ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 29, 1996--EchoStar Communications Corp. (NASDAQ:DISH) today announced that their recently launched EchoStar II satellite will begin broadcasting an exciting new schedule of the most popular programming choices to DISH Network(SM) customers on Nov. 1, 1996.

EchoStar II will give viewers of DISH Network's already value-packed lineup even more viewing choices with the addition of regional sports channels, expanded Premium Service packages, additional Spanish-language programming, increased Pay-Per-View and some of the most asked-for new services such as ESPNEWS Network, Sundance Channel and Discovery Channel's Animal Planet.

The new programming package, America's Top 50, will include BET (Black Entertainment Television), C-Span 2, Animal Planet, ESPNEWS, Game Show Channel, NET (National Empowerment Television), WSBK (UPN-Boston). This package will also include all of America's Top 40 and DISH CD while the price will remain $24.99 a month.

"DISH Network is pleased to add such a diverse group of programmers to our already strong programming packages," said Carl Vogel, president, EchoStar Communications Corp. "While our competitors are dropping channels and raising rates, DISH Network is committed to providing our viewers with increased programming choices at the best prices, making our programming packages the best value in satellite and cable television today."

The Fox Sports Network (formerly Liberty Satellite Sports) will also debut on Nov. 1, bringing DISH Network customers in-region games from NBA, NHL, and Major League Baseball along with top conferences such as the Big 12 Conference, the PAC-10 Conference, and Conference USA.

The regional sports lineup is: Fox Sports Southwest, Fox Sports West, Fox Sports Pittsburgh, Fox Sports Midwest, Fox Sports Rocky Mountain, Fox Sports Northwest, MSG, Sunshine, PASS, HTS, SportSouth, NESN, Empire Sports Network and Midwest Sports Channel. An out-of-market sports package is expected to be available at a later date.

DISH Network is also expanding its Premium Service offerings with two new services: Sundance Channel and FLIX. Sundance Channel, under the creative direction of Robert Redford, premieres the best in new independent films -- uncut and commercial free, 24-hours a day. FLIX offers favorite movies and stars from the 60s, 70s and 80s, also uncut and commercial free. In addition, DISH Network will present an eight channel MultiChannel HBO/Cinemax package for $15 monthly and a fifteen channel Premium Value Pack for $25 monthly.

The Premium Value Pack includes MultiChannel Cinemax (3 channels), MultiChannel HBO (5 channels) and Multichannel Showtime, Multichannel TMC, FLIX and Sundance (7 channels).

DISH-On-Demand, DISH Network's Pay-Per-View service is expanding to ten channels of movies, sports, concerts and other special events.

A sample of just some of the great package offerings available on DISH Network are America's Top 50 which includes the 50 most popular television programming channels, including the The Disney Channel, for only $24.99 a month; America's Top 50 plus one MultiChannel premium service such as the seven channel package of Showtime, TMC, FLIX and Sundance Channel for $34.99 a month; America's Top 50 with MultiChannel HBO and Cinemax for a monthly charge of $39.99. America's Top 50 is also available with the Premium Pack for $49.99 a month.

DISH (Digital Sky Highway) Network, EchoStar Communications Corp.'s state-of-the-art DBS system currently offers retailers and consumers over 100 channels of audio and video programming, fully MPEG-2/DVB hardware, installation, financing and leasing. EchoStar Communications Corp., headquartered in Englewood, Colo., is also a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of satellite television products and the only U.S. provider of state-of-the-art, fully MPEG-2/DVB compliant satellite television systems.

The company is a single, convenient source for equipment distribution, sales, installation and service; consumer financing; and programming distribution; and is widely recognized in the industry for its research and development activities. EchoStar is a registered trademark of Echosphere Corp.

DISH Network is a service mark of EchoStar Communications Corp. DISH Network is located on the Internet at: http://www.dishnetwork.com

NEW PROGRAMMING ADDITIONS

ESPNEWS is the definitive 24-hour sports news network from ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports. In conjunction with ESPNET SportsZone, the most-visited content site on the Internet, ESPNEWS will provide continuous scores, highlights, analysis, statistics and breaking news...making it the source for up-to-the-minute sports news.

WSBK (UPN-Boston) programming offers the best from the 60s to the 90s including classic comedies, timeless and contemporary hit movies and popular shows of today such as Star Trek Voyager, Beverly Hills 90210 and Babylon 5. WSBK provides quality children's programming, news, talk shows, exercise and business programs. In addition, live coverage of Boston's professional sports teams and other great sports action including golf, WCW Wrestling and sports talk shows.

ANIMAL PLANET, Discovery Network's newest service, features a full range of premiere animal programming 24-hours a day from Discovery Network's natural history library, including documentaries, drama and family entertainment.

NET: NATIONAL EMPOWERMENT TELEVISION is America's most provocative new channel. Broadcasting from Washington D.C., NET offers 24 hours a day of interactive, brash and irreverent public affairs programs. Hosted by a score of well-known Washington insiders, NET's original programs uncover Washington's intrigue and probe all the hot issues.

BET is the nation's first and only television network providing a platform for quality programming highlighting African-American culture. Viewers find BET not only entertaining but also educational. BET represents the best in entertainment, trend-setting music videos, news, public affairs, jazz, specials, off-network sitcoms, gospel and college sports.

C-SPAN 2 also offers unique news and information programming, including 24-hour coverage of important political events from Washington D.C. and around the nation. C-Span 2 focuses its coverage on the U.S. Senate.

FLIX has all the movies you grew up with -- your favorite movies and stars from the 60s, 70s and 80s the way they were meant to be seen -- all uncut and commercial-free. FLIX has a fun festival every Monday night, and the movie greats that will entice you, excite you and most of all, entertain you.

SUNDANCE CHANNEL, under the creative direction of Robert Redford, premieres the best in new independent films, from world premieres to award-winning films and first-time-on-television works -- uncut and commercial free, 24 hours a day. Feature films, documentaries, shorts and animation that form the leading edge of filmmaking today.

GAME SHOW NETWORK features exclusive, original, live interactive game shows, newly produced specials and selections of classic programs from a vast, proprietary library.

CONTACT: EchoStar Communications Corp., Englewood

Judianne Atencio, 303/799-8222 X 5112

e-mail: atenjud@echostar.com

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