The History Channel® Launched in Germany - 10/14/2004

CONTACT:

U.S.
Kerri Tarmey, +1-212-551-1504
Kerri.tarmey@aetn.com

Germany:
Sebastian Wilhelmi, +49 89 649 568 172
Sebastianw@tele5.de


THE HISTORY CHANNEL® TO LAUNCH IN GERMANY
ON KABEL DIGITAL HOME ON NOVEMBER 15TH

AGREEMENT REACHED WITH ZDF ENTERPRISES
FOR LICENSING HISTORICAL PROGRAMS

Get On Air Appointed to Manage Launch of Network


(New York / Munich) October 14, 2004 – THE HISTORY CHANNEL® will launch in Germany on November 15, 2004 on Kabel Deutschland through its new digital program package, Kabel Digital HOME, announced Steve Ronson, Sr. Vice President, Enterprises, A&E Television Networks (AETN). A 24-hour German-language network, THE HISTORY CHANNEL will feature historical documentaries, series and specials from the channel’s award-winning program catalogue, as well as locally produced and acquired German-themed history programming.

Among the original programming that is slated to air on THE HISTORY CHANNEL in Germany are such series as Biography®, Modern Marvels, Battle Stations, Investigating History, and specials such as Egypt: Land of the Gods, Gold! and French Revolution.

AETN has also agreed on terms for a licensing agreement with ZDF Enterprises providing THE HISTORY CHANNEL in Germany a rich source of German programming and a first look at history programming from the vast ZDF library. Among the series acquired from ZDF Enterprises for the new network are Terra X, Sphinx, Imperium: Aufstieg un Fall Grosser Reiche and Die Grosse Freiheit. This agreement further extends the longstanding relationship between ZDF and THE HISTORY CHANNEL; since 1995, the two networks have co-produced a number of acclaimed contemporary history documentaries and mini-series. In addition, for the past three years, ZDF has aired a weekly history program on Sunday nights in partnership with THE HISTORY CHANNEL entitled ZDF History, which is hosted by Dr. Guido Knopp of the channel.

A&E Television Networks has appointed Munich-based Get On Air GmbH to coordinate operations, programming, on-air, marketing and publicity for the launch of THE HISTORY CHANNEL.

“We are very pleased to be working with KDG, Get On Air and ZDF Enterprises to bring THE HISTORY CHANNEL to Germany,” said Mr. Ronson. “We believe there is a significant audience for historically-themed programming in Germany, and we look forward to working with all our partners to serve TV viewers in this market with a relevant and important new programming choice.”

“THE HISTORY CHANNEL has been a very important partner for ZDF and ZDF Enterprises for many years,” said Alexaner Coridass, President and CEO of ZDF Enterprises. “We are pleased to extend our partnership with this promising new venture and we are looking forward to further deepen the coproduction ties between our two companies.”

“We are very pleased to participate in the launch of this high-quality channel,” said Jochen Krohne, CEO of Get On Air. “THE HISTORY CHANNEL Germany is not only the German version of a global television brand; it is also a new programming outlet that will focus on the German market and its needs.”

About THE HISTORY CHANNEL:

Now available in over 130 countries in more than 230 million TV households, THE HISTORY CHANNEL is the only international television network devoted exclusively to historical programming, featuring informative and entertaining series, specials and documentaries. The network reveals the power and passion of history, allowing viewers to experience history personally and connect their own lives to the great lives and events of the past. The channel’s rich catalogue features award-winning programming that covers a variety of topics including ancient history, contemporary history, military history and conflict, and technology and transport.

About Get On Air GmbH:

The German company Get On Air GmbH was founded in the year 2000. Its principals are Jochen Kröhne and Thomas Brönauer. Get On Air oversees a variety of projects ranging from content-management for the cable-operator Ish to consulting for the cable-operator Iesy, the DSL-provider QVC and others. Get On Air was responsible for the development of the digital-TV strategy for the German Tele München Gruppe, has a valid license from the BLM (Bayerische Landesanstalt für neue Medien) to distribute a pay-TV channel for children and was responsible for launching and managing the free-TV channel Tele 5. The setup and management of TV-channels is the core business of Get On Air. Get On Air is responsible for the setup and launch of THE HISTORY CHANNEL in Germany.

About ZDF Enterprises:

Founded in 1993, ZDF Enterprises GmbH is the wholly-owned subsidiary and commercial arm of ZDF German Television Network, one of Europe's largest and most respected broadcasters. Headquartered in Mainz, Germany, ZDF Enterprises is responsible for the development, production and global distribution of quality original programming. The company is also responsible for all programme acquisitions and international co-productions on behalf of the network, and acquires programming for world-wide distribution. Its vast programme library ranks as the largest in the German language. The extensive catalogue includes television movies and mini-series, drama series and comedies, documentaries, family entertainment and children's programming. ZDF Enterprises also oversees all licensing and merchandising activities based on its high-profile programmes, including book and music publishing and the licensing of its programme properties in all key product categories.

Committed to the future, ZDF Enterprises has embarked on numerous New Media initiatives, ranging from opportunities within the burgeoning e-commerce industry to the creation of themed edutainment dimensions featuring the recognized programme brands with which ZDF has become synonymous.


About A&E Television Networks:

A&E Television Networks (AETN) is a joint venture of The Hearst Corporation, ABC, Inc. and NBC. AETN is an award-winning, international media company offering consumers a diverse communications environment ranging from television programming, magazine publishing, and web sites, to books, music CDs and home videos/DVDs, as well as supporting nationwide educational initiatives. A&E Television Networks is comprised of A&E Network, THE HISTORY CHANNEL, The Biography Channel, History International, THE HISTORY CHANNEL en Español, AETN International and AETN Consumer Products. AETN channels and programs are available in more than 130 countries to over 230 million TV households.