DISH Network Adds TNT to its High-Definition Package; Programming to Include NBA, Movies

[May 21, 2004]

DISH Network Adds TNT to its High-Definition Package; Programming to Include NBA, Movies

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. & ATLANTA --(Business Wire)-- May 21, 2004 -- EchoStar Communication Corporation's DISH Network(TM) (Nasdaq:DISH) and Turner Network Television (TNT) are partnering to offer DISH Network satellite TV customers TNT in high definition beginning today.

The 24-hour HDTV presentation of TNT's East Coast feed will offer DISH Network customers a wide range of programming in HDTV format, including sports, movies, TNT Originals and other high-quality shows that TNT fans have come to expect over the years.

DISH Network now offers five channels in its high-definition package for only $9.99 per month, including TNT in HD, ESPN HD, HDNet, HDNet Movies and Discovery HD. TNT in high definition, including such favorites as Law & Order and X-Files, can be seen on DISH Network's channel 9420.

"Bringing TNT to our HD line-up offers customers even more programming in the best resolution and clarity," said Michael Schwimmer, executive vice president of Marketing and Programming for EchoStar. "This channel adds tremendous value to the DISH Network high definition package."

Notably, NBA action on TNT will be in high definition beginning with the Western Conference Finals today, and will continue with the 2004-2005 NBA regular season. TNT gave DISH Network customers a taste of the NBA in high definition with the broadcast of the 2003 and 2004 All-Star Games.

TNT's high-definition programming will also include The Grid, an original, 12-hour series that explores both sides of an escalating war on terror, starring Dylan McDermott (The Practice, Wonderland) and Julianna Margulies (ER, Evelyn). It will premiere this summer.

All programs and commercials on TNT in HD will be presented in high definition, 16:9 wide screen format and will feature 5.1 surround sound.

DISH Network also offers customers an HDTV System, which includes the choice of either a 34-inch or a 40-inch HD monitor, plus a DISH 811 HD receiver with antenna and free installation, for just $999. For an additional $600, customers can choose the DISH Player-921 DVR, allowing up to 25 hours of high definition recording, as well as the ability to pause live TV and to fast-forward through programming.

To learn more about DISH Network's high definition offerings, or to sign up for TNT in HD, please visit www.dishnetwork.com, call 800-333-DISH (3474), or contact your local DISH Network retailer.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) serves more than 9.7 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network, and is a leading U.S. provider of advanced digital television services. DISH Network's services include hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. DISH Network is the leader in the sale of digital video recorders (DVRs). Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 800-333-DISH (3474).

About Turner Network Television

Turner Network Television (TNT), the destination for drama, is a Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. 24-hour advertiser-supported service. TNT, an industry leader in delivery of adults 18-49 and 25-54 in prime and total day, is cable's only network combining award-winning original films, with upcoming fare including Salem's Lot, adapted from the Stephen King novel, and the Johnson & Johnson Spotlight Presentation The Wool Cap; the Original film Evel Knievel; highly anticipated limited original series, including The Grid and a Steven Spielberg 12-hour series, Into the West (working title); powerful one-hour dramas, such as Law & Order, ER, NYPD Blue, The X-Files, Charmed, Judging Amy and Angel, with Without a Trace joining in fall of 2004; broadcast premieres; and championship sports coverage including NASCAR, the PGA and the British Open and the NBA.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.), a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and a leading provider of programming for the television industry.

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