EchoStar Acquires Sling Media

ENGLEWOOD/FOSTER CITY, September 25: EchoStar Communications
Corporation has reached a deal to acquire Sling Media, the company behind the
Slingbox, for $380 million.

The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this
year. It includes a mix of cash and EchoStar options.

Sling Media’s product line, which includes the Emmy
Award-winning Slingbox and the SlingPlayer software, is distributed in over
5,000 retail stores in 11 countries. The device allows users to watch their
home TV on multiple devices from any location. Last year, the company formed
the Sling Media Entertainment Group to develop entertainment experiences for
Slingbox users.

"As an early investor in Sling Media, EchoStar has been
pleased with the progress and commitment the company has made establishing
Sling Media and the Slingbox as powerful and beloved digital media
brands," said Charlie Ergen, the CEO and co-founder of EchoStar.
"With today's increasingly mobile lifestyle, EchoStar's acquisition of Sling
Media will allow us to offer innovative and convenient ways for our customers
to enjoy their programming on more displays and locations, including TVs,
computers and mobile phones, both inside and outside of the home. This
combination paves the way for the development of a host of new innovative
products and services for our subscribers, new digital-media consumers and
strategic partners."

"We are psyched to make this announcement,” added Blake
Krikorian, the co-founder, chairman and CEO of Sling Media. “We have worked
closely with EchoStar for more than two years, and have come to realize that
both companies have similar entrepreneurial cultures and mutual dedication and
passion for creating empowering experiences that benefit the consumer and the
media industry. By combining strategies, resources and technologies with
EchoStar, Sling Media will be able to rapidly expand our open multiplatform
product offerings, not only for DISH Network subscribers, but for digital media
enthusiasts around the globe."