Dish Network in the News

EchoStar Adds Odyssey to DISH Network Programming Line-Up

LITTLETON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 5, 2000--EchoStar Communications Corp. announced today that it has signed a long-term distribution agreement with Odyssey to make the network available to EchoStar's 4.3 million DISH Network subscribers beginning Sept. 5.

Under the agreement, Odyssey will be offered in DISH Network's America's Top 150 programming package, at no additional charge, on channel 185. America's Top 150 features the most family, sports, news and movie channels available in one package.

Odyssey Network is a 24-hour television channel that provides high-quality family entertainment programming to a national audience of nearly 28 million subscribers.

Odyssey Network provides a program lineup of high-quality family entertainment that is relevant to viewers and their lives. Included in the mix are original movies, mini-series, specials and series from the creative auspices of Hallmark Entertainment, the Jim Henson Company. In addition, the network draws from an acclaimed library of more than 4,000 hours of award-winning television classics from the two companies.

Among the original programs premiering on Odyssey this season: the movies ``Hamlet,'' starring Campbell Scott and Tony Award-winner Blair Brown; ``The Hound of the Baskervilles,'' starring Matt Frewer and Jeremy London; and the new series ``America,'' and ``Sunday Dinner.'' Also new to Odyssey this Fall are the popular series ``Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,'' ``Christy'' and ``Happy Days.''

``Our partnership with DISH Network is a tremendous opportunity for us to broaden our reach and to increase the profile of Odyssey,'' said Ron Garfield, Senior Vice President, Network Distribution & Service, for Odyssey Network. ``We're very pleased that our distribution now includes being part of DISH Network's programming lineup.''

``Through its ties with Hallmark Entertainment and The Jim Henson Company, Odyssey provides a truly unique blend of entertainment programming that answers the call of viewers who want high-quality, thought-provoking programming they can watch with their families,'' said Michael Schwimmer, vice president of Programming. ``We're delighted to be making this programming choice available to DISH Network customers.''

Odyssey Network is owned and operated by a wholly owned subsidiary of Crown Media Holdings, Inc.. Strategic investors include Hallmark Entertainment, Inc., a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Inc.; EM.TV & Merchandising AG (parent company of The Jim Henson Company); Liberty Media Corp. the National Interfaith Cable Coalition, and KirchMedia GmbH & Co. KGaA. For more information on Odyssey Network and its programming visit www.OdysseyChannel.com.