DISH Network(R) to Carry Racetrack Television Network Subscription Package

 

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 13, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH) today announced that it has entered into a long-term agreement with Racetrack Television Network (RTN) and HorseRacing TV (HRTV) for the creation of a subscription racing package. The subscription package will be offered to DISH Network(R) subscribers under the brand name "Racetrack Television Network," and will consist of up to 80 channels of live thoroughbred, quarterhorse, harness and greyhound racing.

Each racetrack in the package will have its own dedicated channel, allowing viewers to watch the same live, uninterrupted simulcast feed as is shown in commercial wagering establishments. The simulcast feed will include full wagering information, paddock shots, and post parades. Depending upon the time of year and the number of racetracks operating the package will include as many as 700 live races daily. DISH Network subscribers will be able to watch all of the exciting racing action for the everyday low price of $49.99 per month.

In addition to the 80 channel package, DISH Network viewers will have the opportunity to subscribe to a "Best of RTN" package. The "Best of RTN" package will consist of the live simulcast feeds of 12 of the top RTN racetracks running at any given time. The "Best of RTN" package will cost $29.99 per month.

Both the 80 channel and "Best Of RTN" packages are expected to launch in September, 2009

As part of the agreement announced today, HRTV and DISH Network have entered into a long-term extension of HRTV's carriage arrangement on DISH Network. HRTV and RTN will work cooperatively to market and promote the subscription package.

"With the recent running of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes around the corner, we are all reminded of the popularity of horse racing," said Michael Kelly, Executive Vice President of DISH Network. "We are pleased to be able to offer DISH Network subscribers the most complete package of racing content available in the marketplace."

"This new arrangement with DISH Network allows us to greatly improve and expand the existing distribution of the RTN package of racing content," said Todd Roberts, President of Racetrack Television Network. "Through this new relationship with DISH Network, it will now be easier than ever for racing fans across the country to access the full-card simulcast feeds available on RTN. Furthermore, our relationship with HRTV allows us to market and promote both the RTN package and the sport of racing in general, in ways never before possible."

About DISH Network Corporation

DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH), the nation's HD leader, provides approximately 13.584 million satellite TV customers as of March 31, 2009 with the highest quality programming and technology at the best value, including the lowest all-digital price nationwide. Customers have access to hundreds of video and audio channels, the most HD channels, the most international channels, state-of-the-art interactive TV applications, and award-winning HD and DVR technology including 1080p Video on Demand and the DuoDVR ViP(R) 722 DVR, a CNET and PC Magazine "Editors' Choice." DISH Network is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 250 company. Visit www.dishnetwork.com.

About RTN

RTN (www.rtn.tv) is a subscription based television network that offers live, uninterrupted, full card simulcasts from thoroughbred, harness, quarter horse, and greyhound racetracks throughout North America and other parts of the world. RTN currently offers up to 40 channels of service via its private, direct to home satellite network for a monthly subscription fee. RTN is scheduled to launch an internet and mobile version of the service in September, 2009.

About HRTV

HRTV (www.hrtv.com) is a 24-hour television network providing wire-to-wire coverage of live horse racing action, as well as originally produced horse racing related programming. HRTV covers more than 70 Thoroughbred, harness and quarter horse racetracks in the United States and across the globe. HRTV is available to approximately 17 million subscribers throughout the United States.

SOURCE DISH Network Corporation

http://www.rtn.tv