Internet Broadcasting Systems Launches Automotive Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Internet Broadcasting Systems Launches Automotive Program

Automotive Advertisers Sign On With IBS For Local Penetrationand Convergence Campaigns

September 29, 2000, NEW YORK - Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. (IBS, http://www.ibsys.com), the company leading the convergence of local TV and the Internet, today announced the launch of an automotive section that will be integrated across its network of 50 Web Channels. IBS' Web audience will now have access to in-depth automotive content, after-market services such as financing and insurance, as well as tips and advice on how to buy a car and automotive reviews. Tying this content into the trusted brands of its local Web Channels, IBS is expanding advertising opportunities to offer automotive advertisers a unique marketing channel that integrates on-air advertising campaigns to reach consumers at the local market level.

IBS has already begun running local convergence and stand-alone Web advertising campaigns in the ten markets where the automotive section has been rolled out, including Boston, Cincinnati, Greenville/Spartanburg, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Orlando. IBS' campaigns allow local advertisers to go beyond the branding accomplished through traditional on-air advertisements. Via IBS' Web Channels, these local dealers are delivering comprehensive information about services, locations and products at a level of depth not available through broadcast outreach alone.

Online advertising dollars spent within the automotive category is projected to be among the highest of all industry groups, hitting $2.1 billion by 2005. And, with local advertising expected to account for 24 percent of online advertising spending by 2003 (both figures from Jupiter Communications), IBS' new automotive section provides an ideal medium for local automotive dealers, as well as automotive manufacturers, to develop multimedia customer acquisition programs that integrate online campaigns with television advertising to reach consumers at the local market level.

"The automotive industry has long demonstrated their dedication to aggressive marketing efforts and is one of the leading revenue drivers for local broadcasters," said Andy Goldman, Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development at IBS. "We are transitioning these dollars to the Web because we are able to provide these advertisers with the best solution to reach deep motivated local audiences on-air and online through one advertising buy."

As the automotive section is launched across the network, IBS will offer the same advertising abilities to regional dealer groups and national auto manufacturers looking to develop targeted and integrated Web campaigns that reach motivated local online audiences nationwide, with one buy. Surpassing banner campaigns offered by auto Web sites, IBS will enable manufacturers and dealers to build complete campaign Web pages that will integrate into IBS' auto section and include images, text, rich video and information regarding area dealerships.

IBS' automotive channel will offer content by Edmunds.com, a leading automotive Web site, that includes an automotive education section with consumer-oriented advice, and information on pricing, buying and financing new cars; a used car functionality section for information on purchasing within this category; a buying resource section with information on local car dealers and manufacturers in their area; and an automotive aftermarket section focused on financing, insurance, car products and car maintenance.

About IBS
IBS is the first and largest network of local Web Channels -- Web sites that combine the "must-know" local content of the dominant TV station in a top market with a broad range of Web services, backed by extensive promotion from the station. IBS is launching local channels across a total of 50 markets, including 29 of the top 50, primarily with top- ranked stations. IBS is launching across the U.S. in partnership with Hearst-Argyle Television (NYSE: HTV), Post-Newsweek Stations, a division of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO), McGraw-Hill Broadcasting Group, a unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) and across Canada with the CanWest Global (NYSE: CWG) network. Since launching its first site in 1996, IBS has been recognized for excellence in online journalism by major organizations like the National Press Club, The Associated Press, and the Society for Professional Journalists. In addition to IBS' broadcasting partners, other investors in IBS include InfoSpace (Nasdaq: INSP) and St. Paul Venture Capital.