Change to Board of Directors

SMG PLC
7 August 2000


Finance Director to Leave SMG

SMG plc announces today (7 August, 2000) that Group Finance Director, Gary
Hughes, is to leave SMG at the end of September to join EMAP plc as group
finance director.  He has resigned his position as a main board director of
SMG with immediate effect. 

George Watt, Group Financial Controller and Treasurer, has been appointed
Acting Group Finance Director.  George (32) has held SMG's most senior
non-board finance position since he joined the group in 1998, following an
accountancy career which includes a two-year period in the USA.

Commenting on the development, Andrew Flanagan, Chief Executive, said:

'Since joining us in 1996, Gary has made an important contribution to the
group's development into a leading player in UK media.  During this period of
rapid growth, his skills and experience have helped maintain and improve our
strong financial position.  SMG today is in very good shape and I would like
to thank Gary, both personally and on behalf of the Board, and I wish him well
in this exciting career move.  In George Watt we are fortunate to have an
experienced and talented professional, who will ensure continuity in the
management of the group's finances.'   


Further Enquiries:

Andrew Flanagan, Chief Executive              Tel: [phone]
Callum Spreng, Corporate Affairs Director