DirecTV Responds To Broadcast Networksí Move To Block DirecTV Delivery Of Network Signals

In response to the broadcast networksí lawsuit, filed today against DirecTV in Miami Federal Court seeking to block DirecTV from distributing network signals, DirecTV stated:DirecTV is disappointed that the broadcast networks and, in particular, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has chosen to continue this anti-consumer crusade. We believe the comments made by the NAB in its press announcements today and allegations in the broadcast networksí lawsuit are false and misleading.Contrary to the broadcast networksí claims, DirecTVís decision to provide its own package of network signals is legal and in accordance with all regulatory and court orders.On a going forward basis, DirecTV will qualify subscribers to receive network signals using the predictive methodology recommended by the FCC, which has been accepted by both the Miami court and the NAB. Moreover, DirecTV intends voluntarily to re-qualify, on an orderly basis, existing DirecTV subscribers according to the FCCís recommended predictive model.Assertions by the NAB in its press announcements today that local-into-local legislation will resolve this issue are particularly disingenuous. The availability of local network signals by satellite will never eliminate the need for a pro-competitive, pro-consumer distant network signal option.We urge Congress to move swiftly to assure that no consumer is disenfranchised from this critical segment of programming.For more information contact Jeff Torkelson at DirecTV, 310 535 5062.