DIRECTV Expands International Programming Platform To Include Premier Polish-Language Channels

SOURCE: DIRECTV, Inc.; Monday November 27, 2006

‘EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Nov 27, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DIRECTV's international programming platform, WorldDirect(TM), is bringing Poland into living rooms across the United States with its new Polish-language programming tier PolishDirect(TM) and PolishDirect(TM) II.

These new packages offer a robust lineup of leading Polish-language video and radio programming. Beginning Nov. 29 the PolishDirect package will be available for $21.99 per month and include TV Polonia, TVP3 and Polskie Radio 1 and 3. DIRECTV customers can also subscribe to PolishDirect II, which will be available for $29.99 and include TV Polonia, TVP3, Tele5 and Polskie Radio 1 and 3.

"We understand the important role that traditional Polish culture plays in the lives of the more than 650,000 Polish-speaking Americans living in the United States," said Aaron McNally, vice president, International, DIRECTV, Inc. "We believe our new Polish-language programming packages will offer a unique and compelling lineup that will help customers maintain their Polish heritage and strengthen ties between family members of all ages. We look forward to bringing this valuable programming to our Polish-speaking customers across the country."

DIRECTV's new Polish-language programming lineup includes:

TV Polonia

TV Polonia is the premier Polish language channel broadcast by Telewizja Polska in Warsaw (Polish Public Broadcaster) for millions of Poles living abroad. It was the first 24/7 Polish television channel broadcast in America and now today, over a decade later, it still remains the most sought after Polish television channel in America. TV Polonia offers popular programming, such as the Polish news service "Wiadomosci," soap opera "M jak milosc," and popular sitcoms "Klan" and "Zlotopolscy."

TVP3

TVP3 offers programming geared toward news and current affairs. This channel delivers an array of interesting news broadcasts that highlight various regions of Poland. Its flagship program, "Kurier" (Courier), is an hourly news program that focuses on local news that is "close to the people."

Tele5 (Only available in PolishDirect II)

Tele5 is a unique Polish language channel that offers programming from different parts of the world, all in Polish. Viewers will see movies, mini-series and popular cooking shows, including "Buon Appetito," one of the best culinary programs on Polish television.
Polskie Radio 1

JEDYNKA (Polskie Radio 1) and TROJKA (Polskie Radio 3) of Polskie Radio in Warsaw are considered the "best of the best" radio channels in Poland. Both channels bring an "old country" flavor to their broadcast of news, current affairs, nationally acclaimed radio theater, and classical and contemporary Polish music. Music from Chopin and Lutoslawski, and literature and radio plays such as "W Jezioranach" and "Matysiakowie" can be found on Polskie Radio 1, while current affairs program Puls Trojki, and political talk show Zapraszamy do Trojki are available on Polskie Radio 3.

WorldDirect customers must first subscribe to DIRECTV BASIC ($9.99/mo.) or any DIRECTV base programming package ($29.99/mo. or above). For more information on how to receive PolishDirect(TM) or PolishDirect(TM) II, customers should call (800) 378-7410.

The DIRECTV WorldDirect(TM) platform has launched 46 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign-languages, including Arabic, Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian and Ukrainian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States. DIRECTV will continue to expand its international programming platform to reach more ethnic audiences.

DIRECTV customers will need to use a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a local channels package will require a second smaller dish.’