Williams Communications Group, Inc. (fka WCGR)

[jmhollen]

Williams Communications to Deliver Academy Awards(R) Broadcast to Domestic, World Audience
Fiber-Optic Transmission Allows Millions of Viewers to Enjoy Hollywood's Biggest Night

TULSA, Okla., Mar 21, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- For the 12th consecutive year, Williams Communications (OTC Bulletin Board: WCGR) will deliver the broadcast of the Academy Awards over its award-winning fiber-optic network for broadcasters, so millions of viewers worldwide can enjoy Hollywood's biggest night. On March 24, ABC will broadcast the 74th Annual Academy Awards Presentation live to domestic and international viewers from the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood and Highland(R) in Los Angeles. Williams Communications will transmit the broadcast over its fiber-optic network from the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles to ABC's network center in New York for final delivery to its affiliates.

"The Academy Awards broadcast is just one example of how global media and entertainment companies depend on Williams Communications to deliver their mission-critical content on a regular basis," said Michael Schlesier, vice president of media and entertainment for Williams Communications. "In addition to our broadcast services, Williams Communications will continue to enhance and add services such as streaming and digital media management as media and entertainment companies continue to expand their use of streaming and other interactive services for their audiences."

In addition to the primary domestic feeds, Williams Communications will also make it possible for millions of international viewers to enjoy this year's Oscars(R). The broadcast will be transmitted to Williams Communications' international customers for delivery to viewers via the company's fiber-optic network, as well as a satellite uplink at Williams Communications' Los Angeles teleport.

Williams Communications has provided global media and entertainment companies with broadcast transmission services over its fiber-optic network for 12 years. The company currently delivers 80 percent of all live professional sporting event broadcasts and 65 percent of all live news special event broadcasts over its fiber-optic network.

About Williams Communications Group, Inc.

Based in Tulsa, Okla., Williams Communications Group, Inc. is a leading broadband network services provider focused on the needs of bandwidth-centric customers. Williams Communications operates the largest, most efficient, next-generation network in North America. Connecting 125 U.S. cities and reaching five continents, Williams Communications provides customers with unparalleled local-to-global connectivity. By leveraging its infrastructure, best-in-breed technology, connectivity and network and broadband media expertise, Williams Communications supports the bandwidth demands of leading communications companies around the globe. For more information, visit www.williamscommunications.com .

"Academy Awards" and "Oscars" are registered trademarks of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

Contact: Jeff Pounds Lindsay Hurley Williams Communications Williams Communications (media) (investors) [phone] [phone] [e-mail] [e-mail]

SOURCE Williams Communications Group, Inc.

CONTACT: media, Jeff Pounds, [phone], or [e-mail] , or investors, Lindsay Hurley, [phone], or [e-mail] , both of Williams Communications Group, Inc.

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