Network LIVE and DIRECTV Announce Exclusive Live Music and Entertainment Programming Agreement

Network LIVE and DIRECTV Announce Exclusive Live Music and Entertainment Programming Agreement

Programming Launches in March; Sneak Peek of Network LIVE with Performance from John Mayer Trio Begins Airing in December

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Network LIVE, a joint venture between America Online, XM Satellite Radio and AEG, and DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service, today announced a landmark agreement to provide DIRECTV customers with exclusive, entertainment programming, created and distributed by Network LIVE. As part of the agreement, Network LIVE will become the music and live entertainment programming partner for DIRECTV, and DIRECTV will serve as Network LIVE's exclusive first-window television partner.

The official launch of Network Live programming on DIRECTV will take place in March 2006 on channel 101 in standard definition and 401 in high-definition (HD). Through the agreement, DIRECTV customers will be able to view live premiere performances from the most popular and breakthrough artists of today. DIRECTV's more than 15 million customers will also get a 'sneak peek' of the Network LIVE content beginning in December on DIRECTV channel 124, with DIRECTV running an exclusive performance from groundbreaking artist John Mayer Trio.

"Television has always been a core pillar in our strategy to construct the new horizontal network model, and we found great synergy with DIRECTV," said Kevin Wall, CEO of Network LIVE. "DIRECTV's model and value proposition reflects Network LIVE's commitment to providing consumers with the content they want, how they want it, and where they want it. With this partnership, the music industry now has another valuable marketing touch point to reach and connect artists with fans, while in turn, providing another key access points for consumers to get high quality content."

"The music industry is hungry for new, relevant and meaningful ways to connect with fans," said David Hill, president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "Our relationship with Network LIVE means our customers will have front row access to performances by the hottest acts from around the world, that can't be seen anywhere else on television."

Network LIVE will deliver DIRECTV customers two live music entertainment series. The first will feature live performances from multi-platinum recording artists in major venues around the world. The other series will showcase concerts from groundbreaking artists performing in more intimate club-like settings. As part of DIRECTV's commitment to offering the best in live entertainment, Network LIVE will also deliver comedy and special event programming as part of its presence on DIRECTV. DIRECTV will premiere each Network LIVE show in standard-definition and HD video, followed by encore exhibitions in both formats.

Network LIVE and DIRECTV will collaborate in efforts to market this new programming through direct-to-consumer marketing and cross promotions with Network LIVE's other domestic distribution partners AOL, XM Satellite Radio and AEG.

Customers subscribing to any DIRECTV TOTAL CHOICE(R) or DIRECTV SELECCION programming package will have access to Network LIVE at no additional cost. Financial terms were not disclosed.

About Network LIVE

Network LIVE is the first entertainment network committed to redefining the creation and distribution of live content in the digital age. Network LIVE's rich slate of programming consists of live music, comedy, and live special events, and is distributed through multiple third party global media platforms including Internet, satellite radio and television (SD and HD), and wireless. A joint venture formed by AOL, XM Satellite Radio and AEG, Network LIVE leverages the built in audiences and resources of its partners and the proven power of live entertainment to deliver on its vision. Network LIVE has produced and distributed marquee events such as Live 8, as well as concerts from Bon Jovi, Green Day, Madonna, Keith Urban, and John Mayer Trio.

About DIRECTV, Inc.

DIRECTV 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. (NYSE:DTV). DIRECTV is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment. DIRECTV is approximately 34 percent owned by News Corporation. For more information visit www.directv.com.

Source: Network LIVE; DIRECTV, Inc.

CONTACT: Candice Yusim of mPRm Public Relations, +1-323-933-3399,
ext. 239, cyusim@mprm.com, for Network LIVE; or Elisa Wiefel of Network LIVE,
+1-310-550-3831; or Jade Ekstedt of DIRECTV, Inc., +1-310-964-3429

Web site: http://www.directv.com/

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