ST. LOUIS & SOUTHFIELD, Mich., May 13, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Charter Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHTR) and The Word Network, the national network of urban ministries and gospel music, today announced an agreement for the addition of The Word Network to Charter cable systems in Columbus, Ga., and the City of St. Louis, Mo.

"We're pleased to have reached this agreement with The Word Network and believe it will meet the viewing interests of our customers in these markets," said Patty McCaskill, vice president of Programming and Pay Per View. "Programming decisions at Charter are based on the quality of a network's programs, the unique content it brings to the line-up and customer demand. The Word Network certainly meets that criteria."

"We are very pleased to be launching on two of Charter's urban systems and look forward to future launches on other Charter systems across the country," said Kevin Adell, President of The Word Network. "We applaud Charter's attention to diversity and support of wholesome, family-oriented African American programming."

The launch date for The Word Network in Columbus and St. Louis will be finalized once necessary equipment is installed. Under the agreement, Charter will continue to carry The Word Network on its Lake Tahoe, Calif. system.

    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(R). 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 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.

    About The Word Network

The Word Network is the undisputed source of urban ministries and gospel music. The non-profit 501(c)(3) network airs ministries, gospel music, interview shows, movies, portraits, religious conventions and special events. Based in Southfield, Michigan, The Word Network offers family friendly programming that touches the heart and soul of African Americans in urban markets. The Word Network is seen in 21 million homes in the United States through DirecTV, Time Warner, Adelphia, AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, Cox, Insight Communications, Millennium Digital Media and a host of smaller Cable operators and broadcast stations. Programming from The Word Network is also provided to1 million men and women in the United States Armed Forces in 165 countries through Armed Forces Network Television. The Word Network is also currently being seen in 75 million homes in Nigeria and South Africa. More information about The Word Network can be found at www.thewordnetwork.org.

CONTACT:          Charter Communications
                  Andy Morgan, 314/543-2217
                  amorgan@chartercom.com
                  or
                  The Word Network
                  Tricia St. Andre, 248/357-4566, ext. 25
                  tricias@thewordnetwork.org

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