Pearson Television Increases Channel 5 Stake

Pearson PLC
15 February 2000


PEARSON TELEVISION INCREASES CHANNEL 5 STAKE

Pearson Television, part of Pearson plc, the international media company, has
today increased its economic interest in Channel 5 Television, the UK
terrestrial broadcaster, from 24% to 29.25% at a cost of $81 million (£51
million). 

The increase in Pearson Television's economic interest in Channel 5 follows
the decision by Warburg Pincus Ventures, one of the four original shareholders
in the project, to dispose of its stake. Each of the three remaining Channel 5
shareholders - Pearson Television, CLT-UFA UK and United News and Media - have
exercised their pre-emption rights over the Warburg Pincus interest on a pro
rata basis.

Pearson Television Chief Executive, Richard Eyre, who will be joining the
Channel 5 board, said today: 'By increasing our investment in Channel 5, we
are demonstrating both our satisfaction in its performance so far, and our
confidence in its future. The channel is gaining in popularity with both
audiences and advertisers, and is well placed to capitalise fully on the
growing penetration of digital television and Internet in UK homes.'

Channel 5 began transmission in March 1997, and in 1999 achieved an average
all-channel viewing share among adults (16+) of 5.3%, compared to 4.3% in
1998.  Channel 5 was the only UK terrestrial channel to increase its share of
audience in 1999 across the day.

Pearson Television's core business in the UK will remain television
production, with such successful shows as The Bill, This is Your Life and
Family Affairs.

For further information:

John Fallon               Pearson plc              Tel: [phone]

Roy Addison               Pearson Television       Tel: [phone]