BELL ATLANTIC COMMUNICATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN BLACK FAMILY REUNION CELEBRATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 1996

BELL ATLANTIC COMMUNICATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN
BLACK FAMILY REUNION CELEBRATION

Arlington, VA - Bell Atlantic Communications, Inc., Ohio's
newest
long-distance company, will be a major sponsor at the National Council
of Negro Women's Black Family Reunion Celebration in Cincinnati on
Aug. 17-18, at Sawyer Point on the Cincinnati Riverfront. Over
200,000 people are expected to attend the weekend celebration.

"We are proud to be a part of this important event that celebrates
the
family unit," said Al Binford, president and CEO
of Bell Atlantic
Communications. "Efforts like the Black Family Reunion strengthen
our
communities and ensure that all of us will have a better tomorrow."

At the reunion, Bell Atlantic Communications is sponsoring a large
pavilion depicting an African village. Various local entertainers
will perform there. "We wanted to provide Cincinnati community with
an experience that depicts the crucial role communication plays in
family relationships," Binford said.

As part of its commitment to the African American community, Bell
Atlantic also will make a $10 donation to the National Council of
Negro Women's National Centers for African American Women for every
individual at the reunion who signs up for Bell Atlantic's
long-distance service.

On Aug. 1, Bell Atlantic became the first regional Bell company to
offer long-distance service outside its traditional service area.
Bell Atlantic now provides long-distance service to customers in
Florida, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South
Carolina, and Texas. The company expects to offer long-distance
service to the remaining "out-of-region" states by the
end of this year and to states in its mid-Atlantic region as soon as
the company meets the requirements of the 1996 Telecommunications Act.

The Black Family Reunion Celebration was created ten years ago by Dr.
Dorothy Height, president of the National Council of Negro Women.
Today, it is held in seven major cities each year. The National
Council of Negro Women is a voluntary, non-profit membership
organization that focuses on helping women to improve the quality of
life for themselves, their families and communities.

REPORTER'S NOTE: Binford will attend the reunion
celebration
beginning with a reception at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 in the Pavilion
Room at the Regal Cincinnati Hotel. On Saturday, he will be at Bell
Atlantic Communication's pavilion at Sawyer Point. Binford and other
Bell Atlantic Communications' staff will be available both days for
media interviews concerning telecommunications or Bell Atlantic's
sponsorship of the National Council of Negro Women.

Bell Atlantic Communications,
Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Bell Atlantic Corporation. Bell Atlantic Communications operates Bell
Atlantic's new nationwide long-distance business.

Bell Atlantic Corporation (NYSE:
BEL) is at the forefront of the new
communications, entertainment and information industry. In the
mid-Atlantic region, the company is the premier provider of local
telecommunications and advanced services. Globally, it is one of the
largest investors in the high-growth wireless communication
marketplace. Bell Atlantic also owns a substantial interest in
Telecom Corporation of New Zealand and is actively developing
high-growth national and international business opportunities in all
phases of the industry.

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Media contacts:

Shirley Risoldi (412-633-5574)
shirley.a.risoldi@bell-atl.com

Alan Hill (703-974-2134)