DISH Network, STAR Strike Distribution Deal

ENGLEWOOD/HONG KONG, March
5: DISH Network has inked a deal to launch five STAR channels on the DISH
Network platform, bolstering its existing South Asian and Chinese channel
lineup.

Beginning March 19, DISH
Network will include two of STAR’s most-popular Indian channels—STAR
Indian PLUS and STAR Indian ONE. Three of STAR’s leading Mandarin-language
channels—STAR Chinese Channel, STAR Chinese Movies 2 and music channel
Channel [V] Taiwan—will be added on March 26.

“This partnership with
STAR and the addition of these top-quality international channels further
proves DISH Network’s commitment to delivering the best quality and variety of
international programming,” said Tracy West, the VP of international
programming for DISH Network. “We’re thrilled to make these popular Indian and
Chinese channels available to our customers.”

“Today's announcement
allows us to significantly expand the reach of our services to the Asian
Diaspora in the U.S.,” added David Wisnia, STAR’s senior VP of distribution and
sales and head of STAR’s North American and European offices. “We look forward
to entertaining Chinese, Taiwanese and Indian viewers with the top-notch
programming that has made STAR a household name in Asia, in essence giving them
a chance to feel a little closer to their home countries.”

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski