Press releases

TIM MELVILLE-ROSS APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF NEWSCAST

Worldwide Image Syndication Deal Agreed with The Financial Times

London, 10th December 2000 newscast, the leading online distributor of business images, today announced the appointment of Tim Melville-Ross as its chairman. Formerly director-general of the Institute of Directors, Melville-Ross will provide newscast with strategic advice as the company develops both the corporate and syndication arms of its business in worldwide markets. He is joined on the newscast board by Quentin Bell, founder and former chairman of the international public relations agency, QBO.

Commenting on his appointment, Tim Melville-Ross said: "newscast has embraced internet technology to distribute quality business images to the worldwide media. Its straightforward and cost-effective service has rapidly caught the attention of corporate communications departments and content producers wishing to provide the media with instant access to their images."

Tim Melville-Ross's appointment coincides with the announcement today of a major image syndication contract between newscast and the Financial Times. Under this arrangement, newscast will act as the distributor of the FT's extensive image archive in all countries worldwide (except the UK).

Commenting on the board appointments and the FT contract, newscast's managing director, Stewart Goldstein said: "Both Tim and Quentin bring a vast wealth of relevant experience to newscast at a time when our young company is positioning itself for growth as an innovative media player. Our agreement with the Financial Times is a clear sign of newscast's potential for developing strategic partnerships with leading international media groups."

The FT deal is one of several in the pipeline, and consolidates newscast's strength as a media distributor - and producer - of business images on behalf of leading multinational companies.

Commenting on the syndication agreement, the FT's director of partnership publishing, Richard Foster said: "We are confident that newscast's global media reach offers the best option for leveraging the FT's photographic assets."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Photographs of Tim Melville-Ross and of Quentin Bell are available at www.newscast.co.uk

newscast is an independent, privately-owned limited company, established in June 1999. It offers production and media distribution services directly to large companies as well as to leading PR agencies, and syndicates photography on behalf of major business content producers.

newscast's own production division deploys a worldwide network of business photographers covering a range of assignments for press, company reports, products, advertising, and sponsorship. Its corporate client list covers over 50% of the FT100 and includes names such as Diageo, BT, Unilever, British Airways, and the Bank of England.

Tim Melville-Ross was director general of the Institute of Directors between 1994 and 1999. Prior to that he was chief executive of the Nationwide Building Society and currently holds board positions in several leading companies including Bovis Homes, DTZ, and Dutch financial institution Bank Insinger de Beaufort.

Quentin Bell founded the international public relations agency QBO, and was formerly chairman of the Public Relations Consultants Association (1994-1996). The author of The PR Business and Win that Pitch, he was ranked "one of the most influential PR players of the decade" (PR Week). He recently sold his remaining stake in QBO to Lord Bell's Chime Communications plc.

For further information:

Stewart Goldstein (Managing Director)
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7608 1000
Mobile: +44 (0)7881 955 039
E-mail: [email protected]

Tim Melville-Ross (Chairman)
Mobile: +44 (0)850 875482