American Interactive Media Partners with CompuServe to provide Internet access via TV.

MEDFORD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 19, 1996--American Interactive Media Inc. (OTC:AIME) and CompuServe Inc. (NASDAQ:CSRV) announced today they have signed a multi-year joint agreement which will allow Internet users to send and receive electronic mail and browse the World Wide Web through their televisions.

With this partnership, purchasers of AIME's forthcoming remote-controlled, TV set-top devices will have unlimited access to the Internet and WEB through CompuServe's Sprynet Internet access service. AIME's new set-top Internet devices will provide Internet access without the need for a personal computer.

"Our extensive research indicates a tremendous demand for our Internet set-top devices," said Michael J. Salaman, AIME's president and CEO. "Not everyone wants to purchase a new PC to secure Internet access. With this new agreement we can proudly offer our customers later this year the most affordable, convenient and comprehensive Internet package in the industry. Combined with the advantage of CompuServe's reliability, and solid customer support, our customers will have the best single source of Internet access and information available."

"We believe AIME has the right vision and marketing approach in set-top technology for delivering Internet access to the mass market. We're pleased to be working with them in bringing the Internet to new consumers with the help of a technology they already know and trust the television," said Peter Van Camp, executive vice president, Network Services Division.

The AIME system is a fully functional Internet access device that can be used with a TV at a price well below $400. AIME's Internet set-top devices include a hand-held remote control which enables users to operate the system and "surf" the Internet from the comfort of their living room sofa. To make the AIME Internet system even more convenient, each device will come pre-loaded with a complete software suite, including a WWW browser compatible with HTML 3.0, e-mail, a dialer and a printer driver. Users of the system will have Internet access through a customized Internet "channel" being designed and developed by AIME and hosted by CompuServe. They will then have access to several different features common to the Internet such as e-mail, Web browsing and access to Internet chat groups.

CompuServe is working with AIME by hosting their service directly on CompuServe's backbone network, one of the world's largest, most experienced Internet-ready networks. CompuServe will also provide twenty-four-hour a day, seven days a week online technical and customer support to AIME subscribers. AIME and CompuServe will be partnering to provide customized e-mail and registration software to be compatible with AIME's platform.

As the Internet grows and progresses, users of AIME's set top devices will also be able to keep pace. Operating system software upgrades to the AIME system can be downloaded over the Internet as additional interactive features are added and new hardware components will be compatible with existing units.

"AIME's customized Internet channel and set-top devices are designed to simplify the Internet for users and make it as familiar to them as using the remote control for their television. Partnering with CompuServe allows our service to give our customers a user-friendly and streamlined approach to the Internet," Salaman added.

Founded in 1969, CompuServe Incorporated provides the world's most comprehensive online services, business network and Internet access. Through CompuServe, more than 5 million home and business users in more than 185 countries access the Internet and 3,000-plus online information, education and entertainment services and products. In addition, more than 1,000 corporate customers use CompuServe's value-added network solutions. Among its many uses, the CompuServe-owned network serves as the world's mailbox and check-out lane, hosting millions of e-mail messages per month and more than one billion point-of-sale transactions per year. With world headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, CompuServe's 60 offices include European service centers in Munich, London and Paris.

American Interactive Media Inc. develops and markets Internet-related hardware and software products for diverse audiences, including home office business users, young families, and small business owners. The company's leading-edge technology marketing focus provides a world of information and entertainment content for a variety of platforms, including the television. The company also creates transactional content and products for global Internet marketing and distribution.

CONTACT: Hill & Knowlton, Inc.

Ris Cowan

404/249-8550 or 800/800-6438

[e-mail]

or

CompuServe Network Svcs.

Kristin Hatem

614-723-1639