Canwest Encouraged by Preliminary CRTC Determinations.

WINNIPEG -- Canwest Global Communications Corp. ("Canwest" or the "Company") stated today that the preliminary determinations relating to its 2009 conventional television licence renewal by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission ("CRTC") today represent a significant positive step forward for local television.

The CRTC release this morning set an agenda and timetable for discussing the systemic and structural issues local television stations face and the need to find a lasting solution that provides them with fair market value for their signals. The new licence term takes effect September 1, 2009. Specific terms and conditions of the licences will be issued by the CRTC in the coming weeks.

The CRTC also provided local broadcasters with some guidance as they prepare to purchase programming for the upcoming year. The federal regulator announced a series of determinations that reduced the upcoming licence renewal term to one-year and ended speculation that it might impose a 1:1 spending ratio between Canadian and foreign programming as a condition of licence for English-language broadcasters.

"This decision demonstrates that the CRTC understands the serious issues facing local television in this country and recognizes the need to provide access to the same revenue streams afforded other broadcasters," said Leonard Asper, President and CEO, Canwest. "We are encouraged that the Commission's determinations today not only identify the key issues but also set out a timeframe for finding solutions to rebalance Canada's regulatory environment and we look forward to playing an active role and making a positive contribution to these discussions."

Mr. Asper said the Commission's proposed policy approach leading up to renewal hearings in the spring of 2010 recognizes the challenges facing local television and the need to provide financial support by:

* Investing in alternative support mechanisms for local programming

* Protecting the integrity of Canadian program rights

* Exploring a mechanism for negotiating the fair market value for the signals of local stations distributed through cable and satellite companies

Canwest looks forward to working with the CRTC to establish an appropriate level of spending on Canadian programming. Mr. Asper pointed out that Canwest broadcast properties currently invest about $350 million a year developing Canadian and local content, including news programming.

"Canadian broadcasters already produce more national and local content than any other country in the world and we do so proudly,'' he said. "This is part of our commitment to the communities that we serve."

Forward Looking Statements:

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements about the objectives, strategies, financial conditions, results of operations and businesses of Canwest. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking and are subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These statements are based on our current expectations about our business and the markets in which we operate, and upon various estimates and assumptions. Unless required by law, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statement even if new information becomes available, as a result of future events or for any other reason.

About Canwest Global Communications Corp.

Canwest Global Communications Corp. (www.canwest.com) (TSX: CGS and CGS.A,) an international media company, is Canada's largest media company. In addition to owning the Global Television Network, Canwest is Canada's largest publisher of English language daily newspapers and owns, operates and/or holds substantial interests in conventional television, out-of-home advertising, specialty cable channels, web sites and networks in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Turkey, Indonesia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.