EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) and its DISH Network™ satellite TV service, along with TVG Network (TVG), announced today the launch of the first, nationwide Interactive Television Horseracing channel. The new ITV channel will allow TVG Network viewers to access the latest news and information from the world of horseracing and, in certain markets, to participate in pari-mutuel wagering on horse races using their DISH Network satellite TV system.

"DISH Network is proud to be the first nationwide provider to bring the exciting experience of interactive TV horseracing and wagering to the living room," said Scott Higgins, director of Interactive TV Programming for DISH Network. "Customers in many states can enjoy live TVG horseracing and wagering with convenient access to track schedules at their fingertips."

The rollout of the new TVG Interactive Horseracing channel begins today and by the end of March will reach more than 10 million ITV-enabled DISH Network subscribers who can access track information, race statistics and more. DISH Network provides the most ITV channels in the United States and is the world leader in the number of ITV-enabled homes.

"We are very excited to offer this cutting-edge product and to open new ways for TVG viewers to interact with our premium, live televised horseracing programming," said Ryan O'Hara, president of TVG. "DISH Network was first to carry the TVG Network in 1999 and has proven to be the continued leader in interactive television."

The TVG ITV Horseracing channel allows DISH Network customers convenient access to the latest racing news; live odds; probable payoffs; picks and handicapping information; race conditions; and up-to-the-minute race results on horse races televised live by TVG.

Wagering for marquee races such as the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships is also available on TVG's ITV Horseracing channel. Customers can access TVG's ITV Horseracing channel as well as place wagers through an account with TVG in the following 12 states: California, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.

Using the new ITV Horseracing channel, TVG viewers can get racing information and, for eligible subscribers, place wagers via their DISH Network set-top boxes on races at any of TVG's exclusive partner tracks including Aqueduct, Arlington Park, Belmont Park, Calder, Churchill Downs, Del Mar, Ellis Park, Emerald Downs, Fairplex Park, Hollywood Park, Hoosier Park, Keeneland, Los Alamitos, Oak Tree at Santa Anita, Prairie Meadows, Ruidoso Downs, Saratoga Raceway, Saratoga Race Course, Turf Paradise and Turfway Park.

DISH Network subscribers can access the TVG ITV Horseracing channel through selectable pop-up messages on TVG Network, Ch. 405, or through the sports section in "dish home," Ch. 100. To participate, customers must be at least 21 years of age and subscribe to a TVG Network wagering account and establish a password-protected TVG Network account. To open a TVG wagering account, participants can call TVG at 1-888-PLAY-TVG (752-9884). An account can also be set up through the TVG website at www.TVG.com. TVG's ITV Horseracing channel supports multiple wagers such as win, place, show, exacta, quinella, trifecta, superfecta, daily double and more. Currently, TVG Network viewers can interact with and, where available by law, wager on horse races via www.tvg.com or by phone.

DISH Network customers with the following satellite receivers can use their remote controls to access the TVG Interactive Horseracing channel: Model 3900, Model 4900, DISH 501, DISH 508, DISH Player-DVR 510, DISH 322, DISH Player-DVR 522, DISH 301 and DISH 311. DISH Network offers more than 20 channels of interactive TV channels, including games, sports, news and children's programs.

For more information, call 1-800-333 DISH (3474) or go to www.dishnetwork.com. For print quality images of TVG screens, visit www.dishnetwork.com and click "About Us," and "Press Room."

About EchoStar Communications Corporation

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 11 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network, the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last four 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. DISH Network ranks No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction among Cable/Satellite TV Subscribers by J.D. Power and Associates. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

About TVG Network

TVG Network is the most widely-available interactive horseracing network, reaching nearly 14 million subscribers and featuring live horseracing from America's premier racetracks as well as original programming for racing's major events. TVG Network is a subsidiary of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.

Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.

Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc., is a leading media and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes technologies, products and services targeted at the television guidance and home entertainment needs of consumers worldwide. The Company's businesses include: television media and publishing properties; interactive program guide services and products; and technology and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at www.gemstartvguide.com.

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties related to declines in our magazine business; timely availability and market acceptance of products and services incorporating the Company's technologies and content; our new initiatives aimed at increasing advertising revenues at the TV Guide Channel; the impact of competitive products and pricing; ongoing and potential future litigation; and the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the most recent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, each as it may be amended from time to time. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Note to Editors: Gemstar and TV Guide are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. The names of other companies and products used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.