Astral Media announces a one-day national radiothon in support of people
affected in Haiti

MONTREAL , Jan. 15 /CNW Telbec/ - Astral Media Inc. (TSX: ACM.A/ACM.B) today announced that it will hold a special "Help Haiti Day" - an unprecedented national fundraising initiative in support of the relief efforts of the Canadian Red Cross in Haiti - on Monday, January 18, 2010 .

All 82 Astral Media Radio stations in 45 cities across Canada will be inviting listeners to donate via a dedicated 1-800 number and webpage. On-air announcers on Virgin Radio, NRJ, Rock Détente, boom fm, EZ Rock, Newstalk, The Bear and all other Astral radio stations will urge listeners to help in this effort by giving what they can to help Red Cross volunteers.

"Astral Media has reached out to the Canadian Red Cross with an offer to raise money through a Canada-wide initiative," said Conrad Sauvé, Secretary General of the Canadian Red Cross. "This assistance from Astral Media is greatly appreciated and is the kind of timely support that will provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance to people devastated by the earthquake in Haiti ."

"Our employees, listeners, clients and partners have been deeply saddened by this terrible catastrophe and on their behalf, I wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies to all Haitians around the world," declared Jacques Parisien , Group President, Astral Media Radio and Astral Media Outdoor. "Astral Media employees across Canada have rapidly come together to organize this radiothon and we are proud to contribute to this international wave of support and generosity by encouraging our listeners to give what they can to help volunteers' efforts in the field."

Astral Media is a leading Canadian media company, active in specialty and pay television, radio, outdoor advertising and interactive media. With over 2,800 employees and offices in 45 Canadian cities, Astral Media is proud to play a leading role within communities where we entertain and inform our audiences, and where we work and live. Last year, Astral Media made a contribution of over 20 million dollars to more than 370 community and charitable organizations, notably through funding activities and donations, and the broadcasting of hundreds of public service messages on our media platforms: television, radio, outdoor advertising and interactive media. For more information about Astral Media, please visit www.astralmedia.com.

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For further information: Pierre Boisseau, Assistant Vice-President, Corporate communications, Astral Media Inc., [phone], ext 3077, [email protected]