SBS Extends Analogue Contracts with BA

19 May 2003

Macquarie Communications Infrastructure Group (MCG) is pleased to announce the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) has elected to exercise each of its three consecutive 3-year-options under its Analogue Transmission Services Agreement (Agreement) with Broadcast Australia (BA).

Under this Agreement BA provides transmission services for over 130 of SBS' analogue television and radio services for an annual charge of $11.7 million (2003/2004 dollars). The initial term of this Agreement was to 30 June 2004, however exercising the options extends the Agreement by 9 years to 30 June 2013 (or till the legislated phase out of analogue television in individual service areas, if earlier).

CEO of MCG Mr Scott Davies said "This represents an increase in BA's order book value of $105.3 million which in turn enhances certainty of BA's cashflow which underpins distributions to MCG security holders. It also reinforces BA's position as the major provider of SBS transmission services across Australia."

During 2009 SBS will have the option to review the remaining term of the contract and may elect to extend the end date by a further 5 years from 30 June 2013 (subject to any earlier phase out).

BA will continue to provide SBS radio transmission services under this Agreement until  30 June 2013 or until the last analogue television transmission service provided under this Agreement is phased out, if earlier.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Enquiries
Geetika Marwaha
Investor Relations Manager
Tel: (61 2) 8232 5301
Email: geetika.marwaha@macquarie.com

Media Enquiries
Jane Rotsey
Public Affairs Manager
Mobile: (61) 401 997 160
Email: jane.rotsey@macquarie.com