PRE TAX PROFIT UP 68% TO EUR143 MILLION

INDEPENDENT DIGITAL GROWING STRONGLY The Board of Independent News & Media PLC today announced preliminary results for the 54 weeks ended 31st December 1999. Independent News & Media PLC operates in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom and has three core businesses: publishing; electronic media and outdoor advertising. Independent Digital is leveraging these three core businesses for enhanced growth and performance.