Crawford Communications Lands Discovery Networks Contract.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--December 21, 1998 -- Crawford Satellite Services, a division of Crawford Communications, Inc. recently announced that they had won the network origination contract for two of the domestic analog networks for Discovery: the Discovery Channel and TLC. The Travel Channel, another Discovery network, already originates from Crawford Satellite Services. Crawford will handle everything from trafficking commercial tapes to delivering programs to the air through C-band redundant systems.

"This is a huge win for Crawford because the Discovery Networks are well-respected, both within our industry and with consumers," said Jim Schuster, vice president of Crawford Satellite Services. "We have worked on a number of projects with different Discovery Networks over the last eight years and I believe we won the contract because they appreciate our talent and technology, as well as ability to adapt to fit their needs." In fact, during Hurricane Georges in September, Discovery Networks Latin America/Iberia, which normally originates its six Latin American networks from Miami, relocated the networks to Crawford's Satellite Services. By providing redundant signals, Crawford was prepared to take over Discovery Network's Miami-based signals at a moment's notice if weather conditions warranted such action.

Both the Discovery Channel and TLC were originating live from Crawford by December 11. The transition took place over a seven week period. To meet this need, Crawford built out two master control suites (formerly two interformat suites known as Edits B & C). Crawford also acquired a nine-meter antenna (in addition to its array of 30 antennae), four transmit chains and two new Odetics TCS 90 automated cart machines equipped with Sony Digital Betacam and Techtronix Profile caching.

"We have added 30 staff members to run the operation," added Schuster, "including an operations manager, shift supervisors, traffic & project management staff, quality control and master control operators, and engineering staff who can deliver the service that Discovery Networks have come to expect from us."

Said Jo Ann Burton, senior vice president, Operations and Administration, Discovery Networks, "I am absolutely delighted that we now have three of Discovery's networks originating from Crawford Communications. We have had the opportunity to work with Crawford throughout the years and have admired the organization for their customer-service attitude and their willingness to go above and beyond to get the job done. Crawford is made up of a great group of people who are experienced, extremely creative and who are enthusiastic about their work." Burton added, "The transition of Discovery Channel and TLC to Crawford went smoothly and we are confident that the level of service that they have provided up to this point will continue throughout the contract."

Crawford Communications, Inc., is an Atlanta-based, privately owned company that is composed of six general service areas offering a full spectrum of telecommunications services: InterMedia, Production Services, Post Production, Audio, Satellite Services and Crawford Digital as well as four specialty boutiques, DESIGNefx, FilmGroup, m&e (music & effects) and Vuja de. An industry leader, Crawford Communications, Inc., provides a complete set of services for clients involved in all aspects of the television, film, Internet, audio, satellite and interactive media.

Established in 1981, Crawford Communications, Inc., is headed by President Jesse Crawford. With over 310 employees, it is housed in 150,000 square feet on an eleven-acre site two miles from downtown Atlanta. The company comprises editorial and audio production suites, CGI animation, film lab and telecine, video production services and studios, interactive and Web design and development, an international satellite teleport and a fleet of satellite trucks. Studio Two, Crawford's complete sound stage facility, is located a few miles from the company headquarters.