As the first major multichannel video provider to cross the goal line with the Big Ten Network in its core programming lineup, DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) is receiving a resounding cheer from fans who won't miss their favorite Big Ten team when the college football season begins Sept 1.

With no other major national pay TV provider carrying the network and the Big Ten football season opening this weekend, fans are lighting up the 1-800-DIRECTV switchboard and installers in Big Ten markets are working overtime to install DIRECTV service in time for the first game broadcast.

DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite TV service, will launch the Big Ten Network Aug. 30 on its base CHOICE programming package ($49.99/month) on channel 220 ? making it available to its more than 16.3 million customers. Big Ten will also be available to bars and restaurants on an à la carte basis for $39.99/month and available to hotels as well.

Big Ten Network will be among the up to 100 national HD channels rolling out in the coming weeks as part of DIRECTV's widely anticipated HD capacity expansion. More information on DIRECTV's HD programming is available at DIRECTV.com.

Along with the games broadcast on the network, DIRECTV will make additional (?overflow?) games airing at the same time available on neighboring channels when capacity permits so fans may have access to additional games offered by the network. DIRECTV has committed to air all the additional games this Saturday, and the ?overflow? channels featuring those games this week are 218, 219 and 221.

?I think the people of Ohio are going to flock to this programming, and I'm glad it's available on DIRECTV,? said Ohio State University Football Head Coach Jim Tressel. ?Our fans are excited for it. Our people want access to the Buckeye games, and this is a great way to get Ohio State into their homes. As a coach, I view the Big Ten Network as a terrific recruiting tool for the entire Big Ten.?

?DIRECTV has always been the sports fan's destination and it shouldn't be any different for Big Ten fans, who will now have the ability to watch all the Big Ten games wherever they are,? said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Strategy and Development, DIRECTV, Inc. ?We've provided a TV home for the Big Ten Network and we're inviting fans over to enjoy their games.?

The network will air six games on Sept. 1, four simultaneously: The University of Michigan vs. Appalachian State University, Penn State University vs. Florida International University, Ohio State University vs. Youngstown State University, and Northwestern University vs. Northeastern University. In primetime, Indiana University plays Indiana State University and the University of Minnesota takes on Bowling Green State University.

When the Big Ten Network launches Aug. 30, two days before the kick-off of the 2007 Big Ten college football season, Big Ten Tonight, a nightly studio show hosted by Dave Revsine, will preview the upcoming season and closely examine all of the weekend's conference teams in action.

DIRECTV has launched an aggressive marketing campaign in Big Ten markets across the country with print and radio ads, mobile billboards and even plans to promote the network on stadium food trays in some markets. DIRECTV is targeting Big Ten alumni associations with ad placements in alumni magazines, newsletters and websites. DIRECTV has also set up an Alumni Association Donation Program that will generate a $100 contribution to the association for each subscription originating from ads appearing in the alumni magazine, Website or received from a dedicated toll-free hotline number.

About DIRECTV

DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading satellite television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to more than 16.3 million customers in the United States, through exclusive content, industry-leading customer satisfaction (which has surpassed cable for seven years running) and superior technologies. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy access to over 250 channels of 100% digital picture and sound, exclusive programming and the most comprehensive collection of sports programming available anywhere, including NFL SUNDAY TICKET? and MLB EXTRA INNINGS®. DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) also leads the digital television technology revolution with exclusives such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan?, US Open

Interactive and YES Network Interactive and will soon have the capacity to offer over 150 channels in HD. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit directv.com.

About the Big Ten Network

The Big Ten Network is dedicated to covering the Big Ten Conference and its 11 member institutions. The Big Ten Network provides unprecedented access to an extensive schedule of conference sports events and shows; original programs in academics, the arts and sciences; campus activities; and associated personalities. Sports programming includes live coverage of more major men's and women's events than ever before, along with news, highlights and analysis, all complemented by hours of university-produced campus programming. The network is available to all cable and satellite carriers and television distributors nationwide, with most programs offered in stunning high-definition television (HDTV). The Big Ten Network is a joint venture between subsidiaries of the Big Ten Conference and Fox Cable Networks. For more information regarding the Big Ten Network, visit www.BigTenNetwork.com

DIRECTV, Inc.
Robert Mercer, 310-964-4683