FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
$3 Million-Astral Media Raises Its Commitment to End MS
Integrated television, radio, outdoor
and Internet campaign provides unprecedented exposure to MS Society
Montreal, Quebec, September 17, 2008 (Marketwire
- Sept. 17, 2008) - Astral Media Inc. (TSX:ACM.A)(TSX:ACM.B) today
announced that it will
donate an additional $2 million worth of advertising space to
the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. This amount is added
to the original
$1 million commitment made earlier this year and gives the MS
Society a unique coast-to-coast platform to raise awareness of
one of the most common neurological diseases affecting young
Canadians.
"Witnessing the enthusiasm and support that our initial announcement
generated amongst our employees, clients and partners, Astral Media is
delighted to further its commitment to the MS Society of Canada," said
Ian Greenberg, president and chief executive officer of Astral Media Inc. "Everybody
knows someone who is affected by this devastating disease, which affects
so many Canadian men, women and children. By offering this national visibility
across our television, radio, outdoor advertising and interactive media
platforms, we hope to help the MS Society achieve its fundraising objective,
and in turn encourage MS researchers to find the cause and cure to end
MS".
The exposure is unprecedented in the MS Society's 60-year history. The
MS Society is using Astral Media's platforms to promote its $60 million
endMS research fundraising campaign. The ads direct consumers to www.endMS.ca,
a micro-site of the MS Society's corporate website, www.mssociety.ca.
"The significance of our partnership with Astral Media cannot be
overstated," says Yves Savoie, president and chief executive officer
of the MS Society of Canada. "The cross-country exposure we've received
to date has put the organization firmly in the national spotlight. It
has generated tremendous excitement among our supporters, volunteers and
staff. The tripling of the original commitment to $3 million will fuel
even more support for our vision to end multiple sclerosis."
The ad campaign launched in July on Astral Media's national network of
83 radio stations and more than 10 English- and French-language television
networks. The campaign is also featured on outdoor media across Ontario
and Quebec, as well as on a large number of Astral Media's 70 websites.
The endMS campaign is the MS Society of Canada's first capital campaign.
Funds raised will be used to fund research activities and to establish
Canada as the premier destination in the world in which to train for and
pursue a career in MS research. The goal of the endMS campaign is to increase
the pace of discovery so that a cure for MS can be found in the shortest
possible time.
About multiple sclerosis and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the brain
and spinal cord. It is the most common neurological disease of young adults
in Canada. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and
40, and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their lives.
The MS Society provides services to people with MS and their families
and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease. Please
visit www.mssociety.ca or call 1-800-268-7582 to make a donation or for
more information.
About Astral Media
Astral Media is one of Canada's leading media companies, active in specialty
and pay television, radio, outdoor advertising and iMedia. 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. To learn more, visit www.astralmedia.com.
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Contact information:
Stewart Wong
National Senior Manager, Media and Public Relations
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Phone: 416-967-3025
stewart.wong@mssociety.ca
www.endMS.ca
or
Astral Media Inc.
Hugues Mousseau
Phone: 514-939-5000
hmousseau@corp.astral.com
Website: www.astralmedia.com
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