ENGLEWOOD, Colo. & BURBANK, Calif--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 21, 2006--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) and its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service today announced that it will feature half-hour promotional specials of "Grey's Anatomy," "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" designed to help viewers follow the storylines on these popular series on its Video On Demand platform, DISH On Demand. 
 

The following specials will be available free of charge beginning today through Wednesday, Oct. 4, for DISH Network customers with a 622 or 625 receiver:

-- "Grey's Anatomy - Getting Into Grey's Anatomy"

-- "The Lost Survival Guide"

-- "Desperate Housewives: Time to Come Clean"

To order any of these shows, customers simply need to press the "DVR" button on their remote and select "TV Entertainment" from the menu screen, select the program they watch from the menu, and select "Start" to begin viewing.

DISH Network's DISH On Demand service gives customers the power to enjoy movies and other programs whenever they want. Customers have immediate access to the latest Video On Demand movies and television programs on DISH On Demand and can use the DVR features (pause, fast forward, rewind) to enhance their viewing experience.

"Providing DISH Network with this special content for their On Demand service is a perfect example of our desire to find new ways we can work together with our distribution partners," said Ben Pyne, president, Disney and ESPN Networks Affiliate Sales and Marketing. "This also marks an opportunity for both new viewers and returning fans to get caught up with ABC's biggest hit series before their new seasons begin."

"We strongly feel that the addition of content featuring ABC's popular hits such as 'Lost' and 'Desperate Housewives' further strengthens our DISH On Demand service," said Susan Arnold, vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "This is a great example of our commitment to provide our DISH On Demand customers with the best programming available."

Shonda Rhimes is creator and executive producer of "Grey's Anatomy." Mark Gordon, Betsy Beers, Peter Horton and Krista Vernoff are executive producers. "Grey's Anatomy" is a Touchstone Television Production. The series' third season premieres Thursday, Sept. 21, 9:00-10:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on ABC.

Marc Cherry is executive producer and creator of "Desperate Housewives." The series is produced by Touchstone Television and is the winner of both the 2005 and 2006 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy. The third season of "Desperate Housewives" premieres Sunday, Sept. 24, 9:00-10:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on ABC.

"Lost" was created by Jeffrey Lieber and J.J. Abrams & Damon Lindelof. Abrams, Lindelof, Bryan Burk, Jack Bender and Carlton Cuse serve as executive producers. "Lost," which is filmed entirely on location in Hawaii, is from Touchstone Television. The series' third season premieres Wednesday, Oct. 4, 9:00-10:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on ABC.

For more information or to subscribe to DISH Network, visit www.dishnetwork.com, call 1-800-333-DISH (3474), or contact your local DISH Network retailer.

About Disney-ABC Television Group

Disney-ABC Television Group is home to all of The Walt Disney Company's worldwide entertainment and news television properties. The Group includes the ABC Television Network, Disney Channel's worldwide portfolio of kids' channels, ABC Family and SOAPnet; as well as television production and syndication divisions Touchstone Television, Walt Disney Television Animation, Buena Vista Worldwide Television and Walt Disney Television International. Disney-ABC Television Group also manages the Radio Disney Network in addition to the Company's equity interest in Lifetime Entertainment Services, A&E Television Networks and E! Networks.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 12.46 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), 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. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).