Ameristar to sell DISH Network hardware and programming.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 1996--EchoStar Communications Corp. (NASDAQ:DISH) announced today it has signed an agreement with Ameristar Worldwide Entertainment Inc., based in Nashville, Tenn., to sell DISH Network(TM) hardware and programming nationwide.

The business affiliation allows Ameristar's network marketing sales force to demonstrate and sell DISH Network's Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) system across the country.

"We were attracted to Ameristar's aggressive selling style, and are pleased with their commitment to sell a substantive number of systems this year," said EchoStar Executive Vice President James DeFranco. "Ameristar's management team and founders have extensive experience in network marketing, and I'm excited to have them aligned with our growth strategy."

"We wanted to team up with the DBS provider with the strongest value and lowest cost to the consumer," said Ameristar President Sam Watson. "With DISH Network's product and programming offering, combined with our attractive financing packages, we can now make a significant contribution to our collective, accelerated growth and bring the consumer better television."

Ameristar will be selling DISH Network's fully MPEG-2/DVB-compliant Premium System, which includes an 18-inch dish, a premium digital satellite receiver and a high-end UHF universal remote control. The system includes accessories and an easy-to-use, on-screen electronic program guide and navigator for no additional charge. Programming is available directly through DISH Network, which is the only Direct Broadcast Satellite provider offering a low cost of $19.99 for America's Top 40 programming package with multi-channel premium services offered in upgrade packages for as little as $10 more each.

DISH (Digital Sky Highway) Network(SM), EchoStar Communications Corp.'s state-of-the-art DBS system, offers retailers and consumers satellite television programming, MPEG-2 hardware, installation and 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week customer service. A total of over 200 channels of digital video, audio and data services is expected to be delivered to homes throughout the continental United States with the launch of EchoStar II later this year.

Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., EchoStar is also involved in the design, manufacture, distribution, and installation of direct-to-home (DTH) satellite television products to customers worldwide, domestic distribution of DTH programming and consumer financing of EchoStar's domestic DTH products and services. EchoStar's international operations include sales and service locations in Holland, Spain, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and India.

CONTACT: EchoStar Communications Corp., Englewood, Colo.

Jim DeFranco, 303/799-8222, ext. 5204