Discovery HD – Canada’s First 24-Hour High Definition Specialty Service Approved by CRTC

- Discovery HD to launch by the end of 2005 -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Toronto, Ontario (Oct. 25, 2005) – CTV Specialty Television Inc. (a subsidiary of CTV Inc.) and US-based Discovery Communications announced today that their joint venture application to the CRTC for a new High Definition (HD) specialty channel – Discovery HD – has been approved, representing a landmark in Canadian television. Expected to launch before the end of 2005, this Category 2 Digital Specialty Service will be Canada’s first 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week High Definition Specialty Service.

“Today’s announcement sets a new bar in the Canadian television landscape as Discovery HD combines one of the world’s greatest television brands with unparalleled HD production and broadcast experience,” said Rick Brace, President, CTV Inc. “CTV Specialty Television Inc., in partnership with Discovery Communications, is uniquely positioned to lead the way in the Canadian HD arena and feed a growing consumer demand for High Definition content. The CRTC approval of Discovery HD will greatly benefit not only Canadian audiences but the Canadian television production industry as well.”

“Discovery’s leadership role in the global High Definition content arena will be further strengthened by the launch of Discovery HD in Canada,” said Dawn L. McCall, President, Discovery Networks International. “Discovery’s long-standing tradition of using spectacular imagery to bring viewers closer to their world lends itself naturally to the high-definition format and makes Discovery HD the gold standard in High Definition programming.”

From science and technology to adventure and natural history, Discovery HD will represent the best of the Discovery brand and showcase a dynamic line-up of programming that maximizes the potential of HD. High Definition television is characterized by its 16:9 aspect ratio (versus 4:3 for Standard Definition), 1080i lines of resolution (versus 480i for Standard Definition), and CD quality sound – resulting in an audio and visual experience that is richer, deeper and more panoramic than Standard Definition viewing. Discovery HD marries the enhanced technology of HD with stunning Discovery programming and reveals the wonders of our world – from the massive to the miniscule – in an exciting new way: mountain ranges are more breathtaking and treacherous, oceans are deeper and broader, and space exploration is more exhilarating.

The schedule will be a compelling mix of Discovery Channel’s most popular series and specials plus original HD programming from Canadian independent producers, international producers and broadcasters from around the world. Discovery HD will broadcast live events, original Canadian productions and popular series from Discovery including American Chopper and Monster Garage. Discovery HD will also leverage Discovery Channel Canada’s unique relationship with NHK Japan – a global leader in HD technology and content – and the National Film Board (NFB). Discovery Channel Canada’s own in-house production company, Exploration Production Inc. (EPI), will also be a key HD content provider as it continues to expand its production slate, including more than 75 hours of HD production in 2005.

This newly approved channel is a stand-alone, independently scheduled channel and is distinguished from the existing simulcast service in that the content is specifically produced and broadcast to capitalize on the advantages of High Definition technology. In 2003, CTV Inc. launched its current incarnation of Discovery HD and TSN HD, followed by two HD channels for CTV (CTV HD East and CTV HD West). Since then, Discovery HD has aired more than 500 hours of High Definition programming in tandem with its popular analog service. Pending cable, DTH and other television service provider carriage, the new Discovery HD will replace the former HD service by the end of 2005. Details about the launch date and early programming highlights will be released at a later date.

In June 2002, Discovery Communications became the first broadcaster in the world to offer a 24/7 High Definition network with the launch of Discovery HD Theater in the US. The US channel has proven to be a driver for consumer subscription to High Definition television service, and is No. 1 in customer satisfaction and a leader in HD content production.

Discovery Channel Canada is owned 80% by CTV Specialty Television Inc. (a subsidiary of CTV Inc.) and 20% by Discovery Communications.

Discovery HD:
Taking Discovery Channel programming to a bigger and bolder platform, Discovery HD is Canada’s first 24-hour specialty service broadcasting exclusively in High Definition. With a fascinating perspective on science and technology, adventure, engineering and natural history, Discovery HD is at the forefront of innovative factual storytelling, fusing critically acclaimed programming from Canada and around the world with the latest in High Definition technology. Discovery HD is wholly owned by Discovery Channel Canada, a joint venture between CTV Specialty Television Inc. and Discovery Communications.

CTV Specialty Television Inc:
CTV Specialty Television Inc. is a leader in Canadian specialty television. Committed to providing Canadian viewers with the highest quality programming available, it operates world-class specialty services and production facilities. CTV Specialty has ownership interests in and operates three of Canada’s premier specialty television services - TSN, the top-rated Canadian specialty channel; RDS, the world's first French-language all-sports channel; and Discovery Channel, an award-winning specialty channel. CTV Specialty also manages OLN, featuring adventure-based programming. CTV owns interests in and operates five digital specialty channels, including Animal Planet, a specialty channel focusing on the animal kingdom; Discovery Civilization, a specialty channel devoted to studying past and present civilizations; ESPN Classic, which airs encore broadcasts of the most cherished classic games and moments from the world of sports; CTV Travel, an English-language travel channel; and the NHL Network, which delivers ‘round-the-clock hockey programming that offers viewers the most complete and in-depth hockey coverage. CTV Specialty also owns interests in Dome Productions Inc., Canada's leading provider of mobile television production facilities, as well as Exploration Production Inc. and Exploration Distribution Inc. CTV Specialty Television Inc. is owned by CTV Inc. and ESPN, Inc.

Discovery Communications:
Discovery Communications is the leading global real-world media and entertainment company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in more than 160 countries and territories with 1.3 billion cumulative subscribers. Outside the United States, Discovery distributes 14 international brands reaching more than 662 million cumulative subscribers. Discovery Communications is owned by four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.