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16/11/2004

Press release announcing a settlement reached between Global Television Network and Henry Vlug on closed captioning.

Global Television Commits to 100% Closed Captioning of its Programming.

Ottawa - November 16, 2004 - The Global Television Network Inc. announced today a new policy that will increase closed captioning levels for the deaf, deafened and hard-of-hearing communities of Canada to all its programming, 24 hour a day and seven days a week. The policy will also apply to all Global owned television stations.

The new policy, which exceeds the captioning levels required by the CRTC, will take effect on January 1, 2005. It is the result of collaborative work between Global Television, Mr. Henry Vlug, a lawyer and an advocate for deaf people who is himself Deaf and the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC).

This settlement was reached through the use of mediation, a voluntary approach that allows parties to get a better understanding of each other’s positions and to address the needs and interests that are key to finding a solution. Mediation is being increasingly used by the CHRC to help parties craft creative solutions and reach a speedy resolution to their dispute.

"Global is very proud of its new policy" said Doug Bonar, Senior Vice President, Technology and Broadcast Operations. "It will ensure that members of the deaf, deafened and hard-of-hearing communities have access to and can enjoy the programming of Global Television as fully as any other member of our society" he added.

"Canadians who are deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing have as much right to access television programming as their fellow Canadians" said Henry Vlug. "Today's settlement is another important milestone for all of us" he added.

Mr. Vlug was also pleased that Global Television will take additional steps to inform its advertising clients of the importance of captioning their commercials to reach this valued segment of the viewing audience.

Mary Gusella, Chief Commissioner for the Canadian Human Rights Commission indicated that the Commission is very pleased with this positive outcome and congratulated the parties who dedicated their time and efforts to make things happen.

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