DirecTV Eyes Local TV Expansion in 2005

[Gregg Lengling]

DirecTV is eyeing further expansion of its local TV offerings, saying this week that it will add five new markets early next year to the expanding local TV slate.

DirecTV says it will begin offering local channels to customers in Augusta and Macon, Ga., LaCrosse-Eau Claire, Wis., Myrtle Beach-Florence, S.C., and Rockford, Ill., early in 2005. With the addition of the five new markets, the satellite TV company will have local channels in 135 markets, representing 93 percent of U.S. TV households.

The new markets will be among 29 local TV markets that will receive local channels from a DirecTV satellite located at the 72.5-degree orbital slot. Due to the location of the satellite, customers in those markets will need a second 18-inch dish to receive local channels. The extra dish and installation will be provided at no charge.