Press Release Source: EchoStar Communications Corporation
DISH Network Adds South Asia World to International Programming
Thursday December 16, 11:09 am ET
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 2004--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH - News) announced today that its DISH Network(TM) satellite television service has added South Asia World, a channel exclusively for South Asians, to its international programming line-up. This channel addition brings the number of South Asian channels available through DISH Network to 17. Overall, DISH Network broadcasts 99 international channels from over 25 countries in more than 25 languages such as Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese and Russian.
"The addition of South Asia World reinforces DISH Network's commitment to offer our subscribers comprehensive international programming and exclusive content," said Tracy Thompson, EchoStar's vice president of International Programming. "South Asia World provides customers with the news and views from their native countries, connecting them to their home country thousands of miles away."
South Asia World is a 24-hour news and infotainment channel exclusively for South Asians living in the United States. The channel, broadcast from studios in New York, London, New Delhi and Mumbai, covers politics, sports, entertainment, Bollywood, cricket, business and the arts from India and the subcontinent. The channel also has a special focus on the issues and needs of the Indian American community.
South Asia World's programming includes its signature news program, "Our World Today," and "The Diaspora." "Our World Today" provides viewers with the latest political news from India and the subcontinent. This show also contains breaking news and information regarding cricket, Asian markets and entertainment. "The Diaspora" is broadcast from the South Asia World studio in the Empire State Building in New York City and profiles successful and prominent Indians.
With entertainment programs such as "Show Time India" and talk shows such as "Talk Time," South Asians are able to keep in touch with the traditions, culture and news from their native homeland. The innovative show "FAQ" answers frequently asked questions by non-resident Indians on topics such as relocation, finding employment, making investments in India and legal concerns on issues such as immigration and citizenship.
Customers can add South Asia World on an "a la carte" basis for $4.99 a month, or they can get one month free by paying on an annual basis. A subscription to America's Top 60 or above, DISH Latino or above, or any South Asian channel or package is needed to subscribe to South Asia World. Additional equipment may be required to receive these channels.
For more information on subscribing to South Asia World, customers can contact 1-800-333-DISH, their local retailer or visit www.dishnetwork.com to learn more about DISH Network's international programming offers.
About EchoStar
EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH - News) serves more than 10.4 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last four years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. J.D. Power and Associates ranks DISH Network No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction among Cable/Satellite TV Subscribers. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).
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Contact:
EchoStar Communications Corporation
Julie Popp, 303-723-2023
julie.popp@echostar.com
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Source: EchoStar Communications Corporation
