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Immediate Release
June 1, 2001

Multimedia WTM’s broadcast subsidiary

WORLD TÉLÉMONDE PREPARES FOR UPCOMING CRTC HEARING
“We’re definitely not The Shopping Channel”

World Television Network/Le Reséau Télémonde Inc. (WTM) a wholly owned subsidiary of Multimedia WTM Corporation announced that it has secured a hearing with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to take place next month on June 19 in Hull, Quebec. The copyright application for a national multicultural/international television network was filed with the CRTC on November 6, 2000. 

Although previously denied, WTM will formally present its revised analog/digital distribution model that still maintains the integrity of its service and its national importance to the Canadian broadcasting system. 

“Our decision to continue our efforts is, in large part, due to the documented demand and outpouring of coast-to-coast support we have received over the last six months, and which has been maintained over the last decade”, says Dan Iannuzzi WTM President and Executive Producer. “We’re definitely not ‘The Shopping Channel’ – we believe our constitutionally- and Broadcasting Act-defined service is deserving of extensive carriage on the Canadian broadcasting system, and we view the Commission’s decision of granting us a hearing as a positive move in affording us and the hundreds of thousands of Canadians the opportunity to make that case.” 

The upcoming digital services rollout scheduled for this fall has not deterred the WTM team as it believes WTM is a priority service not meant for the fringes of the broadcasting system. “After all”, continues Iannuzzi, “the digital tiers seem to be moving in the direction that will allow for more non-inclusive and reduced accessibility for Canadians thus further emphasizing balkanization. Furthermore, given recent industry commentary and demand studies, there isn’t even industry consensus on the timing of the digital roll out and the financial success of these services, let alone the willingness of Canadians to purchase them.”

WTM will link Canadians to the world, and Canadians to Canadians. As their languages of operation, WTM will operate two national services one with English subtitles the other with French subtitles. Canadian programming, 50% of the schedule, will ensure a consistent sharing of national and international views and stories in a style and format currently absent from the Canadian broadcast system. Through independently produced cultural, social, public affairs, business and labour programs, WTM’s Canadian productions will reflect Canada’s and the world’s true diversity. 

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Multimedia WTM Corporation is currently trading on CDNX under the ticker symbol YWM.A.

Contact: Lori Abittan, Corporate Secretary
Tel. (416) 785-4300, Fax (416) 785-7350 e-mail: lori@multimediawtm.com
Website: www.worldtelemonde.com

The Canadian Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for
the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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