About MHz NETWORKS

MHz NETWORKS, which operates in Northern Virginia and serves the Washington, D.C. market through WNVC and WNVT, is owned by Commonwealth Public Broadcasting Corporation (CPBC), headquartered in Richmond, VA. CPBC is a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation which also operates WCVE-TV/FM and WCVW in Richmond, VA and WHTJ-TV in Charlottesville, VA. The WORLDVIEW program stream is sponsored in part by the GlobeCast WorldTV service and is available on Intelsat America 5. MHz produces its original programs through its two production studios, one in Northern Virginia at its technical operations center, the other at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. Visit http://www.mhzworldview.org/ for more information.

Source: MHz NETWORKS

CONTACT: Amy Talley, +1-703-395-5143, or
atalley@jeffersonconsulting.com, for MHz NETWORKS

Web site: http://www.mhzworldview.org/

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