Playhouse Disney comes to MTS Classic TV and Ultimate TV customers

TORONTO , Oct. 28 /CNW/ - Astral Media's Family Channel today announced the launch of its Playhouse Disney multiplex channel on MTS Classic TV and MTS Ultimate TV. Starting today, Playhouse Disney will be available on channel 158 to Family Theme Group subscribers, providing most areas in Portage La Prairie, Brandon, and Winnipeg with access to the best in educational and entertaining programming for young children.

"Playhouse Disney is a one-of-a-kind television destination, a place where parents can introduce their young children to beloved Disney characters who have been re-imagined for a new generation, and who are joined by a roster of new characters such as Handy Manny and Special Agent Oso," said Joe Tedesco , Vice President and General Manager, Family Channel and Playhouse Disney. "The mix of education and entertainment on Playhouse Disney is unparalleled and we're thrilled that more Manitobans can join in the fun through MTS."

"We are always looking to add more programming to our Classic TV and Ultimate TV line up - especially for our smallest viewers," said Stan Kurtas, Vice-President Marketing, Consumer Markets, MTS Allstream. "We think Playhouse Disney is a great addition and will be well received by customers looking for more programming choices for young children."

Playhouse Disney's lineup of acclaimed children's series includes Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, Special Agent Oso, Imagination Movers, The Secret World of Benjamin Bear , Franny's Feet, and many more.

Playhouse Disney is a commercial-free, multiplex channel offered to Family Channel subscribers across Canada . Committed to offering engaging, educational and development-based programming for younger children, the channel offers exclusive, first-run programs from Disney together with celebrated Canadian series to create an environment for fun and learning. Visit us at www.playhousedisney.ca. Playhouse Disney is an Astral Media network.

Family Channel and Playhouse Disney are Astral Television Networks. Astral Media is a leading Canadian media company, active in specialty and pay television, radio, outdoor advertising and interactive media. Astral Media's solid and dynamic presence in the country's major markets rests on its commitment to offer a unique combination of high-quality, targeted media for all its audiences. For more information about Astral Media, please visit www.astralmedia.com.

About MTS Allstream

MTS Allstream is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. As one of Canada's leading national communication solutions companies, MTS Allstream provides innovative communications for the way Canadians want to live and work today. The Company has more than 100 years of experience, with 5,800 employees across Canada dedicated to a mission of delivering true value as seen through the eyes of our customers. In 2008, MTS Allstream had nearly two million total customer connections spanning business customers across Canada and residential consumers throughout the province of Manitoba. The Company's extensive national broadband and fibre optic network spans almost 30,000 kilometres. MTS Allstream is a proud sponsor of Cindy Klassen , 2006 World Champion and Canada's greatest Olympian, and a proud contributor to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.'s common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (trading symbol: MBT). Customers, stakeholders and investors who want to learn more about MTS Allstream services, markets, community commitments and record of creating shareholder value are encouraged to visit: www.mtsallstream.com.

For further information: Scott Campbell, Manager, Communications, [phone], [email protected]; Jill Gibson, MTS Allstream Corporate Communications, [phone], [email protected]