MGM MGM Resorts International

MGM Networks to Launch MGM Channel in Russian-Language Version Channel to Be Available to NTV-PLUS Subscribers Across Russia LOS ANGELES and MOSCOW, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MGM Networks, a unit of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. (NYSE:MGM) and NTV-PLUS, Russia's Satellite Digital Television System, announced an agreement to localize and distribute a Russian-language version of the MGM channel to NTV-PLUS direct-to-home satellite subscribers. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20011119/MGMLOGO) This agreement follows up on an already successful debut into countries of the former Soviet Union by The MGM Channel, which launched into the market on a number of cable and MMDS systems in 2002 in its original English language. By adding a Russian-language track to the channel, MGM Networks and NTV-PLUS will greatly expand The MGM Channel's subscriber base and presence across this key market. "We have been assiduously trying to expand our networks in the fast- growing Russian market," said Bruce Tuchman, MGM Networks executive vice president. "The capstone of these efforts is our deal with NTV-PLUS, Russia's leading pay-TV provider, which positions us to take full advantage of this market's growth." The MGM Channel will present round-the-clock offerings in this market from MGM's celebrated 4,000-title library, the world's largest collection of modern films. Planned offerings include "Marty," "Sweet Smell of Success," "Rollerball," "Interiors" and "The Fantasticks." "We feel honored to be the first to present the MGM Channel in the Russian language," said Alexander Ordjonikidze, General Director of NTV-PLUS Satellite. "Our main commitment is to give our subscribers the best content possible. This year we have launched several new channels, and the number of subscribers has doubled on the previous year. We are sure that the partnership with MGM will be an extra advantage for people who are thinking of buying a satellite dish." With this deal, MGM continues to aggressively expand its worldwide networks business, which since 2001 has more than quadrupled the number of countries and territories it reaches. In addition to markets in the former Soviet Union, MGM's European reach already includes branded channels in a dozen other countries -- Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, The Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, Poland, Cyprus, Iceland, Malta and Liechtenstein -- and branded programming blocks in Scandinavia and France. MGM Networks also has interests in customized channels broadcasting to dozens of countries across North and South America, the Asia/Pacific region and Africa on cable, satellite and other pay-TV systems. About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. (NYSE:MGM), through its Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. subsidiary, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of entertainment product, including motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The Company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprised of about 4,000 titles. Operating units include MGM Pictures, United Artists, MGM Television Entertainment, MGM Networks, MGM Distribution Co., MGM Worldwide Television Distribution, MGM Home Entertainment, MGM On Stage, MGM Consumer Products, MGM Music, MGM Interactive and MGM Direct. In addition, MGM has interests in television channels and branded-programming blocks that reach nearly 120 countries and territories around the world. For more information, visit http://www.mgm.com/. About NTV-Plus NTV-Plus is the first and the only direct-to-home satellite TV system in Russia. Its database counts over 300 thousand subscribers and over 1 million viewers which makes it the largest Pay-TV provider in Russia. Today its broadcasting area covers the whole European part of Russia. NTV-PLUS uses most advanced technologies providing digital picture and sound. NTV-Plus is more than 65 channels both of its own production such as NTV- Plus Sport, NTV-Plus Football, NTV-Plus Sports-on-line, NTV-Plus Kinoklub (Film Club), NTV-Plus Premiera (Premiere), etc. and foreign channels, the most popular of which are dubbed into Russian. The range of channels also includes education, music and entertainment, business and news programs. For more information, visit http://www.ntvplus.ru/. For further information please contact: United States and International, David Bloom of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., +1-310-449-3660, ; or in Russia, Anastasia Kazakova of NTV-Plus Satellite Digital Television System, +7-095-775-5634, . http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20011119/MGMLOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. CONTACT: United States and International, David Bloom of Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer Studios Inc., +1-310-449-3660, ; or in Russia, Anastasia Kazakova of NTV-Plus Satellite Digital Television System, +7-095-775-5634, Web site: http://www.ntvplus.ru/ Web site: http://www.mgm.com/

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