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Communications Dispute Resolutions, First Arbitration and Mediation Service for the Communications and Telecommunications Industry

Posted on: Wednesday, 9 July 2003, 06:00 CDT

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 9, 2003--Matthew Leibowitz, a nationally known communications attorney, who represents clients in the communications and telecommunications industry, announced the creation of Communications Dispute Resolutions(SM). Leibowitz, is President and CEO of Communications Dispute Resolutions(SM), the first nationwide arbitration and mediation service exclusively for the communications and telecommunications industry.

Communications Dispute Resolutions(SM) has a team of over sixty (60) professionals with unparalleled expertise in all areas of the communications and telecommunications industry, to assist in the resolution of virtually all forms of disputes in our industry, including radio, TV, cable, outdoor, private communications systems, satellite, telephone, newspaper (print), non-commercial stations and wireless.

Until Communications Dispute Resolutions(SM) was created, parties involved in communications and telecommunications related disputes did not have access to industry experienced arbitrators and mediators to successfully and efficiently resolve disputes and avoid costly and time-consuming litigation. The business of communications and telecommunications has rapidly evolved, creating challenges and imbalances with law, existing regulations and policies.

"Our industry has its own language and concepts. Having industry experienced mediators and arbitrators who understand the technology and vernacular is a prerequisite to efficiently mediating or arbitrating communications industry disputes," said Matthew Leibowitz.

For example, explained Leibowitz, the year-long dispute between the YES Network and Cablevision that blocked three million cable viewers in New York from watching the New York Yankees for an entire season, was settled only after the parties agreed to resolve their differences through mediation with industry experts. Richard Aurelio, former President of TimeWarner's New York cable operations, and one of the professionals on the Communications Dispute Resolutions(SM) roster, who acted as one of the two mediators, stated that: "The key to the mediation was understanding not only the complex short-term and long-term conflicts that exist between the cable operator and the programmer, but also the individuals involved in the negotiations. The conflict was costing the parties millions of dollars of lost subscriber fees, tens of millions dollars in lost advertising, as well as the loss of thousands of cable subscribers to the competitive satellite provider. Nevertheless, without the mediation, the principals were unable to settle their dispute."

"Unfortunately we find ourselves in litigation or arbitration before individuals who do not have any expertise in FCC rules, or our industry. As a result, it takes an inordinate amount of time to get a decision, and we pay enormous legal fees to educate these people about television and the FCC," according to Dean Goodman, President of Pax Television. "If we could submit disputes to arbitrators with FCC and broadcast industry experience, we could save substantial legal fees, reach a decision in a much shorter time frame, and in many cases achieve a result which reasonably satisfies all parties," said Goodman.

Communications Dispute Resolutions(SM) has carefully selected a roster of uniquely qualified individuals from the ranks of industry executives, federal and state regulatory bodies, academia and practicing professionals. The roster includes former FCC Commissioners, former State Public Service Chairmen and Commissioners, former Chief Judges of the Federal Communications Commission, and other renowned experts in our industry.

The Company also announced the creation of an Advisory Board which includes: Richard Aurelio, former President of TimeWarner's New York City cable television operations; Rachelle B. Chong, Esq., former FCC Commissioner; Talbot "Sandy" D'Alemberte, Esq., former President of the American Bar Association; Joe Garcia, Esq., former Chairman of the Florida Public Service Commission; Clarence L. Irving, Jr., Esq., former Assistant Secretary for the Communications and Information Agency at the United States Department of Commerce; Julia L. Johnson, Esq., former Chairman of the Florida Public Service Commission; Ron Mallard, former President of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA); and Joseph Stirmer, Esq., former Administrative Law Judge and Chief FCC Administrative Judge.

For more information, including a complete listing of the Communications Dispute Resolutions(SM) roster, please visit: http://www.CommunicationsResolutions.com or call 305-530-9410.

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