APTN And Triumph Communications Join Forces to Offer Key London Live-positions.

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 6, 1999--

Associated Press Television News (APTN), the international video news agency of The Associated Press, and Triumph Communications have teamed up to offer broadcasters more cost effective and easier options for London live shots.

The two companies have signed a joint agreement to offer pre-cabled stand-uppers for correspondents to broadcast live from key London locations.

The live-positions -- which include Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, the outside of the London Stock Exchange and the front gates of Buckingham Palace -- are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2000.

The live shots will come complete with two phone lines, IFBs and power, and will be accessed via secure plug-in points in the street.

Under the terms of the arrangement, Triumph will build the live shots and route them via fibre through the Triumph London Video Switch to APTN's Camden headquarters. The live-position can also be routed directly to the many satellite gateways and broadcasters who are connected to the Triumph Switch.

APTN will have exclusive rights to market and manage the live shots in a revenue-sharing arrangement. APTN will also sign up for connection to the Triumph Switch in London.

The agreement will allow the two companies to offer highly competitive services and save broadcasters money by reducing the need for more expensive satellite trucks. APTN's 24-hour booking centre will ensure that clients have the ability to gain access to the live positions with very little notice.

Derek Taylor, APTN's chief executive described the move as a win-win for all concerned. Said Taylor, "By linking the London live shots with a global delivery system and a new transatlantic fibre we can offer our clients an unparalleled new service at a reduced cost".

Paul Dujardin, Triumph's Founder and President commented," This project will add value to Triumph's London Switch. The growing number of clients participating in The Switch will enjoy discounted rates. The ease of connectivity through Triumph's Switch, combined with APTN's reputation for fast and efficient service, are sure to make this venture an unqualified success".

Launched in 1998 as a result of the merger between Associated Press Television (APTV) and Worldwide Television News (WTN), APTN has rapidly established itself as the world's leading video news agency, now serving over 350 broadcasters worldwide. With a network of 83 bureaux covering news around the clock and throughout the world, APTN forms a vital part of The Associated Press, the world's oldest and largest newsgathering organisation.

Triumph Communications, Inc. is an International design engineering company and a provider of Worldwide Video Transmission Services including both satellite and fiber optic capabilities and is most noted for its migration from analog to digital transmission. Triumph provides transmission services in varying bandwidths to accommodate all methods of video service at competitive rates. Services are available for full time and occasional use. Information about Triumph's services is available at www.triumphco.com.