PRIMEDIA's Channel One News Series Explores Teen Modeling and Talent

    Business Editors

    NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 12, 2005--PRIMEDIA's (NYSE: PRM) Channel One News, the largest source of news and information for young people, reaching nearly eight million students in nearly 12,000 middle schools and high schools across the country, announced today that it will broadcast a new three-part series on modeling and talent scams aimed at teenagers. The series, "Selling Stardom", is a behind the scenes in-depth look at the teen modeling and talent industries. Reported by Channel One News reporter Errol Barnett, "Selling Stardom" will premiere in mid-May on Channel One.
    For the series, Channel One News conducted in-depth interviews with industry experts at the Ford Modeling Agency, the Screen Actors Guild and the New York State Consumer Protection Board, to get an in-depth look into the industry and how teenagers and parents are being deceived by photo mills, phony scouting services and other advance-fee scams in modeling and entertainment.
    Channel One News spoke with teens who have been misled and other teens who have had a successful foray into modeling and acting. These candid, personal accounts depict the hurdles crossed and the emotional and financial drain often a direct result of the various industry scams.
    "This original series was created to inform and educate students, teachers and parents on scams prevalent in the modeling and talent industries," said Judy Harris, CEO of Channel One. "Channel One is committed to producing programming that gives teens the means to better understand what's happening and respond to issues in informed appropriate ways."
    Now in its 15th year of broadcasting, Peabody Award-winning Channel One News is the leading source of news and information for young people. The 12-minute news broadcasts are delivered daily. Channel One News and its award-winning Web site, www.channelone.com, feature stories on breaking news and relevant issues that affect the world, the nation and, specifically, America's teenagers.

    About Channel One News

    A PRIMEDIA (PRM) company in its 15th year of broadcasting, Peabody Award-winning Channel One News is the leading source of news and information for young people, with an average rating over 20 times that of MTV. The 12-minute daily news broadcasts are delivered daily to nearly 8 million students in nearly 12,000 middle and high schools across the country. In recent months, Channel One News has covered fast-breaking world events from regions such as Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea, Myanmar, and Qatar. Channel One News programming has been featured on leading networks and news programs, including CNN, ABC News, the WB, Nightline, and The Today Show. Visit www.channelone.com to learn more.

    About PRIMEDIA

    PRIMEDIA (NYSE: PRM) is the leading targeted media company in the United States. With 2004 revenue of $1.3 billion, our properties comprise more than 200 brands that connect buyers and sellers in more markets than any other media company through our print publications, Web sites, events, newsletters and video programs in four business segments: Enthusiast Media, Consumer Guides, Business Information, and Education. PRIMEDIA Enthusiast Media includes more than 120 consumer magazines, with well-known brands such as Motor Trend, Automobile, Creating Keepsakes, In-Fisherman, Power & Motoryacht, Hot Rod, Snowboarder, Stereophile and Surfer. PRIMEDIA Consumer Guides is the #1 publisher and distributor of free consumer guides, with Apartment Guide, Auto Guide and New Home Guide. PRIMEDIA Business Information has more than 60 publications in 18 market sectors. PRIMEDIA Education includes Channel One and other educational products.

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CONTACT: Sloane & Company Josh Hochberg, 212-446-1892 jhochberg@sloanepr.com

KEYWORD: NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PUBLISHING EDUCATION CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD TELEVISION/RADIO CABLE PRODUCT SOURCE: PRIMEDIA

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