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Office of Cable Television

3007 Tilden Street, N.W., Pod-P
Washington, D.C. 20008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2010


CONTACT: Kenneth Borden 202.671.0057, Kenneth.Borden@dc.gov

Office of Cable Television and Comcast Announce
District Knowledge Network On Demand Programming Partnership

Washington, DC - The District of Columbia Office of Cable Television (OCT) and Comcast announced today the launch of DKN On Demand - an educational programming initiative that gives Comcast Digital TV customers in the Washington, DC area access to District Knowledge Network (DKN) programs anytime, at no additional cost, with the click of their remote controls. Now through the end of the year, DKN On Demand will offer area customers nearly 20 hours of programming from DKN's GED Connection, a comprehensive multimedia series designed to help learners prepare for the General Educational Development exam.

"By developing and supporting constructive models like DKN On Demand, we offer meaningful options to students, which will lead to higher achievement and increased opportunities in the workplace," said District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Michelle Rhee.

"DKN On Demand offers adult learners in the District of Columbia an additional tool to gain the essential skills that will improve and sustain the quality of their lives at work, at home and in their community," said State Superintendent of Education for the District of Columbia Dr. Kerri L. Briggs.

"This announcement represents another significant milestone in DKN's history and further signifies OCT's commitment to providing the highest quality television programming and services to the District and its residents," said OCT Director Eric E. Richardson.

"Comcast is committed to building partnerships and programs to help advance education and create opportunities for residents in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas," said Fred Graffam, regional senior vice president for Comcast. "DKN On Demand is another example of how we're leveraging our technology to make a positive impact in our local communities."

To view DKN On Demand, Comcast Digital TV customers in the Washington, DC area can tune to Channel 1 on their digital TV lineup or press the On Demand button on their remote control, click on "Get Local" and select "News and Information" then "DKN GED Prep." DKN On Demand programming from GED Connection includes a focus on reading, writing, social studies, science and math. DKN's programming empowers students and the community at-large by offering relevant instructional and life skills programming that fosters and encourages student learning and achievement and promotes community wellness.

Comcast offers a wide variety of original, video-on-demand programming, including exclusive, community-focused content under "Get Local." In addition to DKN On Demand, the company's "Get Local" On Demand programming for Washington, DC area customers has included other academic-oriented programs such as "Scholarships On Demand" and coverage of Comcast's Leaders and Achievers Scholarship celebrations for area high school seniors. Comcast's signature On Demand service offers more than 17,000 entertainment programs each month, including 3,000 high-definition (HD) choices, available for Digital TV customers to watch any time, with the ability to pause, fast-forward and rewind.

The District Knowledge Network (DKN) is the public education channel of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). DKN is operated by the DC Office of Cable Television, and supported by DCPS and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). DKN is designed to provide innovative resources and support to students, parents, teachers and community members. DKN is presented on Comcast channel 99.


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Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is one of the nation's leading providers of entertainment, information and communication products and services. With 23.2 million video customers, 16.4 million high-speed Internet customers, and 8.1 million Comcast Digital Voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.

Comcast's Eastern Division serves approximately 5.7 million residential and business customers across Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, DC. The Eastern Division is based in Oaks, Pennsylvania and employs more than 20,000 people.

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OCT is the District Government Agency responsible for regulating cable television in the District, as well as the administration of the District's Government Access Channels TV-13 and TV-16 and the District's Education Access Channel DKN. The mission of the Office of Cable Television (OCT) is to: (1) regulate the provision of "cable service" in the District of Columbia (as that term is defined by the District's cable television laws); (2) protect and advance the cable service-related interests of the District and its residents; and (3) produce and cablecast live and recorded video and other programming by way of the District's public, educational and government (PEG) cable channels.

 

For more information regarding OCT, please visit the agency’s website:
http://www.oct.dc.gov