DIRECTV and DISH Applaud Draft Satellite Bill

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. & ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

DIRECTV and DISH thank Chairman Walden of the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee for releasing the first STELA reauthorization discussion draft.

We support this draft as an important first step in the reauthorization of STELA. Significantly, it ensures continuity of service to more than 1.5 million distant signal customers who would, otherwise, lose service in December. It also addresses one of the most egregious forms of retransmission consent abuse – joint negotiating agreements among broadcasters.

We and our 34 million combined customers appreciate the hard work of the Subcommittee, and we look forward to working with Republican and Democratic members of Congress as this legislation moves forward.

About DIRECTV: DIRECTV DTV is one of the world's leading providers of digital television entertainment services delivering a premium video experience through state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming and industry leading customer service to more than 37 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its 20 million customers access to more than 190 HD channels and Dolby-Digital® 5.1 theater-quality sound, access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, Emmy-award winning technology and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for 13 years running. DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, leads the pay TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to more than 17 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include two Regional Sports Networks (Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh), and minority ownership interests in Root Sports Northwest and Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit www.directv.com.

About DISH: DISH Network Corporation DISH, through its subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., provides approximately 14.057 million satellite TV customers, as of Dec. 31, 2013, with the highest quality programming and technology with the most choices at the best value. Subscribers enjoy a high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels, and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corporation is a Fortune 200 company. Visit www.dish.com.