SENIOR PROGRAMMING EXECUTIVES TO ADDRESS KEY ISSUES AT APRIL 13 SkyFORUM IN NEW YORK

ALEXANDRIA, VA, March 24, 2004 –The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) today announced that key decisionmakers from the content provider community will discuss timely and important issues on the 2004 Programming Matrix panel at its April 13, 2004 SkyFORUM conference at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York City.

SBCA is pleased to announce that the following senior programming executives will take the stage to discuss the most pressing issues that affect the satellite entertainment industry: David Baldwin, EVP, Program Planning, HBO; Sean Bratches, EVP, Affiliate Sales & Marketing, ESPN; Bill Giorgio, SVP, Sales & Affiliate Relations, Starz Encore Group; Mark Greenberg, EVP, Showtime Networks Inc.; Lori McFarling, SVP, Affiliate Sales & Marketing, Discovery Communications, Inc.; and Dennis Quinn, EVP, Business Development, Turner Network Sales.

Topics for discussion include: increased distribution ownership by programming interests; expansion of HD content; the impact of DVRs and VOD on the current advertising models; premium viewing habits; copyright protection issues; and much more.

“Any time you have the opportunity to learn about the issues affecting this critical segment of the satellite industry from such an influential panel, it’s going to better your understanding of how this industry works. That kind of insight can help improve your own business decisions,” said Clay Mowry, president, Arianespace, Inc. and SkyFORUM chairman.

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. Additional information can be found at www.sbca.com.