BERNAMA TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS INVOLVEMENT IN 24-HOUR TV NEWS

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- Bernama, the Malaysian National News
Agency, will temporarily suspend its involvement in Bernama TV Synergy Sdn Bhd,
a joint venture which provides a 24-hour news channel on Astro TV, with effect
from today, a Bernama spokesman said.

"The decision is to minimise the exposure of Bernama to losses incurred by
Bernama TV Synergy, which is a joint venture between Bernama Bhd (33 per cent),
Silver Ridge (Multimedia) Bhd (27 per cent), Standard Code Sdn Bhd (20 per cent)
and Hallmark Entertainment Sdn Bhd (20 per cent)," he said.

The spokesman said the decision would not in any way affect the quality and
delivery of its services as the national news agency.

"Bernama will review its options on its involvement in Bernama TV Synergy as
soon as the financial issue affecting the parties in the joint venture is
resolved," he added.

Meanwhile, Bernama chairman Mohd Annuar Zaini said in a statement that it
was with much regret that he had to announce the temporary suspension of the
national news agency's involvement in Bernama TV Synergy.

"We have decided on this course of action after a thorough evaluation of the
current financial situation affecting Bernama TV Synergy.

"As chairman, I would like to assure that the delivery and quality of
Bernama's existing services in its operation as the national news agency will
continue to be maintained at the highest level," he said.
-- BERNAMA