ENGLEWOOD, Colo. & NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb 07, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) and its DISH Network satellite TV service is premiering The Documentary Channel (DOC), a 24-hour network dedicated exclusively to independent documentary film. This channel is available to customers who subscribe to at least America's Top 60 programming package on channel 197.

The Documentary Channel provides DISH Network viewers with an unparalleled selection of documentary viewing options spanning all genres. Each film airs commercial-free on the Documentary Channel, including many titles making their worldwide television premieres.

"With the phenomenal recent box office success of films such as 'March of the Penguins,' 'Winged Migration' and 'SuperSize Me,' our launch coincides with the height of the documentary genre's popularity," said Tom Neff, chief executive officer of The Documentary Channel. "Today is a great day for documentary filmmakers and documentary fans. There's finally a place on the dial that's 'all-docs-all-the-time' - a 24/7 documentary film festival - and it's now available to over 12 million subscribers thanks to DISH Network."

Highlights of The Documentary Channel's February launch month include:

-- "WACO: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT" -- an Academy Award-nominated documentary about the stand-off between the Branch Davidians, under the leadership of David Koresh, and the FBI and ATF in Waco, Texas.

-- "HAACK: THE KING OF TECHNO" -- a look into the underground world of Bruce Haack, a genius musician/inventor whose past work continues to garner recognition with time.

-- "HITMAN HART: WRESTLING IN THE SHADOWS" -- the life and career of Bret Hart recounted from his youth, through the start of his career, his years in the WWF, up to the present day.

-- "THE PIXIES: GOUGE" -- the untold story of one of the most eccentric and influential rock groups of all time.

-- "KHACHATURIAN" -- the life and legacy of legendary Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian is explored in this fascinating documentary portrait.

"DISH Network is excited to offer its subscribers The Documentary Channel, especially at a time when documentaries are proving more compelling and popular," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "We provide a wide spectrum of channels that appeal to all audiences and believe that The Documentary Channel, an educational and entertaining public interest channel, will further complement our 'edutainment' channels."

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH) serves more than 12 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network, the fastest-growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last five years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. For more information visit www.dishnetwork.com.

About The Documentary Channel

The Documentary Channel is the first and only television brand dedicated exclusively to airing independent documentary film on a commercially uninterrupted, 24/7 basis. DOC showcases the gems of non-fiction film, presenting documentaries of all lengths and genres, from classics to cutting-edge. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., with offices in Los Angeles and New York, The Documentary Channel is a privately held concern.

For more information on DOC, please visit: http://www.documentarychannel.com.

SOURCE: EchoStar Communications Corporation

EchoStar's DISH Network
Heather Black,
720-514-5351
Heather.black@echostar.com

or

For The Documentary Channel
Erica McDonald,
212-725-2295, ext. 11
ericam@tryloncommunications.com