ION Media Networks Joins Association for Maximum Service Television

  
    
  
  
    
      ION Media Networks, Inc. (AMEX:ION) today announced that it has become a 
      member of the Association for Maximum Service Television, Inc. (MSTV), a 
      non-profit trade association of local broadcast television stations 
      committed to achieving the highest technical quality for the local 
      broadcast system. ION Media Networks’ decision 
      to join MSTV is based on the two organizations’ 
      shared position on important industry issues relating to protecting, 
      improving and advancing U.S. over-the-air digital television 
      broadcasting, including creating a unified standard for mobile digital 
      broadcast TV reception nationwide.
    
    
      “ION and MSTV are aligned on many important 
      opportunities that lie ahead for our industry, including over-the-air 
      digital and high-definition broadcasting,” 
      said Brandon Burgess, President and CEO, ION Media Networks. “MSTV 
      does a great job representing its members on broadcast technology 
      innovation and we look forward to working closely with MSTV and its 
      membership.”
    
    
      Recognized as an industry leader in both broadcasting technology and 
      spectrum policy issues, MSTV seeks to ensure optimal quality, 
      interference free, over-the-air local television signals for the 
      American public. Both ION Media Networks and MSTV are actively promoting 
      advancements in digital broadcast transmission capabilities.
    
    
      “We’re pleased to 
      have ION Media Networks join us as we work to protect consumers’ 
      rights during the transition from analog to digital, and ensure that the 
      changes occurring in the industry do not adversely impact those who 
      depend on over-the-air television,” said 
      David Donovan, President of the Association for Maximum Service 
      Television. “ION’s 
      perspective, digital and mobile leadership, and ownership of 59 
      terrestrial broadcast stations brings tremendous value to MSTV.”
    
    
      As a leader in digital broadcasting, ION Media Networks has taken a 
      proactive approach to the 2009 U.S. transition from analog to digital 
      television. ION’s strategy, which includes 
      initiatives to enhance digital reception, create innovative digital 
      networks and establish a unified mobile digital broadcast standard, 
      aligns with the goals of MSTV.
    
    
      About ION Media Networks
    
    
      ION Media Networks, Inc. owns and operates the nation's largest 
      broadcast television station group and ION Television, reaching over 94 
      million U.S. television households via its nationwide broadcast 
      television, cable and satellite distribution systems. ION Television 
      currently features popular TV series and movies from the award-winning 
      libraries of Warner Bros., Sony Pictures Television and CBS Television, 
      among others. ION Media has also partnered with RHI Entertainment, which 
      owns over 4,000 hours of acclaimed television content, to provide 
      weekend primetime programming consisting of exclusive original 
      programming and quality library titles. Utilizing its digital 
      multicasting capability, the company has launched several digital TV 
      brands, including qubo, a television and multimedia network for children 
      formed in partnership with several leading media and entertainment 
      companies, and ION Life, a television and multimedia network dedicated 
      to health and wellness for consumers and families. For more information, 
      visit www.ionmedia.tv.
    
    
      About the Association for Maximum Service Television, Inc.
    
    
      The Association for Maximum Service Television, Inc. (MSTV) is the 
      leading technical trade association of the television broadcasting 
      industry. Its members include most local television stations across the 
      country. Founded in 1956, MSTV’s primary 
      objective is to protect the technical integrity of over-the-air 
      television broadcasting and ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, 
      consumers receive interference-free service. MSTV has been a leader in 
      the development of over-the-air digital television service and 
      technology. For more information, see http://www.mstv.org.