EXHIBIT 1
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               4 April 2005


                              WPP GROUP PLC ("WPP")


                  WPP and Video International Group to develop
                        a stronger partnership in Russia


WPP and  Video  International  Group  ("VI"),  Russia's  leading  communications
services group, have  conditionally  agreed to form a number of joint companies,
which will operate in Russia and  throughout  the  Confederation  of Independent
States.

The partnership  will cover certain of their existing  businesses:  VI's current
advertising agency,  Ravi, will operate in conjunction with JWT, Bates VIAG will
be relaunched as Red Cell and CIA Russia will be relaunched as Mediaedge:cia. VI
and WPP will develop 141 Worldwide,  an integrated marketing services agency, in
the market. In addition, a company providing back office and support services in
media investment management will also be formed.

This  initiative   continues  WPP's  strategy  of  developing  its  networks  in
faster-growing markets and communications services sectors.


For further information, please contact:

Feona McEwan, WPP                       44-20 7408 2204
www.wpp.com