Astral Launches Campaign Celebrating its Contribution to Canadian Culture

MONTREAL, Sept. 16 /CNW Telbec/ - This week, Astral Media Inc. (TSX: ACM.A/ACM.B) launches a campaign that celebrates its contributions to Canadian culture. The two TV messages were conceived by Bos and depict what the film, television and music industries would look like without such crucial financing. Both situations use humor to offset an otherwise very serious issue.

The campaign premiered last week at the opening night of the Toronto International Film Festival, which Astral is a proud sponsor. One of the two trailers was showcased during the Opening Night Gala Presentation of Score: A Hockey Musical, one of 19 Astral supported Canadian Films selected for the 2010 Festival. Other movies include gala presentations of Barney's Version, A Beginners Guide to Endings, and the Bang Bang Club; and a special presentation of Trigger. Both messages are now airing on Astral's pay-television and specialty services.

For over 25 years now, Astral has played a leading role in providing private funding for Canadian culture. This dedication to the vitality of our communities and to the arts industry has allowed for ambitious television and film projects to see the light of day, and for now popular musical notes to take flight. Every year, through its pay and specialty TV channels, radio stations and The Harold Greenberg Fund, Astral invests over $170 million in Canadian culture.

"We are fortunate to live in a dynamic, inclusive and creative culture. This unique point of view needs to be nourished and celebrated. We take much pride in the fact that Astral's investments help great projects come to life, contribute to a creative product of quality, and support the talented artists and artisans behind these projects," said Derev Antikacioglu, Corporate Marketing Director at Astral.

Astral continues to be the country's largest private investor in Canadian feature film, funding the development and production of homegrown film and television projects. In the world of music, Astral has worked closely with partners to develop and launch over 20 projects to support Canadian singers, songwriters and performers.

To watch Astral's new trailers, visit Astral's YouTube channel by clicking here.

Astral is one of Canada's largest media companies. It operates several of the country's most popular pay and specialty television, radio, out-of-home advertising and digital media properties. Astral is very proud to be among the largest partners of Canadian culture. Year after year, our pay and specialty television channels, radio stations and Astral's Harold Greenberg Fund invest over $170 million to develop and acquire Canadian programming and original productions as well as to support Canadian musical talent. To learn more about Astral and its support to our culture, visit astral.com.

For further information:

Hugues Mousseau
Manager, Corporate Communications
Astral Media Inc.
514-939-5000
[email protected]