Pelmorex prevents Star Choice subscribers from lo

[Red Squirrel]

http://www.investors.com/breakingnews.asp?...=21530722&brk=1

TORONTO, Jun 07, 2004 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) -- Star Choice Communications has returned The Weather Network (TWN), the only English specialty channel in Canada dedicated to weather news and information, to its basic service package after removing it for over 4 hours today.

This action was taken despite a successful motion filed by Pelmorex Communications earlier today with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice seeking an injunction to prevent Star Choice Communications from going ahead with the repackaging.

It is estimated that up to 600,000 households across Canada, representing approximately 2 million Canadians, have lost this vital service without any advanced warning, explanation or consultation from Star Choice. Subscribers who no longer receive TWN would be required to pay Star Choice up to $6.99 per month more for the additional package.

"Star Choice's action flies in the face of a court decision and the concerns of the CRTC. It also shows no regard for programmers or the consumers they serve," said Pierre Morrissette, President and CEO of Pelmorex. "It is unreasonable in any service industry to arbitrarily make changes that significantly affect customer packaging and pricing."

Star Choice has carried TWN on the basic service level since January 1998. Research shows that TWN is one of the most popular channels in Canada. Each week more than 5.8 million Canadians rely on The Weather Network, which was voted Canada's number one choice for the best weather forecasts on television (TVQ Survey 2003). More than half of cable and DTH homes watch The Weather Network on a weekly basis -- the highest percentage of any Canadian specialty network.

Star Choice subscribers can contact customer service representatives at 1-888-554-7827.

Pelmorex is the parent company that owns and operates the broadcasting licence for The Weather Network and its French sister station, MeteoMedia. The two networks are Canada's only English and French specialty channels devoted to weather news and information. Pelmorex Inc. offers a full range of weather- related products, services and multimedia applications to a number of consumer and commercial clients.

VIEW ADDITIONAL COMPANY-SPECIFIC INFORMATION: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/orgDisplay.cgi?okey=81225


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News release via Canada NewsWire, Toronto 416-863-9350

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