ST. LOUIS, Mar 18, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Charter Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHTR) today announced that high-definition television (HDTV) programming will be made available to customers during the second quarter of this year in five markets: Alhambra/Pasadena and Glendale/Burbank, Calif.; University Park, Texas; South Miami, Fla.; and Birmingham, Ala. More markets, including Kalamazoo, Mich., and St. Louis, will be added during the third quarter.

"As more high-definition televisions are purchased by our customers, we need to be responsive to their special needs," said John Pietri, senior vice president of Engineering. "HDTV technology provides an incredible viewing experience, and Charter's hybrid fiber-coax infrastructure, perhaps the most advanced in the industry, will provide high-definition television owners with the ultimate viewing experience."

Mr. Pietri said HDTV technology offers customers an unmatched video and audio experience that is clearer and sharper than anything ever available. Charter will initially have the capability to deliver HDTV programming from the HBO and Showtime premium networks and the major broadcast television networks, where available.

"These seven markets are just a beginning for Charter and HDTV," Mr. Pietri said. "We fully expect to deliver HDTV programming to even more markets by the end of the year."

Mr. Pietri said customers with high-definition televisions will use a special HDTV device from Charter to access HDTV programming. Details of the HDTV packages will be announced in a few weeks.

About Charter Communications

Charter Communications, a Wired World(TM) company, is among the nation's largest broadband communications companies, currently serving some 7 million customers in 40 states. Charter provides a full range of advanced broadband services to the home, including cable television on an advanced digital video programming platform marketed under the Charter Digital Cable(R) brand and high-speed Internet access via Charter Pipeline(TM). Commercial high-speed data, video and Internet solutions are provided under the Charter Business Networks(TM) brand. Advertising sales and production services are sold under the Charter Media(TM) brand.

A Fortune 500 and Nasdaq 100 Company, Charter was the 2001 recipient of the Outstanding Corporate Growth Award from the Association for Corporate Growth, the 2001 R.E. "Ted" Turner Innovator of the Year Award from the Southern Cable Telecommunications Association, and the 2001 Fast 50 Award for Growth from the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association. More information about Charter can be found at www.charter.com.

CONTACT:
Charter Communications, Inc., St. Louis
Media:
Andy Morgan, 314/543-2217
amorgan@chartercom.com
or
Analysts:
Colleen Hegarty, 314/543-5619
chegarty@chartercom.com

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