Dish Network Claims HD Plans Remain On Track
But CEO’s Reassurance Contradicts Statements Made In Monday’s SEC Filing
By Linda Moss -- Multichannel News, 3/18/2008 3:25:00 PM
After telling securities officials that its HD launches would be delayed by a satellite-launch snafu, Dish Network Tuesday maintained that its HDTV expansion will remain on track.
The satellite provider, in a press release, insisted that an “anomaly” with AMC-14, a satellite that didn’t reach the correct orbital position when it was launched last Friday, would not hamper its ongoing HD rollout.
“Dish Network customers can be reassured that the expansion of our HD programming over the next few months will proceed as planned,” Dish Network chairman and CEO Charlie Ergen said in a prepared statement. “We are fortunate to have two more satellites scheduled for launch later this year to continue our HD rollout and reach our year-end goal of 100 local HD markets and 100 national HD channels.”
A Dish Network spokesman declined to make any additional comments, but the press release seemingly contradicted an 8-K filing that the company made with the Securities and Exchange Commission Monday.
In that filing, Dish Network said that “the launch anomaly will result in a delay in our roll out of some high definition channels, including some local network channels.”
Dish Network also had a video “chat” with its retailers Tuesday, where executive vice president Jim DeFranco also said that the company’s HD plans are "full speed ahead,” according to the Web site www.SatelliteGuys.us, which is run by Multichannel News blogger Scott Greczkowski.
DeFranco said that all of the scheduled HD launches would happen as planned with or without AMC- 14 in place – but claimed he was optimistic that the bird would be moved in position.
In its release, Dish Network said that over the next two months, it will increase its local HD offerings by more than 60%.
Dish Network also said that coming national HD announcements “may include the addition” of ABC Family HD, AMC HD, BET HD, The Biography Channel HD, Bravo HD, Cartoon Network HD, CMT HD, CNN HD, Disney Channel HD, ESPN News HD, HBO2 HD, IFC HD, MGM HD, MoreMAX HD, MTV HD, Nickelodeon HD, Sci-Fi HD, Smithsonian Channel HD, Starz Edge HD, Tennis Channel HD, Superstation WGN HD, The Weather Channel HD, Toon Disney HD, USA Network HD and VH-1 HD.
In April, the satellite provider said it will add HD broadcast networks in: Abilene and Austin, Texas; Baltimore; Columbia, S.C.; Flint-Saginaw-Bay City, Mich.; Fort Myers, Fla.; Greensboro, N.C.; Milwaukee; Orlando, Fla.; Providence, R.I,; Tampa, Fla.; and West Palm Beach, Fla.
In May, Dish Network said it will roll out local HDTV in: Beaumont, Texas; Burlington, Vt.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Green Bay, Wis.; Greenville, S.C.; Huntsville, Ala.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Norfolk and Richmond, Va.
Earlier in the day, JRPG Investment Research issued a report downgrading Dish Network’s stock to a “neutral” recommendation.
Dish Network isn't alone with its satellite problems. Competitor DirecTV Sunday announced the launch of its newest satellite, DirecTV 11, was delayed due to an unspecified issue.
