transponder on the Eutelsat HB3 satellite that is to be launched in January 1997.

It is the latest step in CME's continuing operation of developing television stations in the emerging economies of eastern and central Europe. They work together with local area interest groups.

The transponder was leased for 12 years through British Telecom, enabling the distribution by CME stations of programmes to their terrestrial television transmitters, as well as cable TV systems throughout the central and eastern European region.

Mr. Leonard M. Fertig, president of CME Development Corporation and CME Programming services said: "We are confident that the acquisition of this transponder provides us with a critical tool in the coming years to effectively and efficiently serve the needs of our local partners throughout central and eastern Europe.'' Prospective users of the satellite-delivered programming include those affiliated television stations in which CME has invested, including Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania as well as future projects still in development, such as Slovak Republic and Ukraine.