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ENGLEWOOD, Colo., June 23, 2005 - EchoStar
Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH)
announced today that its DISH Network™ satellite
television service has added Indian channel Zee
Gujarati to its international programming
lineup. This launch brings to 20 the total
number of South Asian channels currently
available on DISH Network and reinforces its
efforts to offer the most comprehensive
international programming and content. DISH
Network offers more than 100 international
channels from over 25 countries in more than 25
languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Portuguese,
Mandarin, Japanese, Polish and Russian.
"By adding Zee Gujarati, we are now able to
provide this top quality channel from the state
of Gujarat in northern India," said Tracy
Thompson, EchoStar's vice president of
International Programming. "Customers can now
enjoy Gujarati programming in their native
language. No other pay-TV company can match DISH
Network's extensive South Asian programming
offerings, which now include 20 channels in 8
different regional languages." Broadcast from
Noida, India, Zee Gujarati is positioned as
wholesome family "infotainment" - a community
channel for Gujaratis anywhere in the world. It
provides a platform to promote and preserve
Gujarati culture. Zee Gujarati showcases a mix
of classic and contemporary programming,
including current affairs and festival-based
programs such as "Navratri" and "Garba." It also
provides a forum for Gujarat residents to
display their talent in art, music, literature,
dance, theater and handicrafts.
"ZEE Network provides the most comprehensive
range of South Asian programming in the world,"
said Dheeraj Kapuria, ZEE's President of
International Operations. "The launch of this
channel is further evidence of ZEE's commitment
to the South Asian community in the United
States." Customers can subscribe to Zee Gujarati
for only $14.99 per month on an "a la carte"
basis. Zee Gujarati will be broadcast on channel
623 at the 61.5° and 148° orbital locations and
at channel 809 at the 121° orbital location.
DISH Network existing customers will receive
a free preview of Zee Gujarati on channel 574 at
the 61.5° and 148° orbital locations through
July 7, 2005. Customers at the 121° orbital
location can enjoy the free preview on channel
809 through July 21, 2005.
Customers can contact 1-800-333-DISH (3474)
or their local retailer for more information on
how to subscribe to any of these packages. To
learn more about DISH Network's international
programming offers, customers can visit
www.dishnetwork.com or www.ZEEtvusa.com for ZEE
Network information.
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 ZEE Network and ZEE TV USA
The ZEE Network is the largest vertically
integrated media company in the South Asian
sphere. It has the widest range of programming
in all genres and multiple languages of interest
to South Asians. It is the largest South Asian
media company in the U.S. as well. It launched
its flagship channel, ZEE TV in 1998 and the
first 24-hour South Asian movie channel, ZEE
CINEMA in December 1999. |