News & Deals
DIRECTV's "NASCAR Head-2-Head Knockout" Brings First-Ever Bracket Competition For
Charity to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series(TM), Intensifying Driver Rivalries With A 'Race Within
A Race'
Drivers Battle it Out For Their Favorite Charity;
Fans Get a Chance to win $1 Million for Picking the Perfect Bracket
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., (Feb 16, 2010) --
DIRECTV, the exclusive provider of the NASCAR HOTPASS(TM) broadcast, teams up with FOX Sports and NASCAR(R) to announce the inaugural DIRECTV's NASCAR(R) Head-2-Head Knockout competition - an innovative new bracket-format competition that will showcase existing and new rivalries amongst 32 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series(TM) drivers in a high-stakes contest over the course of four races during the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series(TM) schedule.
The unique DIRECTV bracket-format competition breaks new promotional ground for NASCAR(R) racing as it will be the first time in the sport's history that drivers will compete in a bracket, head-to-head fashion, for charity.
The stakes are high for both drivers and spectators alike as winning drivers will build up cash prizes each week, with a total of $500,000 donated to charity during the course of the program. Consumers participating in the bracket have a chance to win a new car and the ultimate prize, a check for $1 million dollars to the person who picks a perfect bracket. Fans can get more information now by visiting www.directv.com/nascar and can begin entering their brackets on April 11. The program will also be promoted at NASCAR.COM.
The competition divides 32 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series(TM) drivers into four regional brackets, with each driver going head-tohead against a new competitor each week in a single elimination format. Participating drivers advance to subsequent rounds by finishing higher than the driver they're matched up against each week. In classic "tournament" fashion, rounds one through three will narrow the field down to "The Fastest Four" who will trade paint for DIRECTV's NASCAR(R) Head 2 Head Knockout Championship at Darlington Raceway.
The initial 32 drivers will be comprised of the 12 drivers who participated in the 2009 Sprint Cup Chase and the winners of the first seven races of the 2010 Sprint Cup Series. The 13 remaining bids will be determined by a selection committee to round out the 32-man field.
Following is a schedule for DIRECTV's NASCAR(R) Head-2-Head Knockout competition in 2010:
Round One on April 18 (Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway)
Round Two on April 25 (Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway)
Round Three on May 1 (Crown Royal presents "The Heath Calhoun 400", Richmond International Raceway)
"The Fastest Four" on May 8 (Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway)
"Given DIRECTV's passion for absolutely anything sports related, we're excited to partner with NASCAR(R) and FOX to showcase some of the intense rivalries that we all know exist within the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series(TM)," said Jon Gieselman, senior vice president of Advertising and Public Relations for DIRECTV. "It will be exciting to watch the mano-a-mano match-ups unfold, creating a whole new competitive dynamic for our customers to enjoy on four Sundays this spring."
"DIRECTV's NASCAR(R) Head-2-Head Knockout competition is another example of DIRECTV's commitment to NASCAR(R) and our fans," said Jim O'Connell, NASCAR's Vice President of Corporate Marketing and International Development. "We are thrilled to have DIRECTV as a long time partner and look forward to our fans following the match ups on the NASCAR HOTPASS(R) broadcast."
NASCAR HOTPASS(R), DIRECTV's exclusive broadcast that allows you to experience the race from the driver's vantage point, will transform into the ultimate way to track your brackets during the four-week competition and will be the best way to follow along.
DIRECTV and Panasonic Bring 3D Home
DIRECTV - First Television Provider to Launch 3D in the Home -Will Soon Deliver Three Dedicated 3D
Channels Presented by Panasonic
LAS VEGAS., (Jan 06, 2010) --
DIRECTV, the world's most popular television service, and Panasonic, a world leader in HDTV and digital electronics, announced today a strategic relationship that, for the first time, will bring 3D TV, the next frontier of television entertainment, to the largest audience nationwide. Beginning in June 2010, millions of DIRECTV HD customers will receive a free software upgrade enabling them to have access to three dedicated 3D channels through their 3D television sets, such as Panasonic's VIERA Full HD 3D TVs.
Panasonic will be the exclusive presenting sponsor of DIRECTV's new HD 3D channels, which will deliver movies, sports and entertainment content from some of the world's most renowned 3D producers. DIRECTV and Panasonic will leverage current relationships with programming partners and movie studios to obtain new and existing 3D content. DIRECTV is currently working with AEG/AEG Digital Media, CBS, Fox Sports/FSN, Golden Boy Promotions, HDNet, MTV, NBC Universal and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., to develop additional 3D programming that will debut in 2010-2011. The sponsorship will feature Panasonic branding on all DIRECTV 3D channels for a one-year period.
"We led the way with HD and we are excited to do the same with 3D," said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "Adding the most HD channels to our lineup gave customers a viewing experience that was incredibly lifelike; adding 3D to the mix will take that one step further allowing them to become part of the cast as the picture comes to life in their
living rooms. We are taking a technology that at one time could only be seen in a theater and bringing it into the living rooms of the largest audience in the United States. By partnering with Panasonic, we are bringing together two industry leaders to deliver the most advanced television technology available today and together we are continuing to set the standard for the best television viewing experience available."
"Panasonic has been developing 3D standards for television for several years, and we believe it represents a fundamentally new experience in home entertainment because it adds the immersive nature of real life," said Yoshi Yamada, chairman & CEO of Panasonic Corporation of North America. "Our relationship with DIRECTV is a core component of our 'end-to-end' strategy of
building out an entire 3D entertainment ecosystem. From leading the development of the Full HD 3D standard for Blu-ray Disc to launching Full HD 3D stereoscopic prosumer camcorders; to now supporting broadcast of 3D content by DIRECTV; to introducing a broad line of Full HD 3D VIERA televisions and a Full HD 3D Blu-ray player in 2010; our commitment to 3D is unquestioned in the industry."
At launch, the new DIRECTV HD 3D programming platform, powered by Panasonic, will offer a 24/7 3D pay per view channel focused on movies, documentaries and other programming, a 24/7 3D DIRECTV on Demand channel and a free 3D sampler demo channel featuring event programming such as sports, music and other content.
In addition, Panasonic is working to make available 3D production tools, such as Full HD 3D camcorders, professional monitors and related production technology assistance.
Panasonic will showcase its suite of Full HD 3D VIERA televisions and home theater system products tuned to a dedicated DIRECTV 3D channel with exclusive content from the motion picture, "AVATAR" and other sports, entertainment, documentary and music footage at its booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall, #9405) at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
For more information on Panasonic's Full HD 3D Technology, visit www.panasonic.com/3D.
DIRECTV Names Michael White as New President and CEO
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., (Nov 18, 2009) --
DIRECTV, the world's leading provider of digital television services, today named Michael White as its new President and CEO. White announced in September that he will retire later this year from his current position as CEO of PepsiCo International and vice chairman of PepsiCo. He will assume his new role at DIRECTV beginning Jan. 1, 2010, and has also joined DIRECTV's Board of Directors. John Malone, Chairman of the DIRECTV Board, made the announcement today.
"After a very thorough search, we have found an exceptional leader with a sustained track record of success, profitably growing businesses and a reputation for making the impossible possible," said Malone. "Mike also brings the highest degree of leadership, innovation and passion to the table - all qualities that will help drive DIRECTV's performance in the coming years. I look forward to watching him build on DIRECTV's success and lead the company to an exciting new future."
Malone added, "I'd also like to thank Larry Hunter for filling the role of interim CEO since June. He and the entire management team have done an incredible job of keeping the business running smoothly during the past six months and we are lucky to have such an experienced executive team."
Since joining PepsiCo in 1990 as vice president of planning for Frito-Lay North America (FLNA), White has held many senior positions there, including CFO of FLNA, executive vice president and CFO of Frito-Lay International, CFO of Pepsi-Cola Company worldwide and CFO of PepsiCo.
During that time he led a transformation of PepsiCo's international business and has helped engineer numerous acquisitions, including the pending agreements to acquire the company's two largest bottlers, the Pepsi Bottling Group and PepsiAmericas. Prior to PepsiCo, White also held executive positions at Avon Products, Inc., Bain & Company and Arthur Andersen & Co. "This is an exciting time to be taking the reins at DIRECTV," said White. "It's a great company with the best television service and a strong brand, offering plenty of opportunities and challenges and I can't wait to meet both head on. I look forward to working with the talented management team and employees as we continue to grow the business, delight the customer and further distance DIRECTV's leadership position."
DIRECTV Completes Merger Transaction with Liberty Media
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., (Nov 19, 2009) --
DIRECTV today announced the successful completion of the previously announced transactions involving the combination of DIRECTV Group and Liberty Entertainment, Inc. (LEI), a company split-off from Liberty Media Corporation. The transactions were completed following a special meeting of stockholders of The DIRECTV Group held today.
Special Meeting
The stockholders of DIRECTV Group approved both of the proposals up for vote at the special meeting. Those proposals related to the approval of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (dated May 3, 2009) as amended, by and among Liberty, LEI, DIRECTV Group, DIRECTV and certain subsidiaries of DIRECTV and the approval of the Voting and Right of First Refusal Agreement (dated as of May 3, 2009) as amended, by and among DIRECTV Group, LEI, DIRECTV, John C. Malone (the Chairman of DIRECTV Group and Liberty), his wife and certain trusts for the benefit of their children. The final voting results were approximately 90% for adoption of the Merger Agreement and approximately 89% for approval of the Malone Agreement. The proposals were also approved by an overwhelming majority of the stockholders excluding shares of DIRECTV Group owned by Liberty and its subsidiaries, the Malones and officers and directors of Liberty. Liberty Media held a special meeting of stockholders earlier in the day and also received the necessary approvals for the transactions.
Description of the Transactions
In the transactions, Liberty executed a split-off that resulted in the redemption of 90% of the outstanding shares of both series of its Liberty Entertainment common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of two series of common stock of LEI. The Merger Agreement provided for two mergers that resulted in DIRECTV Group and LEI becoming wholly-owned subsidiaries of DIRECTV. In the DIRECTV merger, DIRECTV Group common stockholders (other than direct or indirect subsidiaries of LEI) received one share of DIRECTV Class A common stock for each share of common stock of DIRECTV Group that they owned. In the LEI merger, holders of outstanding shares of LEI Series A common stock and LEI Series B common stock (other than LEI or DIRECTV) received a number of shares of DIRECTV Class A common stock equal to the LEI exchange ratio for each share of LEI common stock that they owned. The LEI exchange ratio was equal to 1.11130 shares of DIRECTV common stock for each share of LEI common stock.
Immediately prior to the mergers, the Malones, pursuant to the Malone Agreement, exchanged each of their shares of LEI Series B common stock for a number of shares of DIRECTV Class B common stock equal to the number of shares of LEI Series B common stock they owned multiplied by the LEI exchange ratio. The Malones are the only holders of DIRECTV Class B common stock and their votes are subject to limitations imposed by the Malone Agreement. DIRECTV Class B common stock has fifteen votes per share and certain limited consent rights and will not be publicly traded, and DIRECTV Class A common stock has one vote per share and is listed on the NASDAQ National Market System under the symbol "DTV" and will begin trading on Friday, November 20, 2009.
As a result of the merger transactions, there will be approximately 910 million shares of DIRECTV Class A common stock (NASDAQ:DTV) outstanding when trading begins and approximately 22 million shares of DIRECTV Class B common stock, all of which is held by the Malones and will not be listed. In addition, stock options and SARs relating to Liberty Entertainment common stock were converted into stock options and SARs relating to DIRECTV's Class A common stock.
As previously disclosed in the proxy statement and prospectus sent to stockholders in connection with the stockholder vote on the Liberty transactions and other public filings, as a result of completing the Liberty transactions, the Company has assumed, on a consolidated basis, approximately $2 billion of indebtedness to Bank of America through its acquisition of Greenlady II, LLC, a subsidiary of LEI, and also has assumed rights and obligations connected with the related equity collar securing the debt. The Company has requested that Bank of America unwind the equity collar, pursuant to agreed upon market practices. The indebtedness will be repaid prior to its maturity in various stages in conjunction with the unwind. The Company will also be responsible for certain costs due to the early unwind of the various tranches of the equity collar, the amounts of which will vary depending on the Company's stock price during the unwind and other market factors.
Based on DTV's closing share price of $31.04 on November 18, 2009, and other preliminary estimates of fair value of the assets and liabilities of LEI (including the fair value on that date of the equity collar and the stock based awards), the Company estimates that it will record an expense of approximately $400 million for the premium to LEI stockholders and costs of the transactions. This is an estimate and the actual charges will be disclosed in the Company's filing on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2009. Adjustments to the fair values of certain of the stock based awards and the equity collar, as long as these instruments remain outstanding, will be recorded in non-operating earnings in the consolidated statements of operations of the Company each reporting period. The Company expects that the process of unwinding the equity collar and the determination of amounts payable to Bank of America will be completed in the fourth quarter of this year, depending on market factors and other relevant considerations.
As a result of the decision by the Company to repay the debt and to unwind the equity collar, the Company does not intend to implement a new share repurchase program at this time. Any decision to implement a share repurchase program will be made based upon progress made in unwinding the equity collar and other relevant market conditions.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
NOTE: This release may include or incorporate by reference certain statements that we believe are, or may be considered to be, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of various provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of statements that include phrases such as "believe," "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "foresee," "project" or other similar words or phrases. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals also are forward-looking statements. All of these forwardlooking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or from those expressed or implied by the relevant forward-looking statement. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: economic conditions; product demand and market acceptance; ability to simplify aspects of our business model, improve customer service, create new and desirable programming content and interactive features, and achieve anticipated economies of scale; government action; local political or economic developments in or affecting countries where we have operations, including political, economic and social uncertainties in many Latin American countries in which DIRECTV Latin America operates; foreign currency exchange rates; currency exchange controls; ability to obtain export licenses; competition; the outcome of legal proceedings; ability to achieve cost reductions; ability of third parties to timely perform material contracts; ability to renew programming contracts under favorable terms; technological risk; limitations on access to distribution channels; the success and timeliness of satellite launches; in-orbit performance of satellites, including technical anomalies; loss of uninsured satellites; theft of satellite programming signals; and our ability to access capital to maintain our financial flexibility. We urge you to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements.
DIRECTV HD Customers Now Have Access to Popular Interactive Weather Features and On-Demand Content from The Weather Channel HD
Interactive Weather Features Currently Available on DIRECTV Including 'Local On the 8s' and 'Local on Demand,' Have Generated Close To 1 Billion Household Impressions
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., (Oct 6, 2009) --
After its successful launch on the standard-definition version of The Weather Channel less than a year ago, DIRECTV's interactive weather applications, including "Local on Demand" and "Local on the 8's" have generated close to 1 billion total household impressions. Now, these same interactive features will be available
on the crystal-clear feed of The Weather Channel HD(R) (TWC HD). As an additional benefit, customers can now access TWC VOD content 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week from the DIRECTV on DEMAND platform at the click of a button on their remote control.
The popular interactive weather services include:
- Alert Ticker - For certain severe weather conditions, TWC HD viewers will see the Alert Ticker appear at the bottom of
their screen. This ticker will give them information on the current weather alert(s) and provide a link to the "Local On
Demand" application to get more information.
- "Local on the 8s" Application - DIRECTV viewers of The Weather Channel HD can now view the popular "Local on the
8s" segments for their specific locale. Presented six times each hour at :08, :18, :28, :38, :48 and :58 minutes past the
top of the hour on The Weather Channel HD, viewers can see current conditions, details for the day's forecast, the
seven-day forecast and a regional radar map automatically for their local area. This content is presented with the iconic
"Local on the 8s" jazz and popular music soundtrack.
- "Local On Demand" Application - While watching TWC HD, DIRECTV viewers can access a menu of interactive weather
features for their ZIP code, including current conditions, the five-day forecast, regional radar maps, weather alerts and
weather for up to five other cities they can 'save' as favorites - all while continuing to watch live TWC HD programming on
the same screen. Additionally, DIRECTV customers will be able to access localized weather information for more than
40,000 ZIP code locations across the United States.
"The vital information available on The Weather Channel provides the perfect platform to offer enhanced interactive
capabilities and on-demand content to our customers," said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "It
is clear in the close to 1 billion household impressions generated in less than a year that our customers find these interactive
services valuable, so it made sense to extend them to The Weather Channel HD. Providing these enhanced services to the
Weather Channel HD furthers our ongoing commitment to creating the most dynamic television experience available."
"We have been thrilled with how important The Weather Channel content has become to DIRECTV HD subscribers," said Becky
Powhatan, executive vice president of Distribution and Business Affairs for The Weather Channel. "Now, HD customers will
have instant access to severe weather alerts and real time weather conditions in their area with 'Local On Demand' and our
signature 'Local On the 8's.'"
DIRECTV on DEMAND is available at no additional charge to customers with a networked DIRECTV Plus(R) HD DVR or R22
DVR. The service offers more than 5,000 titles - including the hottest movies in 1080p - 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.
DIRECTV on DEMAND is one of the easiest-to-use on-demand interfaces on television, with unique features that make
navigating through titles simple and quick.
DIRECTV Continues Its Quest For America's Most Obsessed NFL Fans With 2009 DIRECTV ULTIMATE DISPLACED FAN SEARCH
No. 1 Satellite Service Returns With Second Annual Campaign, Highlighting Country's Most Die-Hard Fans Living Outside the Markets of Their Favorite NFL Teams
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (Sep 15, 2009) --
DIRECTV's ground breaking NFL SUNDAY TICKET(TM) service has
taken the pro football viewing experience to an entirely new level, creating legions of loyal and passionate fans across America.
Now, for the second consecutive season, the nation's undisputed leader in television sports and entertainment is seeking the
most devoted and passionate of those die-hard NFL fans, who live far removed from the local market of their favorite NFL
team, through The 2009 DIRECTV ULTIMATE DISPLACED FAN SEARCH.
The 2008 NFL season marked the inauguration of this unique campaign and revealed fan loyalties that were nothing short of obsessive for their beloved NFL teams - from the naming of a first-born son Harrison, after the beloved Colts receiver, to paddling through the flooded streets of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to catch a Redskins game. The 2008 ULTIMATE DISPLACED FAN SEARCH winner Ron Lawrence, a passionate Dallas Cowboys fan from Chesapeake, Va., earned the 2008 title thanks in large part to his two-car garage, which he'd converted into a full-blown replica of the interior of Texas Stadium, complete with blue star-studded walls, field turf and a ring of honor.
For his ultimate display of fan loyalty, Lawrence earned a dream Super Bowl prize package including two Super Bowl tickets and an all-expense paid trip to Tampa, Fla. While there, Lawrence participated in a media tour at the Super Bowl media center side-by-side with favorite Cowboy player Jason Witten, met Giants Quarterback and DIRECTV spokesman Eli Manning and played for Hall of Fame QB Warren Moon's team in the nationally televised DIRECTV Celebrity Beach Bowl flag football game.
"My week in Tampa was something so surreal and incredible that I'll never forget it as long as I live," said Lawrence. "Going to the Super Bowl is something every NFL fan dreams of doing, but the experiences of hanging out with Jason (Witten), meeting Eli Manning and playing in the Beach Bowl...those are simply things you never even dream of happening."
This season, the contest asks "displaced" NFL fans living outside the market of their favorite team to step up and show why they deserve to be crowned this year's DIRECTV ULTIMATE DISPLACED FAN. Fans can visit www.theultimatedisplacedfan.com and submit written essays, videos and photo submissions (any or all of these elements) that illustrate why they should earn the title and the Super Bowl week prize package. Entrants will have a chance to win the same once-in-a-lifetime Super Bowl week experience as the 2008 winner. Four semi-finalists will receive one-year complimentary subscriptions to the DIRECTV(R)
CHOICETM package, the NFL SUNDAY TICKET(TM) subscription for the 2010 season, complete with the NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan(R) upgraded service package, as well as any required DIRECTV(R) Receiving equipment.
In addition to accepting entry submissions and providing full contest details and official rules, the official website (www.theultimatedisplacedfan.com) will also offer examples of last year's winning entries, and devoted pages where displaced NFL fans of each of the NFL's 32 teams can come together to show their loyalty for their favorite team along with other displaced fans just like them. Fans can also follow the DIRECTV ULTIMATE DISPLACED FAN SEARCH on Facebook at www.facebook.com/directv.
Once again, DIRECTV's exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET service is providing the ultimate way to experience the NFL regular season. At home, fans can see up to 14 games every Sunday and the ability to pull team and player stats on demand with the push of a button. The SuperFan(R) subscription will also allow fans to receive the Game Mix channel, which displays up to eight games on one screen and the special Red Zone Channel(R) that allows viewers to catch every key play from every NFL SUNDAY TICKET game. This season for the first time, SuperFan offers every NFL SUNDAY TICKET game broadcast in stunning HD.
Away from home, SuperFan customers can see every live NFL SUNDAY TICKET broadcast streamed to their laptop computer with NFL SUNDAY TICKET Online, and for the first time, to their mobile phones with NFL SUNDAY TICKET Mobile. The application is now available as a free download to DIRECTV customers through the iTunes app store, the Palm(TM) App Catalog and m.directv.com/supercast. These applications are compatible with the following devices:
● iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPod Touch
● Palm Pre(TM)
● Select BlackBerry devices
● Select Windows Mobile devices
The 2009 NFL SUNDAY TICKET service is available now for five payments of $59.99 each and can be purchased by calling 1- 800-GET-SPORTS or visiting directv.com/NFL.
Farm Aid 2009 to Broadcast Live in HD and Commercial Free Exclusively on DIRECTV’s The 101 Network
October 4th Event to Feature Performances by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds, John Mellencamp, Jason Mraz, Wilco and more
New York, NY (August 31, 2009) --
Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews headline the event at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Maryland Heights, Mo., along with recently-announced acts including Jason Mraz, Wilco, Jamey Johnson and Phosphorescent, plus other acts to be announced.
The concert event, will celebrate music, family farmers and good food, and will again feature
HOMEGROWN concessions: family-farm identified, local and organic foods. Farm Aid is a nonprofit
organization that has raised nearly $36 million to promote a strong and resilient family farm system of
agriculture.
“We are thrilled to bring the live Farm Aid experience into homes across the country, giving millions of
people a chance to enjoy this unique mix of incredible music with inspiring stories of innovative family farmers,”
said Carolyn Mugar, Farm Aid’s executive director. “The generosity of all of the musicians who donate their
performances on behalf of family farmers is an inspiration to the many viewers at home who also want to show
their support. Farm Aid is grateful that DIRECTV will match its subscribers’ gifts up to $50,000.”
“We are delighted to be a part of Farm Aid 2009 and once again offer our viewers front row seats to this
year’s benefit concert,” said Patty Ishimoto, vice president of DIRECTV Entertainment and general manager of
The 101 Network. “Farm Aid 2009 is an important part of our music repertoire on The 101 Network, as we
bring viewers exclusive concert events that can’t be seen anywhere else, compliments of DIRECTV.”
The six hour broadcast will be filmed entirely in High Definition and air in 5.1 surround sound. Like last
year, DIRECTV will create four original one-hour specials featuring performances from Farm Aid 2009 which
will air on The 101 Network as part of the DIRECTV Concert Series.
Albert Spevak is executive producer of the Ambassador Entertainment production. Lawrence Jordan is
directing, Conor McAnally, Bart Peters, Sarah Brock and Allen Kelman are producers.
DIRECTV and INVIDI TECHNOLOGIES ENABLE DYNAMIC GEOGRAPHIC ADVERTISING
Satellite Service to Sell Local Advertising for the First Time
New York City, NY/El Segundo, CA (June 17, 2009) -- DIRECTV will be able to provide advertisers with relevant local television advertising for the first time, using software developed by INVIDI Technologies Corporation, the leader in advanced television advertising solutions.
INVIDI’s Advatar™ software, in combination with DIRECTV’s digital set-top boxes, will allow relevant local television advertising availability based on geographic location and position TV ads according to any marketer’s specifications.
Prior to this agreement, DIRECTV could only sell advertising across its national footprint. Now with INVIDI’s technology, each individual television commercial will have its own unique criteria and will be dynamically served up by household, street, subdivision, neighborhood, political district, retail trading zone, DMA or region.
“We are thrilled to be working with DIRECTV and look forward to helping them expand their sales to include a whole new world of local advertising,” said David Downey, CEO of INVIDI. “With this new technology, DIRECTV can deliver television commercials to desired audiences with little waste and unprecedented accountability, allowing local advertisers across the country to bring their message directly to DIRECTV’s attractive and growing subscriber base.”
“DIRECTV is committed to delivering the best television experience available to our subscribers and that includes relevant advertising that best fits their lifestyles and interests,” said Bob Riordan, senior vice president, advertising sales at DIRECTV. “This new advancement will allow advertisers to realize greater returns on their investments and deliver better efficiencies of their media. This technology is a logical addition to our current Suite of Advanced Advertising opportunities”.
“Individual household advertising solutions have for decades, been the holy grail of marketers and media professionals,” said GroupM Global CEO Irwin Gotlieb. “We hope this is an early step in the establishment of a common ecosystem for the television industry's delivery of advanced advertising products. It represents an important step toward the establishment of the type of ubiquitous capability for accurate ad serving and accountability that have fueled explosive growth in other new & emerging media.”
In December 2007, GroupM, a WPP company, invested in INVIDI Technologies Corporation recognizing INVIDI’s industry leadership position as inventors, software developers and patent holders of demographically-based relevant advertising technologies. GroupM intends to support and pioneer the use of this technology with INVIDI’s multi-channel video program distributors (MVPDs).
DIRECTV Further Distances Itself From Cable and Dish Network in 2009 American Customer Satisfaction Index
Rates Higher Than All Major Cable Companies for Ninth Consecutive Year
EL SEGUNDO, CA (May 19, 2009) --For the ninth straight year DIRECTV, the nation’s No.1 satellite television service, has once again scored higher for customer satisfaction than all major cable TV companies, in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). DIRECTV’s score also soared even further past Dish Network this year by seven points, making it the only satellite company to outrank all cable companies surveyed.
In this year’s ACSI survey, DIRECTV improved its position by three points from last year and posted an index score of 71, reflecting customers’ overall satisfaction with the service, compared to the cable and satellite TV industry, which received an average score of 63. Specifically, DIRECTV scored five points higher than Cox Communications, 12 points higher than Comcast and Time Warner and 20 points higher than Charter Communications. Customers surveyed by the ACSI in the first quarter of 2009 were also asked about such issues as perceived quality, perceived value and their expectations prior to subscribing to the service. The ACSI also measures customer loyalty and retention.
“We understand that our customers have many options when it comes to choosing a television service provider, which is why it is vital for us to continue delivering the best customer experience possible,” said Mike Palkovic, executive vice president of Operations for DIRECTV. “Our No. 1 ranking in the 2009 ACSI survey reflects the hard work and dedication of all DIRECTV employees and customer service representatives. While we improved our position within the survey this year, we will continue to stay vigilant on improving all facets of the overall customer experience to further distance ourselves from the competition.”
NBA TV SIGNS MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH DIRECTV AND INCREASES DISTRIBUTION BEGINNING WITH 2009-10 SEASON
NEW YORK, NY (April 16, 2009) -- DIRECTV, Inc. has entered into a multi-year agreement with NBA Digital to extend and expand its distribution of NBA TV beginning with the 2009-10 season, the NBA announced today. Through this new agreement, DIRECTV will increase NBA TV’s distribution, providing the network in standard and high-definition, and continue to provide NBA LEAGUE PASS to its customers.
DIRECTV, the nation’s No. 1 satellite television service, will make NBA TV, the league’s 24-hour digital television network, available to its customers on the CHOICE XTRA package. NBA TV will also be moved to Channel 216 from Channel 601 as part of the extended partnership.
“This new agreement will allow millions of additional fans to experience NBA TV’s more than 100 live NBA games and its Emmy award-winning roster of announcers,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Adam Silver. “We appreciate our longtime partner DIRECTV for its commitment to bringing our fans wall to wall NBA coverage.”
“As we continue to enhance the programming lineup for NBA TV, we are delivering a valuable product to meet the demand of our consumers, distributors and advertisers,” said Bryan Perez, SVP/General Manager, NBA Digital. “By delivering more games, insightful and entertaining studio shows and compelling features, as well as increasing fan engagement through such innovative initiatives as Fan Night, our goal is to continue to be the destination for basketball enthusiasts.”
DIRECTV customers will continue to be offered NBA LEAGUE PASS, the league’s subscription package that provides fans with up to 40 out-of-market, live NBA games each week. As part of the subscription, fans will have access to NBA games online at no additional cost through NBA LEAGUE PASS BROADBAND.
“We’re proud of our long association with the NBA and NBA TV and as the clear leader in sports programming, we’re looking forward to introducing NBA TV and its enhanced content to more of our customers,” said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Strategy and Development, DIRECTV, Inc.
CONTACT
Mike Wade, NBA, 212-407-8690 mwade@nba.com
Robert Mercer, DIRECTV, 310-964-4683 rgmercer@directv.com
DIRECTV launches DVR Scheduler app for the iPhone and iPod touch.
EL SEGUNDO, CA (April 16, 2009) -- This week, DIRECTV launched a DVR Scheduler app for the iPhone and iPod touch, marking the next evolution of our exclusive DVR Scheduler functionality. The app has already received coveted "featured" positioning, rave customer reviews and has made the top 25 list in the iPhone App store.
An entire universe of DIRECTV entertainment is now just a tap away. iPhone and iPod touch customers now have one of the most convenient ways to find any program and set their home DVR. Employees are encouraged to download the free app from the iPhone App Store (via their iPhone, iPod touch, or personal/home computer), and provide a rating or review.
DIRECTV leads the industry in the application of remote DVR scheduling technology. Since the launch of the DVR Scheduler early last year, customers have scheduled nearly 5 million recordings on their home DVRs from their cell phones and computers. Future versions of the application will offer DIRECTV on DEMAND search and remote record, content recommendations and ratings, and streaming of show and movie trailers.
For more information, visit directv.com/iphone.
NBC UNIVERSAL AND DIRECTV TEAM UP AGAIN TO RENEW ‘FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS’ FOR 26 EPISODES OVER TWO ADDITIONAL SEASONS
Innovative Partnership That Began Last Year Continues as 26 New Episodes Will Be Produced with 13 Episodes Airing During Each of the 2009-10 and 2010-11 Seasons
UNIVERSAL CITY AND EL SEGUNDO, CALIF. (March 31, 2009) -- NBC
Universal and DIRECTV -- the nation's leading satellite television provider – have
extended their innovative and multi-platform partnership from last year to produce 26
episodes that would launch the fourth and fifth seasons of the critically acclaimed drama
series, "Friday Night Lights." The series would air first on DIRECTV and then
subsequently on NBC with 13 episodes each during the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons.
DIRECTV would have exclusive rights to the 13 new episodes for each of the
series’ fourth and fifth seasons on DIRECTV's entertainment channel, The 101 Network.
Last year’s arrangement provided for 13 new episodes to be produced. Specific
broadcast dates for the new installments on both NBC and DIRECTV will be announced
later.
The announcements were made by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC
Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, and Marc Graboff, Co-Chairman, NBC
Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, and Eric Shanks, Executive Vice President
of Entertainment for DIRECTV. The deal was brokered by NBC Universal Domestic
Television Distribution. The series is executive-produced by Peter Berg (the film “Friday
Night Lights”), Jason Katims (“Roswell”), Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer
(“Frost/Nixon” “The Da Vinci Code”) and David Nevins (“Arrested Development”), Sarah
Aubrey (“The Kingdom”) and director Jeffrey Reiner (“Caprica”).
"We're proud that a deal for the renewal of 'Friday Night Lights' has been
reached,” said Silverman. “It is one of the best shows in the history of television and
we've worked hard to keep it alive for future seasons. NBC Universal has been at the
forefront of creative deals such as these, which ultimately benefit audiences, critics, and
advertisers alike.”
“Once again, this is a triumph for all parties and a vindication of this show’s
quality and enduring appeal,” said Graboff. “We have enjoyed our successful business
partnership with DIRECTV over the last year in keeping the ‘Lights’ on, and this deal
symbolizes our strong desire to facilitate new creative ventures that will keep NBC
Universal moving forward.”
“The first year of our “Friday Night Lights” partnership with NBC and UMS has
been both extremely successful and uniquely gratifying for everyone involved,"
said Shanks. "We're very happy that we'll be able to continue giving our customers
something rare and special that they can't get with cable. Everyone at DIRECTV is more
than ready to take the journey back to Dillon, Texas.”
Expanding on the hit feature film and best-selling book “Friday Night Lights,” the
award-winning “Friday Night Lights” centers on life in Dillon, Texas, where high school
football brings the community together -- and the drama of small town life threatens to
tear it apart.
Coach Eric Taylor (Emmy nominee Kyle Chandler, “”The Day the Earth Stood
Still”), his wife Tami (Connie Britton, “24”) have faced countless challenges over the
course of the last three school years; juggling responsibilities between family, work and
pressures from the community, and raising their teenaged daughter, Julie (Aimee
Teegarden, “90210”). The past school year brought a wave of change to Dillon, including
the arrival of the affluent McCoy family, including Joe (D.W. Moffat, “Grey’s Anatomy”)
and Katie (Janine Turner, “Strong Medicine”) and their freshman son, rising star
quarterback J.D. McCoy (Jeremy Sumpter, “CSI:” Miami”).
The McCoy’s befriended all the right people in town -- except for Coach Eric
Taylor, who felt challenged and threatened by the power they wielded. Coach Taylor and
Tami try to quickly recover from Joe McCoy’s premeditated political play, which forced
Coach Taylor out as the Panther’s head coach. The Taylor’s now find themselves
adjusting to these changes and open to the new possibilities that lay ahead at rival East
Dillon High.
Additionally, the graduating senior class took a step closer to adulthood as they
rode out their last year of high school. Tyra Colette (Adrianne Palicki, "Supernatural")
sorted out her feelings for Landy (Jesse Plemons, “Shrink”) and did her best to stay on
track with her academics and college applications; Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch, “X-Men
Origins: Wolverine") and Lyla Garrity.
(Minka Kelly, “The Kingdom”) spent their last year examining their friendship and
future as a couple. That which should have been the best year for senior quarterback
Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford, “The Last Winter”) proved to be a difficult one, as he dealt
with his ailing grandmother’s needs, rebuilding a relationship with his mother, and
increasing competition to get playtime on the field. Meanwhile, Jason Street (Scott
Porter, “Speed Racer”) and Brian “Smash” Williams (Gaius, Charles, “The Messenger”)
make bold decisions to pursue new opportunities and lives outside of Dillon.
Hailed as one of the Top-10 shows by numerous publications such as Time
magazine, Entertainment Weekly and the New York Times, “Friday Night Lights” also
has been honored two years in a row (2006/2007) as an American Film Institute (AFI)
Television Program of the Year, received the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award
in 2006 and won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series in 2007.
“Friday Night Lights” is a production of Universal Media Studios, Imagine
Entertainment and Film 44.
Dan Patrick Signs Up For New TV Show on DIRECTV
TV Series Based on the Life and Times of Dan Patrick to Make Its TV Debut This Summer Exclusively on The 101® Network
EL SEGUNDO, CA (March 16, 2009) -- Syndicated sports talk radio host Dan Patrick will bring his irreverent wit and wry humor to DIRECTV’s The 101® Network with a new, innovative TV show based on his nationally syndicated weekday radio program, The Dan Patrick Show.
The show will air live, from 9 a.m. to noon ET, Monday through Friday exclusively on The 101 Network, DIRECTV’s original programming channel, beginning this summer. More than just a straight simulcast of the radio program, the new show will expand on the radio show format, using Patrick’s trademark humor and interaction with his production staff to create a unique blend of situational comedy and sports radio commentary. More details about the production will be released at a later date. Patrick is slated to deliver 250 shows a year for the network.
“Dan is much taller and funnier in person and when he’s not behind a desk,” said Eric Shanks, executive vice president of Entertainment at DIRECTV. “You never know what Dan could do whenever he is left to his own devices but it sounds like it will be a twisted version of “The Office” with some guests and sports commentary mixed in—at least that’s what he is telling us anyway.”
CONTACT
Darris Gringeri, DIRECTV, Inc. 212.205.0882
Robert Mercer, DIRECTV, Inc. 310.964.4683
The Sportsman Channel on DIRECTV, Channel 605
Network to Launch Several New Shows for 2009
New York, NY (January 15, 2009) -- The Sportsman Channel (TSC) announced today that it will be on DIRECTV, Channel 605, by January 21, 2009. TSC reached a distribution agreement with DIRECTV last month, making the network available on the CHOICE XTRA™ package. The channel number had not previously been announced. Among all distributors, The Sportsman Channel will be available to more than 15 million homes. TSC is owned and operated by InterMedia Outdoors, Inc. (IMO), the largest media company in the outdoor-enthusiast category.
IMO also announced it will rollout six new shows—Handguns, Tactical Arms, Predator Assault, Fly Fisherman, Breaking the Surface, and Walleye In-Sider—on TSC in 2009. In total, IMO will supply TSC with 21 shows this year. These shows will join the network’s already award-winning lineup that includes programming like Guns & Ammo, Tactical Impact, North American Whitetail, Arrow Affliction, In-Fisherman, Ice Guide TV and others. In 2008, IMO premiered several new programs on TSC, including two—Tactical Impact and Arrow Affliction—that critics considered ground-breaking and cutting-edge in the outdoor category.
“We are excited to launch and officially announce our channel position on DIRECTV,” said IMO CEO Jeff Paro. "We look forward to providing the DIRECTV customers with high-quality, outdoor programming, fueled by our unlimited resources within the IMO family. These new shows are an example of how we continue to leverage our strengths as the largest magazine publisher, the largest online network, and the largest TV producer in the outdoor category, to make TSC the pre-eminent channel in the space."
Launched in 2003, The Sportsman Channel is the only network fully devoted to the more than 80 million sportsmen in the United States, delivering 100 percent hunting, fishing and shooting programming. Acquired by InterMedia Outdoors Holdings in 2006, TSC is now a part of the nation's largest multimedia company targeted exclusively to serving the information and entertainment needs of Outdoors enthusiasts. For more information, visit www.thesportsmanchannel.com.
DIRECTV, Inc. (NASDAQ:DTV), the nation's leading satellite television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to more than 17.3 million customers in the United States and is leading the HD revolution with more than 130 HD channels -- more quality HD channels than any other television provider. DIRECTV subscribers enjoy access to over 265 channels of 100% digital picture and sound, exclusive programming, industry-leading customer satisfaction (which has surpassed all national cable companies for eight years running) and superior technologies that include advanced DVR and HD-DVR services and the most state-of-the-art interactive sports packages available anywhere. For more information, please visit DIRECTV.com.
InterMedia Outdoors, Inc. is the leading multimedia company exclusively serving the information and entertainment needs of outdoors enthusiasts, with the largest network of websites dedicated to hunting, shooting and fishing; a portfolio of 17 magazines including powerful brands such as In-Fisherman, Guns & Ammo, Petersen’s Hunting, Fly Fisherman, and Florida Sportsman; syndicated radio programming; 25 market-leading television productions, the largest library of outdoors television programming and The Sportsman Channel, the only television network 100% dedicated to hunting, shooting and fishing.
CONTACT
Greg Hughes, Sedan Communications 404.394.3700 ghughes5425@gmail.com
Amy Sorrells, Sedan Communications 404.550.4885 amyssorrells@comcast.net