ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 3, 2004--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) announced today that its DISH Network(TM) satellite television services will add itvn, a Polish network channel, to its international programming schedule. The addition of itvn's new Polish-language channel created especially for Poles living abroad continues DISH Network's leadership role in broadcasting international programming and specifically Polish broadcast television. DISH Network offers more than 60 international channels in more than a dozen languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese and Russian.
"DISH Network is committed to providing our international customers with the best value and a wide variety when it comes to international programming," said Michael Schwimmer, EchoStar's senior vice president of Programming. "The addition of itvn gives DISH Network customers an even more extensive package offering of Polish television, including immediate access to Polish news, events and entertainment."
The programming on itvn includes shows for all viewers, including talk and reality shows, quizzes, sitcoms, series and soaps. It will also feature Polish films and serialized documentaries, as well as the most popular Polish cartoons for children. Polish sports fans will also be happy to learn that DISH Network will retransmit the Polish First Division League of Soccer matches.
"We are very happy to announce the launch of the new Polish television channel on DISH Network, created especially for Poles living abroad. We believe DISH Network is the best platform to provide top-quality Polish-language programming in the United States," said Lukasz Fratczak, Managing Director of itvn. "The goal for itvn is to provide Polish customers in the United States with entertainment of worldwide standards."
A 30-day free preview of itvn is available to customers which began Thursday, April 29, 2004. After the preview, customers can order itvn in addition to the current DISH Network Polish TV channel line-up, which features Polish network channels TVN 24 and Polsat 2 International.
Customers can add itvn a la carte for $14.99 a month, or they can choose to add the TVN Complete Package, which includes itvn and TVN 24, for $19.99 a month, or the Polish Premium Package, which includes Polsat 2 International, itvn and TVN 24, for $29.99 a month.
For additional package information or to order any of these packages, please visit www.dishnetwork.com, call 1-800-333-DISH (3474), or contact your local DISH Network retailer.
About EchoStar
EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 9.4 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM) and is a leading U.S. provider of advanced digital television services. DISH Network's services include hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. DISH Network is the leader in the sale of digital video recorders (DVRs). Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).
</FONT> CONTACT: DISH Network Julie Popp, 303-723-2023 julie.popp@echostar.com SOURCE: EchoStar Communications Corporation
"DISH Network is committed to providing our international customers with the best value and a wide variety when it comes to international programming," said Michael Schwimmer, EchoStar's senior vice president of Programming. "The addition of itvn gives DISH Network customers an even more extensive package offering of Polish television, including immediate access to Polish news, events and entertainment."
The programming on itvn includes shows for all viewers, including talk and reality shows, quizzes, sitcoms, series and soaps. It will also feature Polish films and serialized documentaries, as well as the most popular Polish cartoons for children. Polish sports fans will also be happy to learn that DISH Network will retransmit the Polish First Division League of Soccer matches.
"We are very happy to announce the launch of the new Polish television channel on DISH Network, created especially for Poles living abroad. We believe DISH Network is the best platform to provide top-quality Polish-language programming in the United States," said Lukasz Fratczak, Managing Director of itvn. "The goal for itvn is to provide Polish customers in the United States with entertainment of worldwide standards."
A 30-day free preview of itvn is available to customers which began Thursday, April 29, 2004. After the preview, customers can order itvn in addition to the current DISH Network Polish TV channel line-up, which features Polish network channels TVN 24 and Polsat 2 International.
Customers can add itvn a la carte for $14.99 a month, or they can choose to add the TVN Complete Package, which includes itvn and TVN 24, for $19.99 a month, or the Polish Premium Package, which includes Polsat 2 International, itvn and TVN 24, for $29.99 a month.
For additional package information or to order any of these packages, please visit www.dishnetwork.com, call 1-800-333-DISH (3474), or contact your local DISH Network retailer.
About EchoStar
EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 9.4 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM) and is a leading U.S. provider of advanced digital television services. DISH Network's services include hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. DISH Network is the leader in the sale of digital video recorders (DVRs). Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).
</FONT> CONTACT: DISH Network Julie Popp, 303-723-2023 julie.popp@echostar.com SOURCE: EchoStar Communications Corporation
