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´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide, the commercial arm of the ´óÏó´«Ã½, today announced that Knowledge Network Corporation has purchased the assets of ´óÏó´«Ã½ Kids from Shaw Media and ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide, subject to CRTC ratification. This new agreement sees the formation of a new joint-venture between ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide and Knowledge Network Corporation.

The deal creates an alliance between two companies who have long been committed to the investment, creation, and promotion of children's programming that informs, educates and entertains its young viewers. The ´óÏó´«Ã½ is a known global leader in the development of premium, responsible children’s content for viewers 2-17. Knowledge Network, a publicly funded, commercial-free environment, has a dedication to public education programming which aligns with the trust and integrity associated with the ´óÏó´«Ã½ and the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Kids brand. Knowledge Network will deliver a robust programming line-up for the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Kids channel, with content from Canada, the UK, and around the world supported by marketing campaigns aimed at growing viewership and subscribers.

Currently, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Kids is a joint-venture with Shaw Media, a leading Canadian media corporation. Shaw Media remains a valued partner of ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide Canada.

Hilary Read, COO of ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide Canada, said: "Since 2001, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Kids has offered quality children's entertainment to Canada's youngest viewers and youth alike. I'd like to thank Shaw Media for their dedication to the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Kids brand through the years, and steadfast support during this transition. I look forward to working with Knowledge Network, a company that shares our commitment to superior children's content, on this excellent joint-venture that will provide ´óÏó´«Ã½ Kids key opportunities in the marketplace and the perfect environment to truly spread its wings."

Rudy Buttignol, President and CEO of Knowledge Network Corporation, said: "Knowledge Network is honoured to be working with the ´óÏó´«Ã½, a respected brand the world over and a leader in the creation of quality programming for children. Our goal is to extend the success we've had with Knowledge Network in British Columbia to the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Kids channel across Canada. This joint-venture with the ´óÏó´«Ã½ is a great opportunity to revitalize ´óÏó´«Ã½ Kids. We will strengthen the channel by making significant investments in programming, and re-launch it as a commercial free service for young Canadians."

Once the deal between ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide and Knowledge Network is ratified by the CRTC, operation and management of ´óÏó´«Ã½ Kids will transfer from Shaw Media in Toronto, Ontario to the Knowledge Network in Burnaby, British Columbia. Thanks to Shaw Media, at no point will the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Kids channel go off air during this transition. Knowledge Network intends to continue operating ´óÏó´«Ã½ Kids under the same terms and conditions as those in effect under its current license, providing top tier educational and entertaining programming for children and youth ages 2-17 years.

NOTES TO EDITORS
About ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide Canada
´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (´óÏó´«Ã½). ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide Canada, located in Toronto was first established in 1952 and incorporated as a Canadian company in 2002. The company exists to maximize the value of the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s assets for the benefit of the UK license payer and invest in public service programming in return for rights. The company's activities in Canada include joint-venture channels ´óÏó´«Ã½ Canada, and ´óÏó´«Ã½ Kids, program distribution, ad sales for bbc.com and the newly established digital distribution business. The company is also a minority shareholder in Canadian production company, Temple Street Productions.

About Knowledge Network Corporation
Knowledge Network is where stories live that speak to our time. A viewer-supported public broadcaster, Knowledge Network provides commercial-free creative documentaries, arts and culture, and children's programs from Canada and around the world. Knowledge Network plays a vital role in supporting the independent production community in B.C. and the rest of Canada by commissioning, pre-licensing and acquiring documentary and children's content for broadcast on Knowledge Network and Knowledge.ca.

Catherine Mirra