SBCA’S ANDY WRIGHT RESIGNS

ALEXANDRIA, VA, September 5, 2003 – The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) today announced that SBCA President Andy Wright has resigned from the Association to pursue another opportunity, effective Sept. 30.

“I want to thank Andy for his many contributions to the SBCA over the past two years,” said Eddy W. Hartenstein, chairman and CEO, DIRECTV and chairman, SBCA.  “On behalf of the SBCA Board of Directors, I wish Andy all the best in his future endeavors.”

“Leading the SBCA has been a wonderful opportunity.  I want to thank the leadership of SBCA and its excellent staff.  I’m proud of our work together.  We have made great progress and accomplished many of the goals we set for the organization.  I look forward to working to make the transition to new leadership as smooth as possible,” said Wright.

The SBCA senior staff will continue conducting Association business as usual, reporting to the SBCA Finance Committee, on behalf of the SBCA Board of Directors.  The SBCA Finance Committee includes:  SBCA Chairman Eddy Hartenstein, DIRECTV; David Moskowitz, EchoStar; Tom Hayden, Showtime; Janice Aull, HBO; and Rik Hawkins, Starpath Communications.

The SBCA Finance Committee, in conjunction with the SBCA Board of Directors, will immediately begin the process to identify Mr. Wright’s permanent replacement.

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association 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, audio, data, music, voice, interactive, and broadband services.  The SBCA is composed of DBS, C-band, broadband, satellite radio, and other satellite service providers, content providers, equipment manufacturers, distributors, retailers, encryption vendors, and national and regional distribution companies that make up the satellite services industry. SBCA oversees the industry’s National Standards and Testing Program (NSTP), a self-regulating training and testing curriculum for installation professionals. Additional information can be found at www.sbca.com.