DIRECTV First to Launch The History Channel HD (THC HD) Set to Debut in September 2007

Las Vegas, NV (May 7, 2007) - The History Channel® and DIRECTV, Inc. today announced that DIRECTV will be the first to launch The History Channel HD, a new 24-hour high definition television network, scheduled to debut in September 2007. In addition, A&E HD, which debuted in 4Q 2006, will also launch on DIRECTV in September. The announcement was made by David Zagin, Executive Vice President of Distribution AETN. The History Channel HD™ will simulcast the entire The History Channel lineup of original, non-fiction series and specials. The HD experience will serve to create a stunning new dimension for the compelling content and powerful storytelling that only The History Channel can provide. THC HD will feature a diverse range of programming including hit series Lost Worlds, Dogfights, Digging for the Truth, Cities of the Underworld, and Mega Disasters, and the recently announced Ice Road Truckers, The Universe and Human Weapon as well as thought-provoking specials such as Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed, The Lost Book of Nostradamus, The Hunt for John Wilkes Booth and Stalking Jihad. "The History Channel HD will give our History fanatics an unparalleled view of History with stunning clarity and rich perspective that they will find nowhere else on the television landscape. We are equally delighted that DIRECTV, one of the nation's largest programming distributors, will be there with us from the beginning of this exciting launch," said Zagin. "We look forward to many more partnerships with distributors to bring The History Channel HD to their consumers." "The History Channel has a large and passionate following among our customers and we're looking forward to being the first to provide them with their favorite programming in true HD," said Derek Chang, executive vice president of Strategy and Development, DIRECTV, Inc. "Both The History Channel HD and A&E HD exemplify the kind of high quality programming that we'll offer DIRECTV customers as we begin a significant expansion of HD channels this fall." About DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading satellite television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to more than 16 million customers in the United States, through exclusive content, industry-leading customer satisfaction (which has surpassed cable for six years running) and superior technologies. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy access to over 250 channels of 100% digital picture and sound, exclusive programming and the most comprehensive collection of sports programming available anywhere, including NFL SUNDAY TICKET™ and MLB EXTRA INNINGS®. DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) also leads the digital television technology revolution with exclusives such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan™, US OPEN Interactive and YES Network Interactive and will soon have the capacity to offer over 150 channels in HD. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit directv.com. The History Channel® is a leading cable television network featuring compelling original, non-fiction specials and series that bring history to life in a powerful and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. The network provides an inviting place where people experience history in new and exciting ways enabling them to connect their lives today to the great lives and events of the past that provide a blueprint for the future. The History Channel has earned four Peabody Awards, three Primetime Emmy® Awards, 10 News & Documentary Emmy® Awards and received the prestigious Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the network's Save Our History® campaign dedicated to historic preservation and history education. The History Channel reaches more than 91 million Nielsen subscribers. The website is located at www.History.com. Press Only: For more information and photography please visit us on the web at www.historychannelpress.com. Contacts: Michael Feeney/646-641-1737 [email protected] Lynn Gardner/646-334-2854 [email protected]