CME to receive Emmy Directorate Award

The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the recipient of the International Emmy Directorate Award, which will be presented at the 34th International Emmy Awards on November 20, 2006 in New York City.
The International Emmy Directorate Award will be presented to Central European Media Enterprises (CME) and its Founder and Chairman Ronald S. Lauder for pioneering the development of independent television broadcasting in Central and Eastern Europe.
The Award is given to organisations or individuals in management, administration, engineering, news, programming, and/or international relations for their outstanding contributions, over a period of time, to the arts and sciences of international television.
"CME was one of the first media companies to enter Central and Eastern Europe after the fall of communism. It participated in building independent media in formerly communist countries and in the process became a financial success, as well,” said International Academy President & CEO, Bruce L. Paisner, also President of Hearst Entertainment. “The International Academy is very pleased to recognize the achievements of CME and its Founder and Chairman, Ronald S. Lauder with our 2006 Directorate Award."
CME Founder and Chairman Ronald S. Lauder said: “On behalf of everyone at CME I would like to thank the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for this prestigious award.
“Since our founding we have been committed to the people of the recently democratised nations of Central and Eastern Europe, providing world class news and entertainment through our independent television stations. Our belief in the people of the region is exemplified in our business strategy which is based on working closely with local partners and placing an emphasis on locally produced programming. CME’s success has been and will continue to be directly related to the tremendous efforts of our local employees and the support of our viewers, making this award a reflection of the courage and strength of all the people of Central and Eastern Europe.”
CME is a TV broadcasting company with leading networks in six Central and Eastern European countries reaching an aggregate of approximately 82 million people. The Company’s television stations are located in Croatia (Nova TV), Czech Republic (TV Nova, Galaxie Sport), Romania (PRO TV, Acasa, PRO Cinema), Slovakia (Markíza), Slovenia (POP TV, Kanal A) and Ukraine (Studio 1+1, Studio 1+1 International, Gravis). CME is traded on the NASDAQ and the Prague Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CETV”.
(GB)