BabyFirstTV Pronounced Distinguished Winner of an iParenting Media Award for “Greatest Products of 2006”

LOS ANGELES, Calif., November 8, 2006 – BabyFirstTV (www.BabyFirstTV.com), the only premium network in the United States dedicated to providing rich, positive content for babies and toddlers, is an honored recipient of an iParenting Media Award for one of the  “Greatest Products of the Year for 2006.”  After evaluating hundreds of products by their experienced reviewers team, iParenting Media classifies BabyFirstTV as a superior product in the children’s television category among only seven other winners.

“We are proud and delighted to be an iParenting Media Award Winner,” said Sharon Rechter, executive vice president, Business Development and Marketing and one of BabyFirstTV’s founders.  “The feedback and recognition we have received from our subscriber base has been incredibly positive and earning this award further demonstrates BabyFirstTV’s mission of providing high-quality, engaging and delightful content for babies and their parents.

With support from its Advisory Board of leading experts in children’s education, psychology and development, BabyFirstTV ensures its programming is of high quality and appropriate for children under the age of three.  The Board provides their “stamp of approval” on all BabyFirstTV programs to verify they offer a safe, positive learning environment with no commercials, no violence and no over-sensory stimulants. 

Featuring 80 percent original content and programming from popular children’s DVDs, BabyFirstTV provides opportunities for parents to bond, learn and explore with their baby.  With interactive subtitles and unique color-coded programming that demonstrates the educational value of each program from language to math to music, BabyFirstTV provides parents with the tools to transform television into an active learning opportunity with their child.  The network also offers a series just for parents offering tips and advice on various parenting topics.

“I think this is a fine channel,” said an iParenting Media Award’s reviewer.  “Many of the segments are charming and certainly educational.  Several of the segments introduced original ways of presenting ideas and the graphics were nice too.”

The network is currently available for $9.99 a month on DirecTV and DISH network and offers hundreds of hours of high-quality original programming including award-winning DVD content for less than the price of a single baby DVD.

About BabyFirstTV

BabyFirstTV is the first network in the U.S. dedicated to providing rich, innovative and inspiring content designed to enhance baby’s development in a delightful and engaging way.  Supported by leading child development experts, the network is specifically tailored to meet the needs of babies in a safe and engaging commercial-free learning environment.  Featuring 80 percent original content, BabyFirstTV offers parents a positive way to bond with baby and help foster learning and development.  BabyFirstTV is a distinguished iParenting Media Award winner of one of the “greatest products of the year in 2006.”  For more information, go to www.BabyFirstTV.com.

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BabyFirstTV Expands Popular Baby and Toddler Line Up with ParentsFirst – a New Programming Series for Parents

First of Its Kind Channel Responds to Parents’ Desire for More Information on Baby and Toddler Care and Development

LOS ANGELES, Calif., August 28, 2006 – BabyFirstTV (www.BabyFirstTV.com), the only premium channel in the United States dedicated to providing rich, positive content for babies and toddlers, announced today the addition of a new parenting strip called ParentsFirst. The new series features helpful tips and advice on popular parenting topics with some of the programs offered in 15-minute intervals for busy moms. ParentsFirst initially will air for one hour daily during evening hours (7:30 PM EST), with the remaining programs throughout the day still focused on providing innovative educational programming for babies and toddlers in a commercial-free environment.

“The goal of ParentsFirst is to supply today’s parents, who have so many questions and so little time, with an informative, easy to understand and trustworthy source of information regarding all the essential issues of parenting,” said Sharon Rechter, executive vice president, Business Development and Marketing and one of BabyFirstTV’s founders. “We have heard from many parents that they are looking for more reliable information about how to care for their babies and toddlers, and launching our parents’ series was a natural extension to our current program line up.”

A snapshot of the new programming for parents that debuts today includes:

• “Baby Basics” – a magazine-style program hosted by leading child psychologist, Lynne Kenney, Psy.D., that provides helpful tips for parents including art, music and even cooking activities to do with their toddlers. Easily accessible via the On Demand menu, parents can select from a wide range of topics including daily baby care, parenting tips for toddlers, behavior and discipline, cognitive skills development, language and play. 
•  “Family Wellness” – an activity-based program hosted by Shawn Killinger, a former anchor and lifestyle reporter for several local CBS and Fox stations throughout the country. Designed to provide parents with healthy lifestyle tips, inspiration and encouragement for healthier living, the program inspires parents to learn more about enhancing family wellness through yoga, baby massage, sensory activities, socialization and play. 
•  “Baby Diaries” – a real life family documentary that takes parents on a delightful and inspirational journey into the lives of five families to learn about their personal parenting styles, philosophies and interests. As parents offer a variety of diverse parenting styles, viewers receive assurance that they’re not alone in their experiences with sleepless nights, energetic children and meals on the go.

“When you are a new parent and are faced with so many responsibilities and decisions at once, you can easily feel overwhelmed,” said Dr. Lynne Kenney, Psy.D, host of the “Baby Basics” show. “This is why I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to host a parenting show on BabyFirstTV and provide a place for busy parents to turn to for tips and advice every day.”

New BabyFirstTV Program Additions

In addition to the new parents’ series, BabyFirstTV is adding two new series to its existing line up of more than 40 programs geared towards the developmental needs of babies and toddlers up to three years of age. “Symfollies™” features an animated family of string instruments who experience fantastic adventures. The series brings classical music from composers such as Beethoven and Mozart to a visual level, introducing viewers to colorful worlds of three-dimensional animation, classical music and imaginative stories. BabyFirstTV will also offer content from the award-winning series “So Smart!™” The program blends adorable animated characters, simple story themes and a gentle pace to introduce the world of shapes, letters, words, color and music to little ones. “So Smart!” DVDs, books and music have won more than 30 national parenting awards.

With interactive subtitles and a unique color-coding system, BabyFirstTV provides parents with the tools to transform television into an interactive learning opportunity with their child. The channel’s content is supervised and supported by a worldwide Advisory Board that provides academic supervision as a key to ensuring programming quality. The Board provides their “stamp of approval” on all BabyFirstTV programs and ensures that they offer a safe, positive learning environment with no commercials, no violence and no over-sensory stimulants.

Availability

Subscribers currently can order BabyFirstTV programming for $9.99 a month on DirecTV and DISH networks and have access to hundreds of hours of high-quality original programming, award-winning DVD content, and interactive capabilities that make it an engaging experience for both baby and parents.

About BabyFirstTV

BabyFirstTV is the first channel in the U.S. dedicated to providing rich, innovative and inspiring content designed to enhance baby’s development in a delightful and engaging way. Supported by leading child development experts, the network is specifically tailored to meet the needs of babies in a safe and inspiring commercial-free learning environment. Featuring 80 percent original content, BabyFirstTV offers parents a positive way to bond with baby and help foster learning and development. For more information, go to www.BabyFirstTV.com.

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Nation’s First and Only Channel Dedicated to Babies and Toddlers Now Available to DISH Network Customers

Englewood, Colo., and Los Angeles, Calif. – June 12, 2006 – EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) today announced its DISH Network™ satellite TV service now offers BabyFirstTV, a 24-hour commercial-free channel dedicated to babies, toddlers and their parents. BabyFirstTV is supported by top child development experts and is designed to provide an opportunity for babies to learn, play and bond with their parents.

BabyFirstTV is available on DISH Network ch.126 as an a la carte option for $9.99 per month. BabyFirstTV will also be available to preview for free beginning June 15 through July 11 as part of DISH Network’s Preview Showroom on ch. 288.

“The monthly cost of BabyFirstTV is lower than the price of a single baby DVD, making BabyFirstTV a great value to our customers,” said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. “Subscribers can get hundreds of hours of high-quality programming at a fraction of the price of buying DVDs with similar content.”

“We are delighted that DISH Network has incorporated BabyFirstTV in its line-up, allowing thousands of new households the opportunity to experience our rich, innovative programming” said Sharon Rechter, executive vice president, Business Development and Marketing and one of BabyFirstTV’s founders. “Our market research indicates a demand for affordable, age-appropriate content for young children and their parents, and this agreement allows even more families to enjoy this unique offering.”

BabyFirstTV programming features:

• Award-winning original content – Eighty percent of BabyFirstTV programming is original and customized for infants and toddlers from six months to three years old, and features 43 original programs such as “Rainbow Horse,” “Sandman” and “I Can Sign.”

• Award-wining baby DVD brands – BabyFirstTV’s programming includes popular baby DVDs such as Brainy Baby™, First Impressions™, So Smart™ and Baby Songs™.

• Color-coded programming guide – The BabyFirstTV flower logo changes colors according the content of the programming being shown to help inform parents about the educational value of each program. For example, green for the Sensory Wonderland category, blue for the Numbers Parade category, etc.

• Interactive subtitles for parents – BabyFirstTV offers subtitles for parents to guide them on words and movements to use with the baby during the programs.

• Multi-layer content – BabyFirstTV content is adaptable to the different levels of a baby’s development, so children at various levels and age groups can focus on something different within the same program.

For more information on BabyFirstTV 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 BabyFirstTV

BabyFirstTV is the first channel in the U.S. dedicated to providing rich, innovative inspiring content designed to enhance baby’s development in a delightful and engaging way. Supported by leading child development experts, the network is specifically tailored to meet the needs of babies in a safe and inspiring commercial-free learning environment. Featuring 80 percent original content, BabyFirstTV offers parents a positive way to bond with baby and help foster learning and development. For more information, go to www.BabyFirstTV.com.

About EchoStar Communications

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 12.2 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network, 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 or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

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DIRECTV and BabyFirstTV Transform Traditional Television with the Launch of First-of-its-Kind Channel Dedicated to Babies and Toddlers

Groundbreaking New Channel Offers an Interactive Co-Viewing Experience for Children and Parents

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., May 11, 2006 – DIRECTV Inc., the nation’s leading digital television service provider, will be the first to offer the new BabyFirstTV (www.BabyFirstTV.com) channel to its customers today. BabyFirstTV is a new premium channel in the United States dedicated to providing rich, positive content for babies, toddlers and their parents. The channel is created by leading experts in child development and education, and provides interactive opportunities for parents and baby to bond, learn and explore together. BabyFirstTV gives parents an incredible value with access to hundreds of hours of new and different programming for less than the price of a single baby-branded DVD. As part of BabyFirstTV’s national rollout, DIRECTV will offer subscribers free access to the programming for the month of May in celebration of Mother’s Day (a $9.99 value).

Supported by top child development experts, BabyFirstTV specifically is tailored to meet the needs of babies up to three years of age in a safe and inspiring commercial-free learning environment. The channel transforms traditional TV into a developmental interactive tool that relies on television as a means to deliver high-quality programming and an engaging experience for both parents and baby. Featuring 80 percent original content, BabyFirstTV offers parents a positive way to bond with baby and help foster learning and development.

“BabyFirstTV offers unique, interactive features and content that makes it different than any other children’s programming or DVDs in the market today,” said Sharon Rechter, executive vice president, Business Development and Marketing and one of BabyFirstTV’s founders. “We created BabyFirstTV to provide parents with affordable and age-appropriate content – offering new opportunities to interact with their children. The channel offers a positive, educational and engaging experience for babies during their early stages of learning, while providing high quality content when and where parents want it.”

“We have seen a strong demand for high-quality programming for babies and their parents that is safe and suitable for young viewers, and content that can help them bond and interact together,” said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, DIRECTV. “DIRECTV is excited to give free subscriptions to BabyFirstTV for the month of May to express our gratitude to all the inspiring parents who are looking for new, innovative ways to bond and learn with their children.”

BabyFirstTV Programming Features

BabyFirstTV offers the following programming elements to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for both parents and their children:

• Original and Award-Winning Content: BabyFirstTV features 80 percent original content customized for infants and toddlers from six months to three years old – including more than 38 original programs such as “Rainbow Horse,” “Sandman” and “I Can Sign.” The channel also offers parents the popular and award-winning baby DVD brands, including Brainy Baby™, First Impressions™, So Smart™ and Baby Songs™. BabyFirstTV has an agreement with Sterling Publishing (owned by Barnes & Noble) to incorporate many children’s books into their “Story Time” program.

• Interactive Parents’ Subtitles: The channel offers subtitles for parents to guide them on words and movements to use with baby during the programs – making the experience as interactive and engaging as reading a book.

• Color-coded Programming Guide: BabyFirstTV helps inform parents about the educational value of each segment with its unique color-coded system. The BabyFirstTV flower logo changes colors according to the specific program content. For example, blue for Numbers Parade, red for Language Playground, etc. 

• Multi-layer Content: BabyFirstTV content is adaptable to the different levels of a baby’s development. Each show offers elements that can appeal to younger babies and older toddlers simultaneously, so children at various levels and age groups can focus on something different within the same program.

• Flexible Programming: BabyFirstTV features programming, as well as video-on-demand (VOD) capabilities to offer parents access to content when and where they want it. The channel also offers content for different times of the day – daytime programs engage and delight baby, while evening content helps soothe the baby to prepare for sleep.

• Best Value for Money: BabyFirstTV provides hundreds of hours of high-quality programming for a fraction of the price of existing baby-DVDs. The channel’s monthly fee ($9.99) is lower than the price of a single baby-DVD.

• Programming Just for Parents (Coming Soon): By Summer 2006, BabyFirstTV will offer one hour of daily programming (extended to two hours in 2007) geared only to parents, offering tips and advice, including proper nutrition, safety, etc.

Parent and Child Co-Viewing Experience

Many babies watch television on a daily basis; in fact, 68 percent of children under two watch on-screen media every day*. Understanding that television is a part of today’s environment, BabyFirstTV provides parents with the tools to transform television into an active learning and interaction opportunity with their child. The programming features interactive subtitles and a unique color-coded system that helps inform parents about the specific value of each segment – as the flower logo changes color, parents can identify the educational focus of the program. Starting today, parents can download a Parents’ Guide on the BabyFirstTV Web site to access tips and guidance for their children’s television viewing and ultimately take an active role in their overall development.

BabyFirstTV’s content is supervised and supported by a worldwide Advisory Board that provides academic supervision as a key to ensuring programming quality. The board is comprised of leading child psychologists and development experts, including: Dr. Edward McCabe, M.D., Ph.D, professor and executive chair of the UCLA Dept. of Pediatrics, and physician-in-chief of the Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA; Dr. Arthur Pober, BabyFirstTV chief educational officer; Dr. Richard Woolfson, author and child psychologist; Dr. Mary Ann LoFrumento, author, pediatrician and parenting expert; Dr. Lynne Kenney Markan, child psychologist and parenting expert; and Reveta Bowers, administrator and head of school at The Center for Early Education. The Board provides their “stamp of approval” on all BabyFirstTV programs and ensures that they offer a safe, positive learning environment with no commercials, no violence and no over-sensory stimulants.

“We’re trying to redefine the way traditional television is perceived – it’s more than a box in your living room,” said Dr. Edward McCabe, M.D., Ph.D, physician-in-chief, Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA and BabyFirstTV Advisory Board member. “When used responsibly, television can be a powerful interactive medium that provides parents with unique opportunities to bond with their children. The key is the quality and interactive nature of the content, and this is what BabyFirstTV offers to parents.”

Availability

BabyFirstTV is available today for the first time on DIRECTV for $9.99 a month. In celebration of Mother’s Day, DIRECTV is offering subscribers free access to the channel throughout the month of May.

About DIRECTV, Inc.

DIRECTV, Inc. is the nation's leading digital television service provider with more than 15 million customers. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment. DIRECTV is approximately 37 percent owned by News Corporation.

About BabyFirstTV

BabyFirstTV is the first channel in the U.S. dedicated to providing rich, innovative and inspiring content designed to enhance baby’s development in a delightful and engaging way. Supported by leading child development experts, the network is specifically tailored to meet the needs of babies in a safe and inspiring commercial-free learning environment. Featuring 80 percent original content, BabyFirstTV offers parents a positive way to bond with baby and help foster learning and development. For more information, go to www.BabyFirstTV.com.

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* Kaiser Family Foundation, “Zero to Six: Electronic Media in the Lives of Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers,” Fall 2003