Media Awareness Network receives $950,000 from CTV

May 9, 2001 (Ottawa) - Trina McQueen, President and C.O.O. of CTV Inc., has formally announced two major contributions to the Media Awareness Network (MNet), totalling $950,000 over five years.

MNet was recently named a recipient in two public benefits packages required in applications to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). As outlined in its application to acquire NetStar Communications, CTV Inc. will contribute $450,000 to MNet over five years. A contribution of $500,000, over five years, was granted to MNet as part of the BCE-CTV benefits package, which is the largest in Canadian broadcasting history.

McQueen's announcement was made at a reception celebrating the Media Awareness Network's fifth anniversary. An early advocate of media education, McQueen was personally involved in the establishment of the Media Awareness Network and was one of MNet's Founding Patrons.

"Over the past five years, the Media Awareness Network has established a reputation in this country and around the world as a leader in media and Internet education," said McQueen. "I am thrilled that through BCE, CTV is supporting MNet's work in developing and delivering the new literacy skills for the Information Age."

"MNet is pleased that CTV has so publicly expressed its commitment to media literacy education for the benefit of Canadian children," said Jan D'Arcy, Media Awareness Network Co-Director. "CTV's contribution to MNet enables us to begin developing long-range plans and goals - a first in our five-year history."

After the announcement, McQueen unveiled a new public service announcement, produced by CTV, promoting media literacy. The PSA, entitled The New ABCs, will run on all CTV stations, affiliate stations and specialty channels in the coming months.

CTV Inc., Canada's largest private broadcaster, has conventional and specialty television operations across Canada. CTV Inc. is owned by Bell Globemedia, which also owns The Globe and Mail, Globe Interactive and Sympatico-Lycos.

The Media Awareness Network is Canada's national media education organization. A not-for-profit organization, its work is supported with funding from Canada's broadcasting, cable, telecommunications and Internet companies and federal and provincial governments. MNet was founded as a result of a CRTC initiative on children and media violence, and since then, has become an internationally recognized leader in media education and Web literacy initiatives.

Today, MNet's media and Web literacy programs and resources are being used by educators, parents, librarians, community organizations and policy makers, across Canada and abroad. Its award-winning Web site receives 2.5 million hits from 85,000 distinct users every month, and its programs have been endorsed by the Canadian Teachers' Federation, the Canadian Association of Principals, the Canadian Library Association, and the Canadian Home and School Federation. Recently, the Media Awareness Network was awarded the prestigious CANARIE IWAY Award for Community Service, honouring MNet's pioneering leadership in the area of Internet literacy.

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For more information, contact:

Jan D'Arcy
Co-Director
Media Awareness Network
Tel: (613) 224-6892