DirecTV To Offer Local Broadcast Network Channels

DirecTV, the nationís leading satellite service with more than 7 million subscribers, has announced plans for delivering local broadcast network channels by satellite to approximately 50 million homes, or about half of the nationís television households. DirecTV will offer local-into-local services ñ which can be received via a signal small satellite dish ñ to major metropolitan markets across the United States.The delivery of local channels into local markets by DirecTV is contingent upon Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval of the acquisition of the remaining Tempo high-power satellite assets ñ which will provide DirecTV with additional full CONUS (continental U.S.) capacity ñ and the passage by Congress of pro-consumer and favorable legislation that will allow satellite companies to provide local-into-local service.""DirecTV introduced high-power digital satellite television to American consumers nearly five years ago, and in keeping with out leadership position, we will soon deliver national programming and local channels to a single dish,"" said Edddy Hartenstein, President of DirecTV. ""WE are enjoying record growth this year, and we believe our local channel offering will accelerate our subscriber growth.""DirecTV is currently delivering a package of broadcast network signals from New York and Los Angeles to eligible subscribers nationwide, and plans to commence its local-into-local offerings in those two markets. Local channels will be delivered to DirecTV subscribers in New York and Los Angeles form the 121 degrees West Longitude (WL) orbital slot immediately upon passage of enabling legislation. Assuming timely FCC approval of the acquisition of Tempoís frequencies at 119 degrees WL, DirecTV plans to roll out local-into-local service in significant additional markets later this year, which will be delivered from the existing in-orbit Tempo II satellite at the 119 degrees WL slot.A new dual-feed, dual-receive 18-inch high by 22-inch wide satellite dish and set-top receiver available later this year will allow DirecTV subscribers to receive programming from both the 101 degrees and 119 degrees WL orbital slots, including recently announced HBO HD high-definition broadcasts. DirecTV will continue to offer its existing lineup of popular networks, premium movie services, pay-per-view selections and sports programming subscriptions from the 101 degrees orbital slot.DirecTV will support its local-into-local offerings with marketing, point-of-sale and advertising campaigns in coordination with its extensive consumer electronics retailing partners and affiliate satellite dealers.In addition, DirecTV expects the introduction of local channels by satellite to coincide with the introduction of a combination DirecTV/ATSC set-top box, which will allow consumers to seamlessly integrate DirecTV programming with digital off-air signals, as local broadcasters convert to digital. The availability of the combination DirecTV/ATSC set-top box will enable consumers to receive DirecTV programming via satellite and local digital channels via an off-air antenna. Consumers will be able to connect the combination receiver ñ which consists of a built-in DirecTV system receiver and digital broadcast tuner/receiver ñ to their existing television set.""Our commitment to delivering local channels via satellite, complemented by our nationwide rollout of advanced digital off-air solutions, will provide consumers with new local channel solutions that will maximize their choices,"" said Hartenstein.Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 1554, the ""Satellite Copyright Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 1999."" The bill would allow satellite TV companies to deliver local channels into local markets, as well as to continue the delivery of out-of-market broadcast network signals to eligible subscribers. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on similar legislation later this month. The differences between the two bills will then have to be reconciled before the legislation can become law.""We will continue to work with Member of Congress to revise certain provisions in the bills to ensure that the legislation establishes a workable framework for the delivery of local-into-local services,"" said Hartenstein.Hughes Electronics Corp., the parent company of DirecTV, announced in January 1999 an agreement to acquire the Tempo high-power satellite assets. Hughes completed the first phase of the Tempo transaction in March when it acquired the Tempo I ground satellite. The second phase of the transaction ñ the acquisition of the in-orbit Tempo II satellite and 11 frequencies at the 119 degrees WL orbital slot ñ remains subject to FCC approval. FCC approval of the Tempo transaction is expected by mid-year.For further information, contact DirecTV at 310 535 5113.