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EchoStar Introduces Local Channels To Va. and Tenn. Tri-Cities

By Staff Writer | February 19, 2004

      Englewood, Colo.-based EchoStar Communications [DISH] announced its DISH Network would begin offering local TV channels by satellite television to the Tri-Cities area of Virginia and Tennesee.

      For the first time, CBS Channel 11 (WJHL), NBC Channel 5 (WCYB), FOX Channel 39 (WEMT) and PBS Channel 47 (WSBN) would be available from a satellite TV provider, EchoStar officials said.

      The local channels will enhance EchoStar as an alternative to local cable TV service. Local channels will be offered at $5.99 per month, with a $1 credit for DISH Network customers in the Tri-Cities area until the local ABC affiliate is added to the local programming package.

      DISH Network offers local channels via satellite to Tri-Cities, Tenn. – Va. customers in eight Virginia counties including: Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Washington and Wise. Tri-Cities local channels are also available in seven Tennessee counties including Carter, Greene, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington, as well as Leslie and Letcher counties in Kentucky.

      “The availability of local channels on DISH Network gives TV viewers in the Tri-Cities area an even more compelling reason to switch from cable,” said Michael Schwimmer, senior vice president of programming at EchoStar. “Customers who are fed up with the cable companies’ outrageous rate increases now have access to local news, weather and sports via all- digital satellite TV — only on DISH Network — at an affordable price.”