On 30 December 2000, agreement was reached after more than twelve months of negotiations between ARD and ZDF on the one side and KirchMedia on the other, on a contract covering the 2002 World Cup and Future Olympic Games. This agreement came about only after the directors of ARD and ZDF had approved the results achieved by their chief negotiators. Settlement on the terms coincided directly with the expiry of the exclusive negotiation period previously agreed between ARD, ZDF and KirchMedia.

In view of these circumstances, KirchMedia is surprised to note that ARD wishes to conduct additional negotiations.

KirchMedia will not refuse to engage in talks on the acquisition of further rights, but sees no connection between these and the agreement already reached on the 2002 World Cup.

For further information please contact:

KirchMedia GmbH & Co.KGaA
Hartmut Schultz
Company Spokesman
Tel: +49 (0) 89 9956 2325
hartmut_schultz@kirchgruppe.de