DirecTV in the News

Oxygen Network Added to DirecTV Programming Lineup

LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- DIRECTV, Inc. and Oxygen Media announced today that the companies have reached a multi-year agreement to distribute the Oxygen network on DIRECTV® beginning this spring. The announcement was made by Geraldine Laybourne, Oxygen's Chair and CEO, and Eddy Hartenstein, President of DIRECTV, Inc.

Under the terms of the agreement, DIRECTV will launch the Oxygen network this spring -- making it available to its more than 8 million high-power satellite customers. With the announcement of the DIRECTV deal, Oxygen now has agreements with distributors that will account for 27 million total subscribers by the end of 2002. The Oxygen network was launched on Feb. 2, 2000 and is integrated with its online network of 13 web sites.

Geraldine Laybourne said, "We are delighted that DIRECTV has added Oxygen to its lineup of programming choices. Women want more choices in all aspects of their lives, including what they see on television. DIRECTV is an important, growing distribution channel with national outreach that helps us reach more female viewers across the United States.''

"As the nation's leading multi-channel programming provider, we're committed to providing our customers with unique and compelling programming selections, such as Oxygen,'' said Eddy Hartenstein. ``We're certain women and families across America will warmly welcome the addition of this dynamic women's network to our extensive programming lineup.''

The Oxygen network is backed by a strong team including Gerry Laybourne, Marcy Carsey, Tom Werner, Caryn Mandabach and Oprah Winfrey.

Due to a recent partnership between Wink Communications and Oxygen Media, DIRECTV customers with a Wink-enabled DIRECTV System will have access to content-rich enhanced programming -- at no additional charge -- later this year when the Wink service is downloaded to DIRECTV set-top boxes.

Including DIRECTV, Oxygen also has carriage agreements with ATT Cable Services, MediaOne, Charter Communications, Cox Communications Inc and Insight Communications.
        Oxygen offers original and diverse programming seven days a week,
including:
    -- Exhale, a nightly conversation with Candice Bergen;
    -- Inhale, high energy yoga in the morning;
    -- Oprah Goes Online, an introduction to the Internet with Oprah and her
       friend Gayle King;
    -- Pajama Party, a weekly pajama party;
    -- Pure Oxygen, a 2-hour block of live programming, featuring information,
       insights and opinions on parenting, business, health, style, home and
       entertainment;
    -- Trackers, a live two-hour block of original programming created by and
       for young women;
    -- We Sweat, our sports programming block;
    -- X-Chromosome, cable television's first original animated prime-time
       series created specifically for women.

Oxygen Media is an integrated media brand that superserves modern women by combining the best qualities of the Internet and cable television. Founded in 1998 by Geraldine Laybourne, Marcy Carsey, Tom Werner, Caryn Mandabach and Oprah Winfrey, Oxygen consists of a growing network of popular web sites, and a 24-hour cable network.