SATELLITE BROADCASTING & COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION APPOINTS JAMES ASHURST AS COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRIA, VA, March 1, 2000 -- The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) has appointed James A. Ashurst as communications director, effective today.

Mr. Ashurst, who was formerly senior manager, communications, for the American Society of Travel Agents, will be responsible for all of the Association's public relations activities and will serve as the Association's media spokesperson.

Margaret Parone, SBCA senior vice president, said, "We welcome James as a valuable addition to the SBCA's communications staff. His experience as director of communications for the world's largest travel trade association will be a significant asset to our membership, America's home satellite industry."

Mr. Ashurst replaces Jennifer Buckley, who resigned recently. Prior to his service with the American Society of Travel Agents, Mr. Ashurst worked as an account executive at several major public relations agencies in the Washington, D.C. region.

Mr. Ashurst holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Radford University. He lives in Falls Church, VA.

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The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association of America (SBCA) is the national trade organization representing all segments of the satellite industry. It is committed to expanding the utilization of satellite technology for the broadcast delivery of video, data and voice services. The SBCA is composed of DBS and other satellite service providers, programmers, equipment manufacturers, distributors, retailers, encryption vendors, and national and regional distribution companies.