wmtw-tv press release on downeast purchase

["Chris Beckwith" <beckwith@ime.net>]

WMTW Broadcast Group to buy Downeast Radio Group for $11.8 million

PORTLAND -- WMTW Broadcast Group, the parent company of Channel 8 News,
announced Tuesday that it has signed an agreement to buy the Downeast Radio
Group for $11.8 million.

The transaction is expected to close pending approval by the Federal
Communications Commission in early 2000. The stations sold to WMTW include
WLAM-AM, WLAM-FM, WMWX-FM, WTHT-FM and WZOU-AM.

"This acquisition is an excellent fit, strategically and operationally. Both
companies have long histories and cultures based in Maine," said David Kaufman,
executive vice president of WMTW Broadcast Group.

"The melding of these radio and TV assets will create a platform enabling us to
provide enhanced news, entertainment and marketing product for our Maine
listeners, viewers and customers," he added.

Ron Frizzell, president of the Downeast Radio Group, said his company had been
approached "by many publicly traded national companies who are headquartered
thousands of miles from Maine."

"Our observations have been that these companies do not have the local interest
of Maine at heart," he said. "We were delighted when we were approached by a
local company that has been highly committed to our communities for over three
decades. This is a great opportunity for us and most of all a great opportunity
for our communities."

Kevin Keogh, Downeast's vice president, also expressed his confidence in the
decision to sell to WMTW Broadcast Group.

"I've known David Kaufman for 13 years and believe he's the right person to lead
this group into the future," he said.