EchoStar, DirecTV to Offer Family Tiers

[SOURCE: MediaWeek, AUTHOR: Todd Shields]
Following the lead of the two leading cable operators, the two dominant direct-broadcast satellite companies on Wednesday said they were rolling out programming tiers shorn of explicit sex and violence. The announcements of family-friendly tiers by satellite leader DirecTV and No. 2 EchoStar Communications come as Congress prepares to resume scrutiny over racy programming with a hearing Thursday before the Senate Commerce Committee. TV executives see family tiers as a way to lessen pressure from lawmakers who have suggested applying indecency regulations to cable and satellite. The regulations currently affect only traditional broadcasters.
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