Primedia Annouces Two New Senior Executives At Primedia Workplace Learning; Its B2B Video Training and Production Operation

Business Wire, July 27, 2000

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 27, 2000

Josh Klarin named president and CEO

Rick Bigelow named vice president and CFO

Primedia (NYSE: PRM) chairman and CEO Tom Rogers, and Primedia business-to-business group President and CEO David Ferm, today announced two key appointments in the company's B2B video operation, Primedia Workplace Learning (PWPL). Josh Klarin has been named president and CEO, and Rick Bigelow has been named vice president and CFO.

Mr. Rogers said, "The video units in both our consumer and business-to-business areas will be key to Primedia's long term growth and success. In the B2B group and across the company, PWPL is a vital asset that will help Primedia explore the burgeoning opportunities for broadband video in the workplace. Under the leadership of David Ferm, and with today's personnel appointments, I believe that we are well positioned to capitalize on the potential of this enormous resource. This business has been troubled of late, but I am very pleased that we have moved so quickly to put in place experienced management who will work together to turn the unit around."

Josh Klarin has been named president and CEO, PWPL. In this position, Mr. Klarin will lead the nation's largest group of business-to-business satellite networks and other video products. He will report directly to David Ferm. Some of PWPL's key product lines include; the Automotive Satellite Television Network; the Health & Sciences Television Network; and the Law Enforcement Television Network.

Mr. Klarin, is a leading expert and manager in the training and B2B video businesses, having previously served as the CEO of CareerTrack, Inc., an $80 million TCI-owned skills training business. He joins PWPL from the Frontline Group, a strategic consolidation group in the corporate training and education market, where he served as executive vice president. While at Frontline, he was charged with business development, strategic alliances and joint ventures, while leading their integration effort by moving into web-based learning. Mr. Klarin worked for Westcott Communications (now known as Primedia Workplace Learning) from 1993-1996, and he was a director of product development for Mead Data Central/LEXIS-NEXIS from 1980-1993.

Mr. Klarin graduated from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio and holds a JD from the University of Dayton Law School.

Richard Bigelow has been named vice president and CFO. Mr. Bigelow brings nearly twenty years of highly relevant and progressive financial leadership experience to his new position. He joins Primedia from Associates First Capital Corporation where he most recently was vice president for risk management and financial planning. He joined the company in 1990 as vice president and controller for their relocation and mortgage services group. Mr. Bigelow graduated with honors from the University of Illinois, with a BS in Accounting and is a licensed CPA. He began his professional career with Arthur Andersen & Company as a staff accountant/auditor. Mr. Bigelow will report to Mr. Klarin.

Primedia Workplace Learning (PWPL) is the leading provider of distance learning with 1.6 million viewers in the automotive, banking, fire, healthcare, industrial and law enforcement markets. PWPL leverages the latest satellite, Internet and computer technologies to deliver real-time news, information and education to targeted audiences. For more details on PWPL, visit www.pwpl.com/news.> PRIMEDIA Inc., with 1999 sales of $1.7 billion, is a targeted media company with print, video, and Internet businesses focused on consumer and business-to-business audiences. The Company publishes [pilcrow (paragraph sign)] more than 220 magazines, and owns and operates approximately 300 Web sites and other Internet properties. PRIMEDIA's stock symbol: NYSE: PRM.

This release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning PRIMEDIA's operations, economic performance and financial condition. These statements are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, which are inherently subject to uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, and reflect future business decisions, which are subject to change. Some of these assumptions may not materialize, and unanticipated events will occur which can affect the Company's results.

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