CNBC to Assume Control of CNBC International Channels; Network Ideally Positioned to Optimize International Growth and Strengthen Its Standing as World Leader in Business News.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. -- CNBC will assume control of the CNBC International channels, it was announced by its parent NBC Universal. CNBC will acquire sole ownership of CNBC Europe and the domestic digital service, CNBC World on December 31, 2005, subject to any necessary regulatory or legal approvals. The transfer of ownership in CNBC Asia Pacific is likewise subject to regulatory and legal approvals, and to the mutually satisfactory resolution of certain structural matters between now and December 31, 2005.

CNBC and Dow Jones have operated CNBC Europe and CNBC Asia Pacific as equal partners and Dow Jones currently has a 25% interest in CNBC World.

"CNBC's international strength has been a hallmark of the CNBC brand. We will continue to build the brand's global strength and to look for additional opportunities for expansion wherever we can," said Pamela Thomas-Graham, CNBC Chairman.

"Operating internationally since 1998, CNBC has built a leading global business news network," said Mark Hoffman, CNBC President. "Acquiring sole ownership reinforces our commitment to that vision and gives us the opportunity to further develop and grow the CNBC product and brand globally."

Both CNBC Europe President Mick Buckley and CNBC Asia Pacific President Alexander P. Brown will now report directly to Hoffman. Dow Jones and CNBC will function solely as editorial partners in Europe and Asia Pacific once the deal is closed.

"According to the latest EMS survey figures, CNBC Europe is the fastest growing pan-European TV channel and we are the most watched business and financial channel in Europe," said Buckley. "We look forward to building upon this in the future and embracing new opportunities as we continue to bring outstanding coverage on the latest business and financial developments across the region to our viewers."

Added Hoffman, "We are also equally committed to serving the needs of our viewers, clients and affiliates in Asia Pacific."

"CNBC Asia Pacific is the leader in business and financial news in the region, as per the latest PAX viewership figures. Through our relationships with local partners, we pride ourselves in being able to deliver the very best in both local and global coverage for our viewers," said Brown. "We are committed to building the CNBC brand in Asia and continuing to raise the bar for business news coverage in this dynamic region."

About CNBC, CNBC Europe, CNBC Asia Pacific and CNBC World:

CNBC is the recognized global leader in business news, providing real-time financial market coverage and business information. The network's Business Day programming (weekdays from 5:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. ET) is produced at CNBC's global headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and is widely recognized as the leader in real-time business news and analysis. CNBC primetime and weekends offer broad-based news, business and political talk programming. In addition to being seen in North America, South America and the Caribbean, CNBC is also incorporated into CNBC Europe and CNBC Asia Pacific programming.

CNBC Europe is the only pan-European real-time financial and business channel dedicated to European CEO's and senior corporate executives, the European financial services industry and the European investor. Today the channel is available in 90 million homes, 1,400 banks and financial institutions and 340,000 hotel rooms throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

CNBC Asia Pacific is uniquely positioned to speak to viewers from across the region. Headquartered in Singapore, the network provides 10 hours of live Asia-produced programming, which is complemented with coverage of live market action from Europe and the US. CNBC Asia Pacific's channels, which include CNBC Asia, CNBC-TV18 (India), Nikkei-CNBC (Japan) are available in more than 34 countries across the Asia Pacific region. CNBC Asia Pacific also has a strategic alliance with China Business Network, a subsidiary of the Shanghai Media Group. The channels are distributed via satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcast networks.

CNBC World is a 24-hour digital network offering live, global financial market information and programming. CNBC World leverages the resources of CNBC business news from Asia and Europe and creates a 24-hour a day, 7 days per week global business news network. CNBC World provides in-depth market coverage from around the world, major industry news conferences, analyst calls and presentations, and one-on-one interviews with business leaders. CNBC World is available in 22 million homes across the United States via cable and satellite.