• March 19, 2003

DIRECTV Inc. announced 39 new markets where it plans to launch local channels by year end, bringing the total number of markets it will serve with local channels to 100, representing 84% of U.S. television households. DIRECTV also said it is evaluating plans to add more markets beyond the additional 39 markets by year-end or early 2004. DIRECTV today offers local channels in 52 markets. "The expansion of DIRECTV local channel markets this year is a linchpin of our strategy to be more competitive and continue to grow profitably at the expense of cable. The announcement of these new markets is a clear signal to cable providers that we're not conceding TV viewers in the medium size communities," said Roxanne Austin, president and COO of DIRECTV Inc. Earlier this year DIRECTV announced it would launch local broadcast channel service in up to 50 additional markets by year end, including 10 markets by mid-year, beginning with Richmond, Va., which launched on Jan. 16. Other markets scheduled for launch by mid-year include Colorado Springs, Colo.; Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Roanoke, Va.; Green Bay, Wis.; Tucson, Ariz.; Shreveport, La.; Jackson, Miss.; Louisville, Ky.; and Des Moines, Iowa.