Broadband and Mobile Phones Join Video on Demand for Launch of World's First Free, On-Demand Multi-Platform Network, Ripe TV, on October 28, 2005

Broadband and Mobile Phones Join Video on Demand for Launch of World's First Free, On-Demand Multi-Platform Network, Ripe TV, on October 28, 2005

Hearst-Argyle Television Makes $5 Million Investment in Company That Offers Proprietary 'Immersive Advertising'

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of an incredibly successful summer test period on Comcast ON DEMAND, Ripe Digital Entertainment (RDE) will officially launch the world's first free on-demand advertiser-supported network, RipeTV, on October 28, 2005. RipeTV will launch on three platforms, with broadband (www.ripe.tv, MSN, Akimbo, Comcast.net) and mobile phone platforms joining Comcast ON DEMAND, where the service debuted in July. Timed with the rollout, Hearst-Argyle Television (NYSE:HTV) has made a $5 million investment in RDE, whose first entertainment network is comprised of short entertainment programming targeting guys ages 18-34.

"Technology is creating a major change in the way people are consuming entertainment," said Ryan Magnussen, chief executive officer of RDE. "We're presenting a new broadcast model for a new consumer -- you can get our shows anytime, anywhere. RipeTV also delivers a great opportunity for cable providers to grow their on-demand business, and for advertisers seeking a more effective, measurable way to reach men."

With its investment, Hearst-Argyle Television will now strategically assist RDE in advertising, distribution and new market endeavors. RipeTV will utilize Hearst-Argyle's resources to develop its strategy for increasing distribution of Ripe-related content and increase exposure of the new network. "Ripe is pioneering the next generation of entertainment broadcasting and taking advantage of the current sea change in the way media is consumed," said Steve Hobbs, senior vice president of Hearst-Argyle Television. "We invested in Ripe because they are a leader in the on-demand TV sector, and we're excited by what the future holds."

RDE has created a new advertising platform called Immersive Advertising (patent pending) that is fast-forward resistant or "DVR-proof" due to the fact that advertising occurs while a show is being viewed. RDE embeds ads into the video, and charges based upon actual views. This "Google"-like advertising model offers an unprecedented opportunity for an advertiser to connect with its target consumers via the television.

At launch, RipeTV's irreverent, diverse programming will be available on 22 million screens with shows varying in length from three minutes to fifteen. Forty percent of its entertainment content will be original, and RipeTV will launch with 8-10 show categories. RipeTV's first shows include:

- "BIKINI WORLD" - "ED'S NIGHT PARTY" - "KUNG FAUX" - "ANINATION" - "NO LIMITS" - "RIPE ROCKS" - "SUPERMODEL TV" - "KNUCKLEHEADS" - "RIPE LIVE" - "THE ROBOT REVIEW" - "CASTING RIPE"

"Guys want their entertainment anytime, anywhere -- and they want it in short, powerful bursts," added Magnussen. "RipeTV is playing into the growing trend of today's consumer having a limited attention span, which is why we're also pioneering a new model of programming called 'ADDTV' (trademark pending). With our launch, the 'broad' in 'broadcasting' needs to be completely re-thought."

About Ripe Digital Entertainment:

Based in Hollywood, RipeTV is part of Ripe Digital Entertainment (RDE), a company dedicated to pioneering the production, licensing and delivery of digital entertainment and services to redefine On Demand programming. RDE's founders include CEO Ryan Magnussen, President Patrick Bradley and Vice President of Sales Steven Voci -- all three of whom were founding partners for leading interactive agency Zentropy -- as well as Jonathon Barbato, who launched Starz On Demand nationally. One of Hollywood's first interactive services agencies, in 1999 Zentropy was acquired by what was at the time the world's largest advertising agency conglomerate, Interpublic Group. Zentropy remains one of the top 10 interactive agencies, with billings in excess of $70 million.

About Hearst-Argyle

Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc. owns 25 television stations, and manages an additional three television and two radio stations, in geographically diverse U.S. markets. The Company's television stations reach approximately 18% of U.S. TV households, making it one of the largest U.S. television station groups. The Company owns 10 NBC affiliates, and is the second-largest NBC affiliate owner. Hearst-Argyle also owns 12 ABC-affiliated stations, and manages an additional ABC station owned by The Hearst Corporation, and is the largest ABC affiliate group. The Company also owns two CBS affiliates and a WB affiliate, and manages a UPN affiliate and an independent station. Hearst-Argyle's stations are recognized news leaders. The station group has been honored with three consecutive Walter Cronkite Awards, presented by the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication, for excellence in television political journalism, and is the only group to have received the award since its inception. Hearst-Argyle stations also are the recipients of many of television's other highest awards for excellence in journalism, programming and community service, including the Peabody, the du Pont-Columbia Journalism Award, the Sigma Delta Chi Award, the Gabriel, the Ad Council Silver Bell, the National Headliner Award, the Edward R. Murrow Award and the Emmy.

Hearst-Argyle also is a leader in the convergence of local broadcast television and the Internet through its partnership with Internet Broadcasting Systems, and in the application of digital broadcast spectrum for new local informational services through its Weather Plus partnership with NBC and various NBC affiliate groups. Hearst-Argyle is majority owned by The Hearst Corporation. Hearst-Argyle Series A Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "HTV." HTV debt is rated investment grade by Moody's (Baa3), Standard & Poor's (BBB-) and Fitch (BBB-), each with a stable outlook. The company's Web address is http://www.hearstargyle.com/.

Source: Ripe Digital Entertainment

CONTACT: Doug Piwinski of BNC, +1-310-228-8801, for Ripe Digital Entertainment

Web site: http://www.ripe.tv/ http://www.hearstargyle.com/

------- Profile: Ent