Big news from MDTV!
Wednesday May 5, 8:01 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
MDU Communications Inc. Appoints Arthur R. Griffiths to Advisory Board
RICHMOND, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 5, 1999--MDU Communications Inc. (OTC BB:MDTV - news) is pleased to announce that Arthur R. Griffiths has been appointed chairman of an advisory board that will, in conjunction with the company's board of directors, help firmly establish MDU Communications as the premier supplier of digital satellite technology to the multi-dwelling marketplace.
This appointment is a major move in the company's continued plans for expansion across Canada. The advisory board is the first step the company has executed to constitute the selection of additional directors to the board and to solidify the company's direction during a period of extensive growth.
''I am very excited at the opportunity to participate in the development of the future of television in Canada. MDU Communications provides choice to Canadians where any multi-unit building resident may choose what service they wish to subscribe to,'' says Arthur Griffiths, Chair of MDU's advisory board. ''The service that MDU offers is groundbreaking and reminiscent of the same kind of opportunity that arose in Canada when my father created Cancom.''
The Griffiths family is well known in the Canadian Broadcasting Industry through their involvement and past ownership of WIC Western International Communications Ltd. WIC is a leading broadcasting, communications and entertainment company and owns a majority interest in Canadian Satellite Communications Inc. (Cancom), a public company operating in satellite network services. Cancom recently received shareholder approval to merge with Star Choice Communications and is currently awaiting CRTC approval.
Arthur Griffiths is one of Vancouver and British Columbia's most well-known and well-respected business leaders. Griffiths serves as Chair, Public Consultation Team and Chief Negotiator for Greater Vancouver's Light Rapid Transit Project Office. Griffiths also serves as the Chair of the Canadian Bid committee working to secure the Winter Olympics for Canada in 2010.
His involvement and passion for professional sports is evident and began with his father, Frank Griffiths Sr.'s, ownership of the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League. He was successful in his bid for an NBA franchise in Vancouver, which resulted in the creation of the Vancouver Grizzlies. In 1996 Griffiths sold his interest in the Canucks, Grizzlies and General Motors Place to a group of investors led by John E. McCaw Jr. Arthur continues to be actively involved in both professional sports leagues as a member of the Board of Governors for the National Hockey League and National Basketball Association.
Griffiths' many community projects include serving as Governor of the Canadian Olympic Foundation, serving as member of the board of the Greater Vancouver Open PGA Tour golf tournament. He also serves on the Board for the Canuck Foundation, the Grizzlies Foundation and Canuck Place, a free-standing children's hospice which offers care and support for terminally ill children and their families.
''We welcome Arthur as chair of our advisory board and look forward to providing positive entertainment choice to Canadians,'' says Sheldon Nelson, President and CEO of MDU. ''The addition of Mr. Griffiths gives us experience direct from one of the most influential families in the Canadian television broadcast industry. His experience will be paramount to our continued success.''
MDU Communications is experiencing exponential growth as it moves into regions of Atlantic, Central and Eastern Canada. ''MDU provides choice to Canadians who are tired of traditional cable television operator supplied services,'' states Nelson. ''What sets MDU apart from other new providers is our ability to compete with cable in any multi-unit complex whether cable remains as a choice or whether the landlord or property manager wants to replace cable.''
MDU Communications currently has over 10,000 subscribers and is adding approximately 300-400 subscribers per week. The company expects this number to increase to in excess of 1000 subscribers per week in the very near future. Current letters of agreements with landlords and property managers put the immediate inventory for MDU to initiate their service to a further 25,000 suites. This number is growing rapidly. ''The MDU marketing plan has been accepted strongly by an audience that is hungry for change,'' says Gary Monaghan, Vice President of Marketing for MDU. ''We offer exceptional value and with our High Speed Internet test sites underway, we expect our offerings to continue to satisfy the customer's need and demand for change.''
MDU Communications Inc. is the premier supplier of digital satellite television to the MDU market and competes with cable television across Canada. With digital pictures, better selection, more bandwidth and enhanced CD quality sound, MDU offers more choice and exceptional quality.
Through mutually beneficial relationships with our clients, MDU facilitates the delivery of new technology to residents of multi-dwelling units including Apartment buildings, Condominiums, Universities, Gated communities, Hotels/Motels, and Work camps. MDU Communications Inc. is a nationally authorized Star Choice System Operator.
''Safe Harbor'' statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains forward looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to the impact of competitive products and pricing, product demand and market acceptance, new product development, reliance on key strategic alliances, availability of raw materials, the regulatory environment, fluctuations in operating results and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Contact:
Vistawest Capital Group
Paul Andreola, 604/602-0078 or 800/794-9076
investor@mduc.com
or
MDU Communications Inc.
604/277-8150 or 888/322-6633
Fax: 604/277-8301
mduc.com
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