CNN makes news with its FIRST live synched to broadcast itv news offering
Xerox sponsors CNN's Crossfire ITV, enabled by GoldPocket

CNN viewers will have an entirely new way to get involved with its popular and lively political debate program Crossfire. On May 13, the network will launch CNN's Crossfire Interactive, a 6-week 2-screen/synch-to-broadcast initiative powered by GoldPocket. Xerox Corporation, a global client of Mediaedge:cia, will serve as the exclusive sponsor of the initiative.

Crossfire's co-hosts debate the hottest issues of the day with the nation's newsmakers and political figures. CNN Crossfire Interactive will tap into some of the 50 million households that have both a PC and television in the same room. CNN's viewers will be invited to interact with the hosts of Crossfire by going to CNN.com during the broadcast and selecting the Crossfire Interactive application.

Crossfire Interactive allows each user to declare his or her political affiliation, so that opinion poll results, which are tabulated in real-time, are reported along partisan lines. In addition to polling, the ITV application features trivia and background facts, offering more information on the topics being discussed, and the people discussing them.

The marketing partnership effort was developed by CNN, in conjunction with Mediaedge:cia (MEC). The partnership with Xerox will incorporate on-air billboards, promotional tune-in spots and online integration comprised of tune-in banners and email alerts. In addition, registered viewers are eligible to win a trip to Washington, D.C. and view a live taping of Crossfire.

Crossfire Interactive is authored for set-top box and two-screen platforms using GoldPocket's production tools. Crossfire, as a live show, has a very tight production schedule. The concept for the show is rarely locked before Noon, and the show goes to air at 4:30PM that same day. The show is entirely live, with the show's format remaining similar from day to day.

"The initiative we have developed with Crossfire is a perfect example of how we are able to seamlessly leverage our brands and extend 30-second creative into multi-platform integrated partnerships," said Greg D'Alba, chief operating officer, CNN Ad Sales. "Crossfire Interactive underlines CNN's commitment to creating the most exciting news programming to our audience in concert with partners like Xerox."

"Twenty years ago, Crossfire created a whole new television genre: the political debate show. Now in 2004, we're excited that Crossfire is again blazing a new trail-becoming the first truly interactive political program in history," said Sam Feist, senior executive producer of political programming, CNN.

"This campaign is the continuation of Xerox's interactive media strategy that began last year," said Nancy Wiese, Vice President Worldwide Brand Marketing & Advertising. "Obviously the media world is changing and it is more difficult to reach our target audience. MEC brought this partnership with CNN to us and we found the perfect vehicle with which to keep our finger on the pulse."

ABOUT CROSSFIRE

On CNN's popular political debate program Crossfire, Robert Novak and co-host Tucker Carlson provide insight and commentary from the right as they square off against co-hosts James Carville and Paul Begala from the left. The show airs live in front of a studio audience from George Washington University's Jack Morton Auditorium in Washington, D.C.

ABOUT CNN

CNN, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS), is one of the world's most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to more than one billion people worldwide consisting of 11 U.S.-based services; nine international networks and services; and seven international partnerships and joint ventures. CNN's television networks are available to more than 260 million households worldwide and CNN.com ; web sites generate over one billion page impressions every month.

ABOUT XEROX CORPORATION

Xerox Corporation (NYSE:XRX) is a $16 billion technology and services enterprise that helps businesses deploy smart document management strategies and find better ways to work. Its intent is to constantly lead with innovative technologies, products and solutions that customers can depend upon to improve business results.

Xerox provides the document industry's broadest portfolio of offerings. Digital systems include color and black-and-white printing and publishing systems, digital presses and "book factories," multifunction devices, laser and solid ink network printers, copiers and fax machines. Xerox's services expertise is unmatched and includes helping businesses develop online document archives, analyzing how employees can most efficiently share documents and knowledge in the office, operating in-house print shops or mailrooms, and building Web-based processes for personalizing direct mail, invoices, brochures and more. Xerox also offers associated software, support and supplies such as toner, paper and ink.

Headquartered in Stamford, Conn., Xerox is No. 130 among the Fortune 500 with 61,100 employees worldwide, including 35,600 in the United States (December 2003). The company's operations are guided by customer-focused and employee-centered core values -- such as social responsibility, diversity and quality -- augmented by a passion for innovation, speed and adaptability. For more information, visit http://www.xerox.com.

WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY) is one of the world's leading communications services groups, providing national, multinational and global clients with advertising; media investment management; information, insight & consultancy; public relations & public affairs; branding & identity, healthcare and specialist communications. WPP's worldwide companies include J. Walter Thompson, Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, Y&R; Advertising, red cell, Bates Asia, MindShare, Mediaedge:cia, Millward Brown, Research International, Kantar Media Research, OgilvyOne Worldwide, Wunderman, 141 Worldwide, Hill & Knowlton, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, Burson-Marsteller, Cohn & Wolfe, CommonHealth, Sudler & Hennessey, Healthworld, Enterprise IG, Landor and Fitch among others.

WPP companies provide communications services to clients worldwide including more than 330 of the Fortune Global 500; over one-half of the NASDAQ 100 and 42 of the Fortune e-50. Group companies work with over 330 clients in three or more disciplines; more than 230 clients in four disciplines and over 200 clients in six or more countries.

Collectively, WPP employs more than 70,000 people in 1,400 offices in 106 countries.

ABOUT Mediaedge:cia

Mediaedge:cia is a top-five global media communications specialist with 175 offices in 80 countries. It is part of GroupM, the company created by WPP to leverage the media investment interests of all group clients.

Central to the company's philosophy is a belief in multi-disciplinary, channel neutral communications planning. Through a combination of its highly skilled, diverse range of people, and its unique 'Navigator' operating system, Mediaedge:cia develops, manages and implements business-led media and marketing communications solutions for its clients - locally, regionally and globally.

Services include: communication channel planning and implementation, strategic media planning, research and consumer insight (through MediaLab), econometric modelling (through Ohal), media investment management, direct response and marketing services (through Wunderman Media), sponsorship evaluation and implementation, entertainment and cause related marketing (through The Leverage Group) and digital consultancy and implementation (through The Digital Edge & Outrider).

For further information, visit us at www.mecglobal.com ;

ABOUT GoldPocket

GoldPocket, the leading provider of advanced media technologies, develops and sells products and services that create, manage, and deliver digital and interactive media. The Company specializes in high performance advanced media systems used in digital television, PC/TV convergence systems, and wireless networks. The Company's customers include most of the world's largest media and distribution companies including Time Warner, NewsCorp, Disney, Viacom, DirecTV, and many television networks including CBS, Fox, NBC, GSN, A&E;, History Channel, Spike TV, The WB, Speed Channel, PBS, AMC, CNN, Bravo, Fuse, and Lifetime. For more information visit: www.goldpocket.com ;