DIRECTV launches Ukrainian channel in the United States (05/07/06)

DIRECTV launches Ukrainian channel in the United States

NEW YORK - On April 3, the satellite TV provider DIRECTV announced the addition of the first 24/7 Ukrainian channel in the United States, Studio 1+1 International, to its list of international programming. In the short interview below, DIRECTV Vice-President Aaron McNally discusses the new channel and its future.

Why did DIRECTV decide to add Studio 1+1 International to its list of programming?

This is not our first experience with multicultural programming. We started with Latin-American DIRECTV Para Todos packages in 1999. This was a very successful experience for us, which solidified our interest in multicultural media markets. Now we are running the comprehensive WorldDirect programming packages, which include international channels and programming in Chinese, Vietnamese, Hindi, Korean, Russian, Italian and now Ukrainian.

Continuing to grow our international platform with quality programming that enhances the lives of our customers remains a priority for DIRECTV, and we look forward to adding more international channels throughout the year.

Why did DIRECTV turn to Ukrainian market, specifically? How did you select the channel to be added?

Our choice is not accidental - the channels we picked have the best programming with the highest quality content, that is the most popular among viewers. Studio 1+1 International is a national Ukrainian-language television channel that is the leader in production of original Ukrainian programming and one of the most popular channels for Ukrainian viewers.

The channel will offer up-to-the-minute Ukrainian news, entertainment and political programming to Ukrainians living in the U.S., including "Novyny TSN," which offers news and information about what is happening in Ukraine and around the world; "Idu Na Vy," a talk show that focuses on sensitive issues of modern times in Ukraine; "Smachna Krayina," a cooking show hosted by Oleksander Ponomaryov, who offers his view on how to cook Ukrainian food, and many others.

We feel this is an important and historic time for Ukraine, and Studio 1+1 International will be a valuable resource for the more than 800,000 Ukrainians living in the United States and will help connect them to their home country.

How can readers subscribe to DIRECTV and the Ukrainian channel?

Just like any other satellite provider, we use several distribution channels. You can buy our service in such stores as Best Buy and Circuit City. We also use several independent dealers, use direct sales and other alternative sales options, like Telco's. You can subscribe to our service, including Studio 1+1 International, by calling 1-800-378-3309.

We offer a great subscription - free installation of our standard system in up to four rooms in your home - that includes a dish and up to four receivers. The system lease is free, you pay only $4.99/month for the second receiver and each additional one. We offer our subscribers a free lease of the DIRECTV DVR (with a $100 mail-in rebate). This digital videorecorder allows viewers to program in advance and record up to 40 hours of their favorite shows in digital quality. Right now we also offer a free three-month subscription to HBO, Showtime Unlimited, Starz Superpack and Cinemax. More information is available online at www.directv.com/international.

Does DIRECTV plan to expand its Ukrainian package? Do you plan to add any other channels?

We always seek new channels that would organically fit our existing packages. This goes for the Ukrainian package as well. Our goal is to include the channels of the highest quality, popularity and demand by viewers. We will gladly listen to our subscribers' opinions on this issue.

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