Court TV Secures Long-Term Deal for Signature Show Forensic Files Through 2009; Court TV Locks In Successful Show For Precedent-Setting Six Year Run.

Entertainment Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 10, 2003

In a network first, Court TV has renewed its popular series Forensic Files through 2009, making this deal the most extensive in the network's history.

Forensic Files, the network's fact-based original series offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how investigators use cutting-edge forensic technology to solve present day as well as decades-old crimes. Forensic Files is produced by Medstar Television for Court TV. The half hour series airs in primetime Monday through Friday at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT).

"We could not be more thrilled with how our audience has embraced Forensic Files, and we look forward to continuing our working relationship with Medstar Television." said Art Bell, Executive Vice President, Programming and Marketing for Court TV. "The series takes the complicated subject of forensic science and makes it not only accessible but riveting. When it launched on September 18, 2000, Forensic Files was ahead of its time, ushering in an explosion of forensic related dramatic television shows which indicates how much audiences love the challenge of solving mysteries from their own living rooms."

"This new agreement with Court TV ensures that Court TV forensic fans will be able to enjoy the high-tech, dramatic storytelling of 'Forensic Files' for years to come," said Paul A. Dowling, Executive Producer and creator of "Forensic Files." "Court TV is an ideal home for our critically acclaimed series and we look forward to continuing to work together to bring great forensics television to viewers across the country."

Forensic Files is the cornerstone of Court TV's original programming, and with the success of the series, Court TV is fast becoming the network of record for forensic investigation. This ultimate reality series is also Court TV's highest-rated program, consistently delivering a 1.0 prime time rating and averaging one million viewers on a nightly basis. Last summer, Court TV struck a unique reverse re-purposing deal with NBC, which brought Forensic Files to NBC's airwaves. During its run on NBC, the series averaged a broadcast prime time 5.8 rating in its first four weeks at 8 PM and served as a national promotion for the series on Court TV.

Lori Siegel serves as Executive Producer of Forensic Files for Court TV and Ed Hersh is the Senior Vice president of Documentaries and Specials for Court TV.

Medstar Television Inc. (http://www.medstar.com) is the producer of Forensic Files and Medical Detectives. Medstar is America's leader in televised medical news and health information. In business since 1980, Medstar provides innovative programming to broadcast stations and cable networks worldwide through our staff of award-winning medical journalists and television news professionals. Medstar serves over 120 broadcasters from all major US television networks, as well as Court TV, Discovery Channel, HBO, The Learning Channel, regional cable networks and international programmers.

Court TV (www.Courttv.com or AOL Keyword: Court TV), a basic cable network, provides a window on the American system of justice through distinctive programming that both informs and entertains. As the leader in investigative television, Court TV telecasts trials by day and high-profile original programs like Forensic Files and popular off-network series like NYPD Blue in the evening. Court TV is 50% owned by AOL Time Warner, and 50% owned by Liberty Media Corp. The network is seen in almost 80 million homes.