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To: Satellite Mike who wrote (727)	3/30/1998 11:53:00 AM
From: Satellite Mike	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1394

Federal regulators are preparing to block the $1.1 billion sale of a key TV satellite slot jointly owned by MCI and News Corp. to Primestar Partners, sources familiar with the deal told Reuters. Primestar is owned by several cable-industry giants, including Time Warner and a publicly traded spinoff of Tele-Communications Inc. The slot is one of three suitable for direct broadcast TV. (From today's IBD)

To: Satellite Mike who wrote (727)	3/31/1998 6:33:00 PM
From: John J. Thrall	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1394

Mike, Revenues should get an even bigger bump. Prices just increased, with Top 60 now $29, and superstations $5 extra. Also, the multichannels start at $11 (I'm not happy about that one). Used to be you could get all the movie channels for $25, but now its something like $50. NEW, sports package (22 channels) is $5, and they are offering Playboy for something like $13 a month. On the DISH promotions channel, the president explains all of this in excellent fashion, noting the new channels you'll get for your money (STARZ 1, STARZ 2, ENCORE, and a new showtime channel). Also, he takes a good stab at gov. regulators for the superstation rate increase, complete with a call to contact your congressman (nothing beats blaming the government for higher prices). They also present a good overview of qualifications to receive broadcast national feeds ($5-$8). This all takes place in April-May. Should have an immediate an substantial impact on revenue number for 1998 Q2. I've also noticed that the price wars have finally settled down, along with less advertising - no doubts in anticipation for DISH's next anti-cable local channel promotion We may see profitability earlier than I thought, and more in line with your predictions. John