DirecTV in the News

DIRECTV Offers Local Channels in Charlotte

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 27, 2000--DIRECTV Inc., provider of the nation's leading digital television service, announced today the availability of local broadcast network channels via satellite for its DIRECTVŽ customers in Charlotte.

Beginning July 28, all DIRECTV customers in the Charlotte designated market area (DMA) will receive a free preview of their local broadcast network channel package.

DIRECTV customers in the Charlotte DMA can subscribe to a local channel package that includes WSOC (ABC), WBTV (CBS) and WCNC (NBC). DIRECTV customers can subscribe to their local channel package for $5.99 per month. In addition to local broadcast network channels, a national PBS feed is included in each local channel package at no additional charge.

DIRECTV is in active discussion with WCCB (FOX) and will begin broadcasting the station as soon as an agreement is reached.

"The availability of local channels ushers in a new era for DIRECTV, and we are excited to commence our local channel offerings in Charlotte,'' said Stephanie A. Campbell, senior vice president, Programming, for DIRECTV Inc.

"By offering local channels on DIRECTV, our customers can access entertainment and information that's most relevant to their lives and their community. Now is as good a time as any for consumers in this market to cut cable and choose DIRECTV as their source for home entertainment.''

Local Charlotte channels from DIRECTV will be available in the following counties in North Carolina:

--        Alexander          --        Lincoln
--        Anson              --        Mecklenburg
--        Ashe               --        Richmond
--        Avery              --        Rowan
--        Burke              --        Stanly
--        Cabarrus           --        Union
--        Caldwell           --        Watauga
--        Catawba            --        Chester
--        Cleveland          --        Chesterfield
--        Gaston             --        Lancaster
--        Iredell            --        York

Local channels are delivered to DIRECTV customers in the Charlotte area from DIRECTV's primary orbital slot at 101 degrees West Longitude. As a result, DIRECTV customers can receive their local channels as well as DIRECTV's current lineup of national digital entertainment and information programming through their existing set-top box and 18-inch antenna.