DirecTV Plans To Offer Local Channels In Michigan

Communications Today, May 23, 2002

Grand Rapids, Mich., the state's second largest city, became the latest market where DirecTV intends to offer local signals this July. The total number of markets served with local signals by the nation's largest satellite TV service will reach 47 by mid-year, company officials said.

DirecTV currently offers local channels in 43 major metropolitan markets via its high-power DirecTV digital satellite television service. The company plans to offer local broadcast channels in 51 markets by year-end, representing more than 67 percent of U.S. television households.

Beginning in mid-July, DirecTV, the El Segundo, Calif.-based unit of Hughes Electronics [GMH], will offer all qualified local channels in the Grand Rapids designated market area. Grand Rapids is served by nine local channels, including major broadcast networks, a PBS affiliate and an independent station. The market will receive its local channels from a DirecTV satellite at the 119-degree West orbital slot.