ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 23, 2005--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) today announced that its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service is enhancing its 24-hour hurricane channel, providing critical information on issues related to both Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 
 

The channel, formerly called Katrina Information Network, is now called Emergency Response Information Network (ERIN), reflecting the expansion of the channel's scope.

ERIN is available on Ch. 206, free of charge to all DISH Network customers during the hurricane recovery period. As the channel develops to incorporate details related to Hurricane Rita, viewers will have access to a variety of information relating to both hurricanes, including key telephone numbers, a survivor list to help victims find their loved ones, and other updates provided by hurricane relief agencies. ERIN also provides information regarding evacuee employment assistance to help victims displaced by the hurricanes.

"We are making a proactive effort to provide information to our customers in the impending path of Hurricane Rita, and we are maintaining support for those in the Hurricane Katrina disaster areas," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for EchoStar. "DISH Network's Katrina Information Network and wide selection of news channels proved a powerful tool to provide consistent and reliable information regarding Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. ERIN will extend those efforts by providing additional information on the status of Hurricane Rita."

ERIN was developed by Flying Colors Broadcasts, a Washington, D.C.-based media production and distribution company.

"By launching an upgraded channel, ERIN, to incorporate communications related to Hurricane Rita, we hope to assist with relief preparations in anticipation of Rita, without losing focus on the continued recovery efforts related to Katrina," said Constance Chatfield-Taylor, president of Flying Colors Broadcasts. "We are pleased to continue our relationships with corporations such as EchoStar and continue to offer our support to evacuees."

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 11.4 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).

About Flying Colors Broadcasts & Flying Colors Interactive

Flying Colors Broadcasts, Inc. is a communications firm specializing in satellite transmissions, live event production, network operations, video production and communications consulting. Flying Colors Interactive is an Internet video services company providing webcasting, customized online campaigns and other multimedia solutions. www.fc-tv.com.