CanWest to Operate as Global Television Network in Canada.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 15, 1997-- CanWest Global(TSE CGS.S. CGS.A., NYSE CWG. ) Beginning August 18, 1997, the eight television stations that comprise the CanWest Global System in Canada will unveil a new national image and identity with the adoption of a common name and on-air presentation. Each of the CanWest Global stations -- U.TV Vancouver, STV-Regina, STV-Saskatoon, CKND-TV Winnipeg, Global Television, CKMI-TV Quebec, and MITV in Atlantic Canada -- will collectively be known as The Global Television Network.

The adoption of a common brand look and name represents the culmination of the company's 20th anniversary celebrations this summer, which have included several million dollar gifts, a variety of sponsorship activities, and the appointment of Peter D. Viner as President and Chief Executive Officer.

With the recent signing of the long-term program deal with WIC's Alberta stations, and the company's soon-to-be-launched Quebec station, CanWest Global programming will be presented in every province in Canada, save Newfoundland. It is therefore appropriate at this time, to adopt a consistent name from coast to coast, said I.H. Asper, O.C., Q.C., Executive Chairman.

"Strategically, this was our next logical step," he said. "The need to establish a coherent national identity is there, now that our goal of taking the CanWest Global System across Canada is virtually complete. This move will enable us to develop a consistent quality of presentation and promotion with every station in each of our markets."

"We no longer will be seen as a collection of stations across the country working independently of one another," stated Peter Viner. "We now will have a consistent national brand which will benefit both viewers and advertisers.

"The creation of this distinct and uniform identity will be easily recognizable both on screen and off, and is the first step toward building a strong, single television brand for the 21st century."

The move to a single brand name will have no adverse effect on CanWest's top-rated, award-winning program schedule, as The Global Television Network will continue to provide viewers with the finest in international and Canadian entertainment programming. Although there will now be an emphasis on the building of a new national image, each of the stations will continue to serve the communities in which they broadcast with strong local programming.

"Local news is an incredibly important component to any television broadcaster," said Mr. Viner. "If you want to strengthen your position in your market, then you must have a strong commitment to local news.

"While our new brand name suggests national unification among our stations, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to local newscasts, sports and promotions, and to the community-at-large," he said.

"The task of building a national broadcasting system in Canada is now essentially complete, and we want to begin our new era under a common banner, which, we hope will eventually become our world-wide broadcast trade mark," added Mr. Asper.

CanWest Global Communications Corp. (NYSE: CWG and TSE: CGS.S and CGS.A) is a leading international television broadcaster. In Canada, the Company owns and operates the Global Television Network. Internationally, the Company owns substantial economic interests in Australia's Network TEN and New Zealand's TV3 and TV4.

CONTACT: CanWest Global Communications Corp.

David Asper, 204/956-2025

204/947-9841 (FAX)

or

CanWest Global Communications Corp.

Gerry Noble, 204/956-2025

204/947-9841 (FAX)