4.14.2008 - 01:56pm ET

(CSRwire) MONTREAL, Canada and PARIS, France – April 14, 2008 – Alternative Media Initiative (AMI), a Montreal-based online media company, announced this morning that it has acquired Rethos Inc., creator of Rethos.com, an online community devoted to discussion on social change. Rethos becomes part of AMI’s growing network of online media properties dedicated to sustainable development issues, which already includes Alternative Channel, a multilingual video platform for individuals, non-profit organizations and businesses.

AMI now boasts the most complete, global network of online applications devoted to sustainable development. Including its newly acquired assets, the company now has growing user bases in North America, Europe and South America, more than 400 subscribed non-profit organizations worldwide and satellite offices in Paris and New York, in addition to its Montreal headquarters.

"When you're in the business of social change, joining forces with like-minded organizations is a must," said Paul Allard, CEO of AMI. "Together, Rethos and AMI have become a global, multilingual and multimedia suite of online tools to drive social change."

Technologically, AMI can now offer its users, non-profit partners and advertisers a video blog application, a social networking platform, content distribution services and a Facebook application designed for social and political debate. Within a matter of months, the company plans to make the entire network available in French, Spanish and English.

"This alliance gives our users and partner organizations a complete online toolkit to help them broadcast their messages and fulfill their missions," said Jordi Duran di Batidor, AMI's Geneva-based CTO. Batidor was tight-lipped about technological enhancements to come, simply saying, "We have a full slate of new features to deploy during the next 6 to 9 months. In terms of features, we're just getting started."

Today's announcement will add to the excitement at the upcoming Alternative Channel Forum, a conference on "social networks and responsible media" that AMI is hosting in Barcelona on April 30th. "The timing of this alliance could not be better," noted Pablo Salzman, former COO of Rethos who will now be tackling AMI's non-profit partnerships. "The Forum next month will be a great chance to showcase our growing network."

Current non-profit partners of AMI include the World Wildlife Fund, Doctors Without Borders and Rainforest Alliance, among many others.

About Alternative Media Initiative Inc. Alternative Media Initiative

(AMI) is the leading network of online media properties devoted to sustainable development. The company offers 'web 2.0' communications
services to companies dedicated to corporate social responsibility.

AMI owns and operates the following web properties:

Rethos.com is an online community where individuals and
organizations unite to accelerate social change through debate and
discussion. www.rethos.com

AlternativeChannel.com is a distributed video blog application for non-profit organizations, socially responsible businesses and
individuals passionate about sustainable development issues.
www.alternativechannel.com

Debates on Facebook is a discussion utility that encourages
Facebook users to spark and share debates on social and political
issues. www.apps.facebook.com/rethos_debates

IPEX VIEW is an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of all forms of digital motion picture content. www.ipexview.com

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