Barry Allen Joins Providence Equity Partners as Senior Advisor.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence Equity Partners Inc., the leading private equity investment firm specializing in media, communications and information companies, announced today that Barry K. Allen, former Qwest Communications International Inc. Executive Vice President of Operations, has joined the firm as a senior advisor. He will advise Providence on telecommunications industry issues, new investment opportunities and on certain of the firm's existing investments.

Prior to his retirement from Qwest in June, Mr. Allen was responsible for the company's network and information technology operations. Previously, Mr. Allen served as President of Ameritech Corp., where he began his career in 1974.

"Barry brings exceptionally deep knowledge of the telecommunications industry," said Paul J. Salem, Senior Managing Director of Providence Equity Partners. "His operational experience and expertise will be invaluable as he advises us on some of our current investments and assists in identifying new investment opportunities. We have enjoyed knowing Barry over the years, and we are delighted to welcome him to Providence. We look forward to his contributions to the firm."

"Throughout its near 20-years of investing, Providence has distinguished themselves with a tremendous track record of creating value," said Mr. Allen. "I appreciate their disciplined approach to investing and their ability to partner successfully with management whether in early stage or incumbent companies. I look forward to helping Providence build on their leadership."

Prior to being named EVP of Operations at Qwest in March 2004, he served as the company's EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer. Prior to joining Qwest in August 2002, Mr. Allen was president of Allen Enterprises, LLC, a private equity investment and management company he founded. Previously, he served as President of Chicago-based Ameritech Corp., where he began his career in 1974 and held a variety of executive appointments including President and CEO of Wisconsin Bell and President and CEO of Illinois Bell.

Before starting at Ameritech, Mr. Allen served in the U.S. Army where he reached the rank of Captain. Mr. Allen graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. He earned his M.B.A., with honors, from Boston University.

Mr. Allen serves on the boards of directors of Harley Davidson Inc. and the Fiduciary Management, Inc. family of mutual funds. He has also served as a board member for many civic organizations, including the Greater Milwaukee Committee, the Boys and Girls Club of Milwaukee, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and United Way in Chicago.

About Providence Equity Partners

Providence Equity Partners is the leading global private equity firm specializing in equity investments in media, entertainment, communications and information companies around the world. The principals of Providence manage funds with approximately $21 billion in equity commitments and have invested in more than 100 companies operating in over 20 countries since the firm's inception in 1989. Significant investments include Bresnan Broadband Holdings, Casema, Com Hem, Digiturk, Education Management Corporation, eircom, Freedom Communications, Idea Cellular, Kabel Deutschland, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Ono, Open Solutions, PanAmSat, ProSiebenSat.1, Recoletos, TDC, Univision, VoiceStream Wireless, Warner Music Group, Western Wireless and Yankees Entertainment Sports Network. Providence is headquartered in Providence, RI (USA) and has offices in New York, London, Hong Kong and New Delhi.