Allarco receives go ahead to offer unique multiple channel HD service to Canadians

Allarco receives go ahead to offer unique multiple channel HD service to Canadians

EDMONTON, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Allarco Entertainment executives greeted news of the CRTC decision to accept their proposal for a HD Pay TV service with a burst of activity aimed at bringing Canadians the best the world has to offer - a variety of choice and quality programs - in record time.

"Since we made the proposal to the CRTC we have been putting plans into place that will enable us to begin discussions with cable and satellite distributors immediately. We would like to be in people's homes early in 2007," said Charles Allard, Allarco Entertainment, Chairman and CEO. "Our service responds to a need for something new. We will be the first to offer Canadians choice and increased quality in their multiple channel high definition Pay TV experience."

Allarco has committed to reinvesting 100 per cent of its profits in Canadian programming, in addition to 32 per cent of revenues annually, and will be spending $1 million a year on marketing these programs. Canadian programming will also benefit from the availability of a dedicated channel - HD Canada - exclusively promoting and airing Canadian content.

"The CRTC understood our commitment to the Canadian production community and to Canadian consumers. We are honoured to be called on to offer and promote Canadian stories, using the latest technology television has to offer - true HD," said Malcolm Knox, President and COO.

"The production community has reacted positively to Allarco's offer to provide upfront licence fees payments making funding available during production and naming creative development executives in each province. In addition Allarco will be spending $2 million per year in script and concept development; and is committed to having absolutely no in-house productions," said Nic Wry, Senior Vice President, Canadian Programming.

Allarco Entertainment is an Edmonton-based company owned by Charles Allard. The Allard family has been in Canadian broadcasting since 1965, when Dr. Charles A. Allard received a licence for CHQT Radio.

For more information, including downloadable audio and images - www.newswire.ca/en/releases/mmnr/allarco.

Source: Allarco Entertainment Inc.

CONTACT: Sylvie Powell, MediaLane Communications Inc., Tel & Cell.:
(613) 290-1497, spowell@medialanecom.com

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