ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 19, 2005 - EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) announced today that its DISH Network™ satellite television service has added Bridges TV, an English-language American Muslim network, to its programming lineup. Bridges TV fuses American culture with the values of Islam to produce family-oriented television. "Bridges TV richly enhances our multicultural channel menu and allows us to address a traditionally underserved, but steadily growing generation of American Muslims," said Eric Sahl, vice president of Programming at EchoStar. "The Muslim culture has fascinated and intrigued Americans, especially in recent years. Our programming now reflects that trend."

Subscribers can enjoy shows such as Each Other, which spotlights a Muslim girl trying to succeed as a big-city reporter; Salam America, a daily morning show; and Bridges News, the network's original daily newscast. The network also offers family-friendly sitcoms, cartoons, educational programming and movies that bring American Muslim issues to the forefront.

"We are extremely proud to be the first to create a television marketplace for the American Muslim community," said Bridges TV CEO Muzzammil Hassan. "We are excited about our partnership with DISH Network, which has provided every American interested in Muslim cultures, lifestyle and Islam, the opportunity to bring Bridges TV into their homes."

Customers can subscribe to Bridges TV on an "a la carte" basis for only $14.99 per month with qualifying programming. Bridges TV is broadcast from the 61.5 and 148 degree orbital locations. A second dish may be necessary for some subscribers to view Bridges TV

For additional information or to order Bridges TV, please visit www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

About EchoStar
EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 11.2 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. J.D. Power and Associates ranks DISH Network No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction among Cable/Satellite TV Subscribers. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

About Bridges TV
Bridges TV, a 24/7 lifestyle network geared to American Muslims, launched nationwide in November 2004 on satellite and selected markets on cable. To request a DVD about Bridges TV, email info@bridgestv.com or call 716-578-1317. High-resolution photos are available at http://www.bridgestv.com/pictures.asp. For more information, visit www.bridgestv.com

CONTACTS:

Molly Noonan
Echostar Communications Corp.
303/723-2023
molly.noonan@echostar.com

Mo Hassan
CEO, Bridges TV
716/308-6593
mohassan@bridgestv.com