DirecTV Commences Local Broadcast Network Channels Offering in Atlanta, Phoenix, Philadelphia And Miami/Fort Lauderdale
Customers Receive Local Channels With Existing Receiver And 18-Inch Satellite Dish
DirecTV Inc., provider of the nation's leading digital television service, today announced the availability of local broadcast network channels via satellite for its DirecTVÆ customers in Atlanta. Phoenix, Philadelphia and Miami/Fort Lauderdale.. Beginning December 11, all DirecTV customers in these designated market area (DMA) will receive a free preview of their local broadcast network channel package. DirecTV customers in the Atlanta DMA can subscribe to a local channel package that includes WSB (ABC), WGNX (CBS), WXIA (NBC) and WAGA (FOX). DirecTV customers in the Phoenix DMA can subscribe to a local channel package that includes KNXV (ABC), KPHO (CBS), KPNX (NBC) and KSAZ (FOX). DirecTV customers in the Philadelphia DMA can subscribe to a local channel package that includes WPVI (ABC), KYW (CBS), WCAU (NBC) and WTXF (FOX). DirecTV customers in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale DMA can subscribe to a local channel package that includes WPLG (ABC), WFOR (CBS) and WTVJ (NBC). DirecTV customers can subscribe to their local channel package for $5.99 per month. In addition to local broadcast network channels, a national PBS feed is included in each local channel package at no additional charge. ""The availability of local channels ushers in a new era for DirecTV, and we are excited to commence our local channel offerings,"" said Eddy W. Hartenstein, President of DirecTV. ""By offering local channels on DirecTV, our customers can access entertainment and information that's most relevant to their lives and their community. Now is as good a time as any for consumers in Phoenix to cut cable and choose DirecTV as their source for home entertainment,"" Hartenstein added. Local channels are delivered to DirecTV customers in Atlanta from DirecTV's primary orbital slot at 101 degrees West Longitude. As a result, DirecTV customers can receive their local channels as well as DirecTV's current lineup of national digital entertainment and information programming through their existing set-top box and 18-inch antenna. DirecTV is supporting its local-into-local offerings in the Atlanta area with marketing, point-of-sale and advertising campaigns in coordination with its extensive consumer electronics retailing partners and affiliate satellite dealers.