CanWest Chair Urges Internet Caution To Broadcasters At Swiss Conference.

Business Editors

WINNIPEG, Manitoba--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 1, 2000

(TSE:CGS.A.) (WINNIPEG STOCK EXCHANGE:CGS.A.) (TSE:CGS.S.) (WINNIPEG STOCK EXCHANGE:CGS.S.) (NYSE:CWG) Israel Asper, Executive Chairman of CanWest Global Communications Corp., warned conventional broadcasters not to over react to both the threats and opportunities of cyber-casting via the Internet.

Chairing a panel of broadcast executives at a meeting of the Communications Governors of the World Economic Forum annual conference in Davos, Switzerland, Asper said: &uot;The technological experts have often misjudged the consumers' appetite for all the wondrous things technology can provide. They incorrectly assume the average citizen can hardly wait for the new toys and contraptions science can deliver. That is simply inconsistent with consumer behaviour and desires, particularly when it comes to the use of their too scarce leisure time.&uot;

&uot;Cost and convenience, simplicity and certainty of quality will drive consumer decisions as to what sources he will select for receiving his news, information and entertainment, in a world of limitless choices - perhaps more choices than he cares to have.

Therefore the Internet should be viewed by broadcasters as yet another delivery system along with free-to-air, cable, satellite and wireless methods of reaching their target audience. Broadcasters may use some or all of those systems.&uot;

Asper said that consumers do not choose delivery systems, they choose programs, and that tomorrow's successful broadcasters will still be those who have the best mix of programming, at the least cost, least confusion and most convenience, just as has been the case as each new technological development has been introduced over the past half century.

The Governors of the World Economic Forum for Media, Communications and Entertainment represent the world's industry leaders and meet annually as part of the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The Canadian government is represented at the Conference by the Hon. John Manley, Minister of Industry and the Hon. Pierre Pettigrew, Minister for International Trade.

CanWest Global Communications Corp. is a member of the World Economic Forum and has significant communications and entertainment interests in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.

CanWest Global Communications Corp. (NYSE: CWG; TSE, WSE: CGS.S and CGS.A; www.canwestglobal.com) is an international media company. CanWest owns, operates and/or holds substantial interests in conventional television and specialty cable channels in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The Company's program production and distribution division and interactive media division operate in several countries throughout the world.