DIRECTV Launches PASIONES Channel

PASIONES, the 24-hour channel dedicated to "Telenovelas,” announced today that it is now available to DIRECTV customers through the DIRECTV Más™ platform, on channel 444.

PASIONES delivers an ideal programming mix and multicultural strategy, offering "Telenovelas” from top producers representing multiple countries, such as Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela. The channel combines the latest hits, which have been ratings leaders, with the most memorable classics, as well as exclusive access to "Behind the Scenes” footage.

"The philosophy of PASIONES - to have the best `Telenovelas' from different countries, the most recognized actors and the best stories all in one place - has really struck a chord with our audience," said Juan Pablo Santos, vice president of New Business for IMAGINA U.S. "We're really committed to satisfying the `Telenovela' lover with the best and most varied product on the market."

"DIRECTV is the premier destination for quality, innovative English- and Spanish-language programming for the Hispanic community,” said Toby Berlin, vice president of DIRECTV Programming Acquisitions. "PASIONES fits perfectly into that mix and we are thrilled to add their ‘Telenovela’ programming to our DIRECTV Más platform.”

The excellence of PASIONES’s programming lies with the relentless search for new opportunities and the daily transmission of eight highly successful "Telenovelas.” The great "Telenovelas” of today are: Xica da Silva, Chocolate con Pimienta, Pantanal, La Mujer de Judas, Luciana y Nicolas, Maria Bonita, Don Juan y su Bella Dama, El Derecho de Nacer and La Baby Sister. The channel will also premiere Doña Beija, a top Brazilian "Telenovela” that has been requested by the channel’s audience.

PASIONES is the only "Telenovela” channel with national coverage targeting a multicultural audience of women and men between 18 and 50 years old. At the same time, PASIONES fosters great artistic figures such as Fernando Allende, Adela Noriega, Ana de la Reguera, Christian Meier, Joaquin Furriel, Benjamin Vicuna, Paola Rey and Taís Araújo, as well as the most prestigious "Telenvoela” writers such as Walcyr Carrasco and Pedro Divino Rosa.

DIRECTV Más™ offers the widest array of Spanish and English-language programming available and the latest satellite technology, all combined to provide viewers with digital-quality picture and sound at competitive prices. The service provides access to more than 60* Spanish-language channels including top programming from Mexico, Central and South America, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Spain. DIRECTV Más™ programming offers sports, movies, music, news and educational networks, and access to more than 235 English-language channels of DIRECTV® programming, featuring the largest selection of pay per view choices and sports programming available. For pricing please visit www.DIRECTVMás.com or call 1-866-501-1Más (627).

About Pasiones

Pasiones is a television channel operated by the production company Imagina U.S., which has an extensive and successful track record in launching television channels, with direct access to primary programmers and to an infrastructure with the latest technology in both the U.S. and in Latin America. For more information please visit: www.tvpasiones.com.

About Imagina US

Imagina US operates through its subsidiaries Promofilm dedicated to the production of content and TV formats, and Media World, a division focused on the development and distribution of thematic channels, exploitation rights and technical services in the audiovisual field. For more information please visit: www.imaginaus.com.

About DIRECTV

DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV) is the world’s most popular video service delivering state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming, the most comprehensive sports packages available and industry leading customer service to its more than 25 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its 18.56 million customers more than 130 HD channels and Dolby-Digital® 5.1 theater-quality sound (when available), access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, award winning technology like its DIRECTV® DVR Scheduler and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for nine years running. DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, leads the pay-TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to 6.5 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include three Regional Sports Networks (Northwest, Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh) as well as a 65 percent interest in Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please call 1-800-DIRECTV or visit directv.com.