DISH Network Brings Local TV Channels To Meridian, MS

"ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 2004--

EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) announced today that its DISH Network(TM) will offer local TV channels by satellite television to Meridian, Miss., and the surrounding area. With this market addition, DISH Network local channels are now available in 152 U.S. markets, covering more than 93 percent of all U.S. TV households.

This is the first time local TV channels are available on satellite in the Meridian area, providing an alternative to local cable TV service. The following local TV channels will be available: ABC Ch. 11 (WTOK), CBS Ch. 24 (WMDN) and NBC Ch. 30 (WGBC).

DISH Network, with the lowest all-digital price in America, now offers local channels as part of its Digital Home Advantage. Starting at $29.99 per month, this package offers customers free installation for up to four TVs, with no commitment and no hardware to buy and includes more than 60 popular TV channels such as ESPN, Discovery and TNT, plus local Meridian TV channels.Customers can call DISH Network or a local satellite TV retailer to learn how to get a free multi-satellite dish antenna required to receive Meridian-area local channels.

DISH Network also provides digital video recording technologies, high definition TV and nearly 100 international channels to the Meridian area.'DISH Network has expanded its ability to serve local markets with local channels over the years, growing at a rate unmatched by any pay-TV company,' said Eric Sahl, vice president of Programming. 'We are proud to add Meridian to our list of markets served. Customers in Meridian now have more programming and product choices at a bet"