Musiqueplus to allocate its contributions in support of music video development and production to MaxFACT

MONTREAL, Aug. 27 /CNW Telbec/ - Astral Media Inc. (TSX: ACM.A/ACM.B) announced today that its MusiquePlus channel will now allocate its annual contributions in support of music video development and production to MaxFACT, administered by The Harold Greenberg Fund.

"This new additional source of financing for MaxFACT, along with a new category for young adults, will help us better respond to the imposing volume of promising and well-thought-out projects that we receive each year and reach a wider audience for our culture and identity," stated Odile Méthot, president and managing director of The Harold Greenberg Fund. "I am very pleased about the positive impact this will have on music video production intended for MusiquePlus viewers."

Astral Media is the largest private investor in music and television content in Québec and Canada. On July 2, 2009, the CRTC authorized (Decision 2009-399) the transfer of MusiquePlus channel contributions-formerly allocated to VidéoFACT-to MaxFACT. MusiquePlus annual contributions match 3.4% of the previous broadcast fiscal year's gross revenues.

The next project entry deadline is September 4, 2009. To find out about future project entry deadlines and eligibility criteria, go to the MaxFACT website: www.maxfact.org.

Astral Media is one of Canada's leading media companies, active in specialty and pay television, radio, outdoor advertising and interactive media. Since its inception, Astral Media has invested over $1.3 billion in the support and development of Canadian culture. Astral Media's television services and radio stations have a long history of investing in English- and French-language film, television and music content; financing every stage of film production and investing to showcase Canadian musical and emerging talent. Astral Media prides itself on ensuring critical support for the promotion of Canadian culture from coast-to-coast. For more information about Astral Media, please visit www.astralmedia.com.

The Harold Greenberg Fund-with resources provided by Astral Media and Super Écran-awards reimbursable funds intended for the development and production of feature films, as well as the production of music-related programs. Since December 2007, it ensures the management of the MaxFACT funding program, which receives contributions from MusiMax and MusiquePlus to finance music video production.

Contacts

Pierre Boisseau
Astral Media Inc.
(514) 939-5000
ext. 3077
pboisseau@corp.astral.com

Odile Méthot
The Harold Greenberg Fund
MaxFACT Program
(514) 939-5094
www.maxfact.org