Attention Entertainment Editors:

CTV and A-Channel Celebrate Local News

    -- Special news reports recognize the impact local coverage has made in
    Canadian communities --

    TORONTO, April 8 /CNW/ - Local newscasts from CTV and A-Channel stations
have been a vital part of Canadian communities since the 1950s - telling the
stories that matter the most to millions of Canadians and supporting the
causes that contribute and build our neighbourhoods. Beginning this week,
local CTV and A-Channel evening newscasts will feature a series of special
reports spotlighting how local news has impacted Canadian communities over the
years.

    "Local news has been part of the cultural fabric of Canadian communities
for more than half a century and our journalists work hard every day to cover
the neighbourhoods, towns and cities they live and work in," said Robert
Hurst, President of CTV News and Current Affairs. "This is simply one small
way for us to reflect and celebrate the important role local news plays
throughout Canada."

    Reports from each of the CTV and A-Channel stations will look back on the
role local news has played in helping Canadians cope with disasters such as
the 1998 ice storm, the FLQ crisis and the Mississauga, Ont., train derailment
that devastated the GTA. The reports will also spotlight how local news has
supported community events and celebrated momentous events such as Pope John
Paul II's 1984 visit to Canada and CTV British Columbia's ongoing coverage of
the countdown to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Viewers can see the special
reports from the various local stations across Canada online at www.ctv.ca.

    "Local news is the backbone of the A-Channel stations and it's an honour
to recognize the numerous ways our news teams serve their local communities,"
said Richard Gray, Head of News, A-Channels.

    Several of CTVglobemedia's CTV and A-Channel stations began their long
history of producing local news in the 1950s, including CTV Edmonton, CTV
Regina, CTV Saskatoon, CTV Southwestern Ontario, CTV Northern Ontario, ATV,
A-Channel Barrie, A-Channel London, A-Channel Wingham and CKX Brandon. Now,
more than 50 years later, CTV and A-Channel produces close to 15,000 hours of
local news each year. In addition to its award-winning daily news coverage,
CTV and A-Channel anchors and reporters actively support more than 4,000
community and charitable events that help to generate millions of dollars for
worthwhile local causes.

    About CTV:

    CTV, Canada's largest private broadcaster, offers a wide range of quality
news, sports, information, and entertainment programming. It has the
number-one national newscast, CTV National News With Lloyd Robertson, and is
the number-one choice for prime-time viewing. CTVglobemedia Inc. is Canada's
premier multi-media company which owns CTV Inc. and The Globe and Mail. CTV
Inc. also owns radio stations across the country, and leading national
specialty channels. Other CTVglobemedia investments include an interest in
Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, and in Dome Productions, a North American
leader in the provision of mobile high definition production facilities. More
information about CTV may be found on the company website at www.ctv.ca.

    About A-Channel

    A-Channel Barrie/Toronto, Ottawa, Victoria/Vancouver, London, Windsor and
Wingham serve viewers with locally-focused programming and strong community
involvement, with an emphasis on local evening news and local updates on their
daily morning shows. A-Channel tells the stories residents most want to see:
critically acclaimed programming, breaking news, issues that affect daily life
and all of the great things happening in their hometown communities. A-Channel
is owned by CTV Limited, a division of CTVglobemedia, Canada's premier
multi-media company.

For further information: Greg McIsaac, CTV News, (416) 332-5180 or
gmcisaac@ctv.ca; Alexis Hood, A-Channel, (416) 332-4853 or ahood@ctv.ca