NEW ORLEANS -- Cox Communications, Inc. today announced that ten other cable television multiple system operators and the nation's largest interconnect, Adlink, have joined the company in an unprecedented initiative to help City of New Orleans rebound from the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina. Bresnan Communications, Bright House Networks, Cable ONE, Cablevision, Charter Communications, Comcast, Cox Communications, Insight Communications, Mediacom, Suddenlink, Time Warner Cable and Adlink have cumulatively committed to at least $12 million in donated advertising time on their networks.

"The devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina was jaw-dropping for Americans who never dreamed that one of the nation's most historic and beautiful cities could be so vulnerable," said Greg Bicket, vice president and regional manager of Cox Communications in New Orleans. "The storm was unbelievable, but so is the spirit of the residents who are working to restore New Orleans to its former glory, as well as the generosity of our peers in the cable industry who are making this gift."

"It's no secret that I spent many successful years in the private sector, working in cable for Cox Communications," said New Orleans' Mayor Ray Nagin. I know first-hand the incredible contributions that cable companies make to their local communities all across the country and Cox's culture of community involvement. On behalf of everyone who calls New Orleans home, even those who remain relocated, I give heartfelt thanks to Cox and their cable peers for this incredible gift."

The cable companies are placing award-winning spots developed by the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC) and their advertising agency Peter A. Mayer Advertising. The campaign features well-known celebrities that have connections to New Orleans inviting viewers to "come fall in love with New Orleans all over again." Wynton Marsalis, Emeril Lagasse, Patricia Clarkson, Dan Akroyd, George Rodrigue, Dr. John, John Goodman and others share what they love about New Orleans in the spots, "come for the music, come for the food, come for the romance, come for the history, come for the art, come for the culture, and come for the fun." A call to action drives viewers to www.NewOrleansOnline.com for great hotel and package rates, as well as to book their trips.

"Tourism is the lifeblood of New Orleans. The tourism industry and City as a whole will benefit tremendously from this unprecedented gift from another sector, our friends in cable TV," said Sandra S. Shilstone, president and CEO of the NOTMC. "We are enormously grateful to Cox Communications for envisioning and leading this support from the cable industry. Our research suggests that the more than $12 million in advertising time Cable is donating will yield greater than $1.3 billion in visitor spending. This is huge for New Orleans as we reach out nationally and internationally to let everyone know that the experience and authenticity of New Orleans is alive and flourishing."

Tourism is vital to New Orleans and Louisiana as a whole, and visitors to New Orleans often venture out to tour the larger region. Under the auspices of the Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana, Mitch Landrieu, the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism works toward similar ends as the NOTMC. The spots run by the cable operators are also be tagged with www.Louisianatravel.com, the state's website developed to help tourists enjoy the rich history and culture that is unique to Louisiana.

"On behalf of the state of Louisiana, I would like to thank Cox Communications and their cable partners for this important donation," Lt. Governor Landrieu said. "These good corporate citizens are helping us send the message to the nation that Louisiana is open for business and ready to offer visitors a unique, cultural experience."

About Cox Communications:

Cox Communications is a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company with more than 6 million total residential and commercial customers. The third-largest cable television company in the United States, Cox offers an array of advanced digital video, high-speed Internet and telephony services over its own nationwide IP network, as well as integrated wireless services in partnership with Sprint (NYSE: S). Cox Business Services is a full-service, facilities-based provider of communications solutions for commercial customers, providing high-speed Internet, voice and long distance services, as well as data and video transport services for small to large-sized businesses. Cox Media offers national and local cable advertising in traditional spot and new media formats, along with promotional opportunities and production services. More information about the services of Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com/espanol, www.coxbusiness.com y www.coxmedia.com.

About the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation:

NOTMC is a private economic development corporation, created under Louisiana state law. Its purpose is to foster jobs and economic growth by developing the New Orleans tourism industry. It is funded by a hotel room occupancy tax and the City of New Orleans general fund and receives additional funding from the Regional Transit Authority/hotel tax. Visit NOTMC online at http://www.neworleansonline.com/.

About the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism:

The mission of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism is to preserve and enhance Louisiana's unique heritage and natural landscape; provide cultural, informational, and recreational resources; and promote the use of these resources by our diverse citizens and visitors. The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism is administered by the Secretary under the jurisdiction of the Lieutenant Governor, who serves as the Commissioner of the Department. Visit the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism online at http://www.crt.state.la.us/ o http://www.louisianatravel.com.

Media Contacts:

Cox Communications:
David Grabert
404.269.7054
David.Grabert@Cox.com

Cox Communications New Orleans and
The Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism:
Jeff D. Ory
Deveney Communications
504.949.3999; mobile 504.458.5866
jdory@deveney.com

New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation:
Lea Sinclair
504.524.4784 x214
lea@notmc.com