Sharp Electronics and Turner Broadcasting Ask America to Turn Out the Lights

Business Wire, Sept 30, 2008

Lights Out Challenge an effort to conserve energy during Game Four of the ALCS

MAHWAH, N.J. -- Sharp Electronics Corporation, in collaboration with Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc. (TBS), today announced the "Lights Out Challenge." This call-to-action encourages fans watching Major League Baseball's (MLB) Game Four of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) to conserve energy across America simply by turning out their lights.

"This promotion fits well into our company focus on creating energy creating products, such as solar electricity solutions, and energy-saving products like LCD TV's," said Doug Koshima, Chairman and CEO, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "We hope that this consumer initiative will not only save a significant amount of energy, but that it will inspire consumers to continue to take steps in their daily lives to increase their environmental conservation."

This challenge, created by Sharp[R], Turner Broadcasting Systems and Sharp's advertising agency Dentsu Next, consists of a 45 second commercial that will begin airing October 1 during each game of the MLB Division Series, and will run through Game Four of the ALCS on October 14. The spot will discuss the importance of conserving energy and end with a consumer call-to-action asking fans to turn off non-essential lights in their homes when watching Game Four, and drive fans to a micro-site on TBS.com (www.tbs.com/lightsout). On this site, fans will learn more information about the challenge and will be able to register to be a part of this nationwide initiative by entering the number of lights they plan to turn off during the game, along with their zip code. Fans can also enter a sweepstakes through the site to win a 46- (45-63/64" diagonal) or 42-inch (42-1/64" diagonal) screen class AQUOS LCD TV. Sharp AQUOS is the official HDTV of Major League Baseball (MLB).

A map of the United States on the micro-site will keep track of which states have turned off the most lights. During the postgame on TBS, announcers will reveal the results of how much energy was saved in leading states and across the US.

Sharp's Commitment to the Environment

Sharp continues to work to reduce its impact on the environment with a goal to create energy-saving and energy-creating products. The company has a strong legacy in solar energy and its commitment to the environment is evident throughout the company's production facilities and the end product. Sharp's annual worldwide production capacity is 710 MW, and the company offers both standard and integrated roof modules for residential and commercial applications. In March of 2010, Sharp will open a manufacturing complex in Sakai City, Japan, which will include the industry's first 10th Generation LCD factory. Also located in the complex will be a factory that will manufacture thin film solar cells. Sharp's current Kameyama No. 2 Generation 8 plant is a model for environmental conservation, providing one third of its own power, primarily through one of the world's largest roof mounted solar arrays.

Sharp is also a world leader in LCD technology, and its AQUOS([R]) LCD TVs employ strict environmental efficiency standards. The newest AQUOS models comply with the new Energy Star 3.0 standards and meet the European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances, or RoHS, directives for elimination of harmful substances such as lead and cadmium. Sharp's newest LCD TVs also feature advanced image processing technology that allows significant power reduction while maintaining overall picture quality, enabling up to 20 percent less energy consumption when compared to previous models.

For more information on Sharp's commitment to solar energy and its product line as well as Sharp's full line of Liquid Crystal Televisions, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J., 07495, or call 800-BE-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp's Web site at sharpusa.com.

About TBS

TBS, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., is television's top-rated comedy network. It serves as home to such original comedy series as My Boys, The Bill Engvall Show, Tyler Perry's House of Payne, 10 Items or Less and Frank TV; hot contemporary comedies like The Office, My Name is Earl, Sex and the City, Everybody Loves Raymond, Family Guy, King of Queens, Seinfeld and Friends; specials like Funniest Commercials of the Year; special events, such as The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas and Just For Laughs: A Very Funny Festival in Chicago; blockbuster movies; and hosted movie showcases.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

Turner Sports presents some of the best and most popular sporting events worldwide and is a leader in televised and online sports programming. With events airing on TBS and TNT, Turner Sports' line-up includes NASCAR and NASCAR.COM, the NBA, Major League Baseball, professional golf, PGATour.com and PGA.com. Turner Sports also manages NBA Digital, which includes NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA League Pass, NBADLeague.com and WNBA.com.