ENGLEWOOD, Colo. & ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 13, 2006--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) and NBC Universal Cable today announced the launch of Sleuth on DISH Network(TM). 
 

Sleuth is a 24-hour channel dedicated to the crime, mystery and suspense genres featuring popular TV shows such as "Miami Vice," "Knight Rider," "The A-Team" and "Homicide: Life on the Streets," in addition to movies such as "Scarface," "Casino," "Daylight" and "The Jackal."

"Sleuth is a unique channel and fits a niche demographic of consumers who enjoy the mystery and crime genres," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "With hundreds of channels to choose from, DISH Network offers programming that customers want to watch at prices they want to pay."

"Sleuth is now available to more than 22 million subscribers, thanks to the support of our partners, like EchoStar," said David Zaslav, president, NBC Universal Cable and Domestic TV and New Media Distribution. "The crime/mystery/suspense genre continues to generate a strong interest from our affiliates and from our viewers."

Sleuth is now located on DISH Network Ch. 198 and is available to customers who subscribe to America's Top 180 programming package for $49.99 per month or America's Everything Pack for $84.99 per month.

"We feel rewarded that EchoStar has added Sleuth - crime and mystery shows and movies are the most popular, and we think viewers will have fun connecting with our programs and special stunts," said Dan Harrison, senior vice president, Emerging Networks for NBC Universal Cable Entertainment.

For more information on Sleuth or DISH Network, customers can contact DISH Network at 1-800-333-DISH (3474), or their local retailer. To learn more about DISH Network's programming offers, visit www.dishnetwork.com.

About Sleuth

Sleuth, an NBC Universal Cable digital suite of networks launched in first quarter 2006, is the premier entertainment cable channel dedicated to the popular crime/mystery/suspense genre, 24/7. Sleuth features exclusive crime and mystery programming from NBC Universal's extensive collection of feature films, classic television shows, reality series and documentaries, from "Miami Vice" and "Homicide" to "Scarface" and "Casino." The unique Sleuth digital suite will include video on demand (VOD) content and a high-definition (HD) simulcast. To uncover more, visit: www.sleuthchannel.com.

About EchoStar Communications

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 12.2 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), and is a leading U.S. provider of advanced digital television services. DISH Network's services include 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 Web site at www.echostar.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

About NBC Universal Cable

NBC Universal Cable, a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's preeminent media companies, drives the company's cable strategic development and growth including video-on-demand, pay-per-view, HDTV, TV EST (electronic sell-through), TV Wireless distribution and retransmission consent, and oversees the cable distribution, marketing and local ad sales of 14 properties (Bravo, CNBC, CNBC World, MSNBC, mun2, NBC Weather Plus, SCI FI, ShopNBC, Sleuth, Telemundo, Telemundo Puerto Rico, Universal HD, USA and the Olympics on cable). NBC Universal Cable also directs and manages the company's cable and new media investments including A&E, The History Channel, History Channel International, The Biography Channel, National Geographic International, the Sundance Channel and Tivo.