ITALIAN-LANGUAGE PACKAGE JOINS DISH NETWORK'S INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMING LINE-UP
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 2, 2005 - EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) announced today that its DISH Network(tm) satellite television service has added two new Italian-language channels to its international programming lineup: Leonardo World and Video Italia.
The new channels will be sold to DISH Network customers as a complete Italian-language package called Panorama Italiano. In addition to Leonardo World and Video Italia, the package also includes RAI International and RAI Satelradio.
DISH Network subscribers whose dish antenna points to the 121 degree orbital location will receive a free preview of Leonardo World and Video Italia through May 20.
The launch of Leonardo World and Video Italia reinforces DISH Network's efforts to offer the most comprehensive international programming and content. DISH Network is the leading pay-TV provider of international programming, offering more than 100 international channels from over 25 countries in more than 25 languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese, Polish and Russian.
"DISH Network is committed to providing our international customers with the best value and the most choice when it comes to international programming," said Tracy Thompson, EchoStar's s vice president of International Programming. "The Panorama Italiano package will give DISH Network subscribers an extensive channel line-up of Italian television programming and entertainment."
"Leonardo World and Video Italia add a relevant global dimension to DISH Network's International programming offerings," said Karim Abdallah, CEO of International Media Distribution, a premier global distributor of ethnic and niche channels worldwide. "In partnership with DISH Network, we are proud to offer viewers a 360-degree view of the Italian culture."
Video Italia is a 24-hour Italian-language music channel that showcases the best of Italian music, arts and culture. In addition to playing music video clips throughout the day, Video Italia also features popular programs such as "Special Spettacoli," which announces upcoming concerts and artists on tour. Subscribers can also enjoy interviews with Italian musical artists on "L'ospite Di Franco Nisi" and live concert performances "Serta Coin."
Leonardo World, broadcast 24-hours-a-day, is an Italian-language channel dedicated to the Italian style of living. Leonardo World offers a variety of program genres including fashion, style, cuisine, home decorating, travel and automobiles. Leonardo World features exclusive coverage of all the Italian and international fashion shows, authentic recipes from Italian chefs on "Casa Alice," and information on the newest automobile models in production on "Test Auto."
RAI International provides 24 hours of top quality entertainment every day, live from Italy, including weekly Italian soccer matches, European soccer, live news, mini-series, movies, children's cartoons and much more.
On RAI Satelradio subscribers can listen to music, entertainment programs, comprehensive reviews of the Sanremo festival and much more.
Following the free four week preview, DISH customers in the 121 degree orbital location can subscribe to Panorama Italiano for only $19.99 per month.
Customers can contact 1-800-333-DISH or their local retailer for more information on how to subscribe to any of these packages. Or customers can visit www.dishnetwork.com to learn more about DISH Network's International programming offers.
About EchoStar
EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 11 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(tm), the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last five 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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ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 2, 2005 - EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) announced today that its DISH Network(tm) satellite television service has added two new Italian-language channels to its international programming lineup: Leonardo World and Video Italia.
The new channels will be sold to DISH Network customers as a complete Italian-language package called Panorama Italiano. In addition to Leonardo World and Video Italia, the package also includes RAI International and RAI Satelradio.
DISH Network subscribers whose dish antenna points to the 121 degree orbital location will receive a free preview of Leonardo World and Video Italia through May 20.
The launch of Leonardo World and Video Italia reinforces DISH Network's efforts to offer the most comprehensive international programming and content. DISH Network is the leading pay-TV provider of international programming, offering more than 100 international channels from over 25 countries in more than 25 languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese, Polish and Russian.
"DISH Network is committed to providing our international customers with the best value and the most choice when it comes to international programming," said Tracy Thompson, EchoStar's s vice president of International Programming. "The Panorama Italiano package will give DISH Network subscribers an extensive channel line-up of Italian television programming and entertainment."
"Leonardo World and Video Italia add a relevant global dimension to DISH Network's International programming offerings," said Karim Abdallah, CEO of International Media Distribution, a premier global distributor of ethnic and niche channels worldwide. "In partnership with DISH Network, we are proud to offer viewers a 360-degree view of the Italian culture."
Video Italia is a 24-hour Italian-language music channel that showcases the best of Italian music, arts and culture. In addition to playing music video clips throughout the day, Video Italia also features popular programs such as "Special Spettacoli," which announces upcoming concerts and artists on tour. Subscribers can also enjoy interviews with Italian musical artists on "L'ospite Di Franco Nisi" and live concert performances "Serta Coin."
Leonardo World, broadcast 24-hours-a-day, is an Italian-language channel dedicated to the Italian style of living. Leonardo World offers a variety of program genres including fashion, style, cuisine, home decorating, travel and automobiles. Leonardo World features exclusive coverage of all the Italian and international fashion shows, authentic recipes from Italian chefs on "Casa Alice," and information on the newest automobile models in production on "Test Auto."
RAI International provides 24 hours of top quality entertainment every day, live from Italy, including weekly Italian soccer matches, European soccer, live news, mini-series, movies, children's cartoons and much more.
On RAI Satelradio subscribers can listen to music, entertainment programs, comprehensive reviews of the Sanremo festival and much more.
Following the free four week preview, DISH customers in the 121 degree orbital location can subscribe to Panorama Italiano for only $19.99 per month.
Customers can contact 1-800-333-DISH or their local retailer for more information on how to subscribe to any of these packages. Or customers can visit www.dishnetwork.com to learn more about DISH Network's International programming offers.
About EchoStar
EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 11 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(tm), the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last five 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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