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2000 Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association Show READ ALL ABOUT IT! PAGE 3 Satellite Show Daily Forum Satellite Business News asked a group of the satellite TV’s industry most prominent leaders for their views on several of the industry’s most pressing questions. Each day, The Show Daily has presented answers to different questions. Today’s question: In the next year, what will drive more satellite sales, local-into-local or interactive/data services? Scott Weiss, Speakeasy Inc.: Local-into-local. While satellite can provide Internet access, it will be difficult to compete against high-speed cable modem technology once deployment is widespread and video streaming becomes readily available.” Stan Hubbard, Hubbard Media Group: “ Local-into-local.” Rik Hawkins, Starpath Satellite: “It is both, especially in rural America. I think consumers will spend an equal amount for interactive/data services to complement their entertainment content.” Tom Hayden, Showtime Networks: “In the short term, local-into-local will drive the most sales, as new communities around the country continue to open up. But in the long term, I believe that interactive services, which encourage consumer participation in home entertainment and the convergence of information with entertainment, will fuel future growth.” Eddy Hartenstein, DirecTv: “Local channels have played, and will continue to play, a huge role in driving sales. We’re equally enthusiastic about the sales potential for the new interactive/enhanced TV services. We believe consumers will find these products tremendously appealing.” Leslie Nittler, StarzEncore Group: “Since interactive/data services are just being developed now and not widely promoted or available, local-into-local will drive more sales in the next year.” Chuck Hewitt, SBCA: “Both are going to be instrumental in driving sales. Local-into-local will continue to lead the way with Internet broadband beginning to take off in 2001 and the years to follow.” Christine Sheehan, MTV Networks: “I really don’t see this as an either/or issue. It’s just a matter of time. In the short term it will be local-into-local driving sales because consumers have that immediate need. But in the long run, as consumers have a better understanding of what interactive services are available to them from satellite TV, demand will increase and interactivity will be equally important to the continues growth in sales.” Allen McCabe, Hughes Network Systems: “I believe that interactive/data will pull customers into the store. But local channels will sell them. Certainly there is a huge market for high-speed data. But all customers want local channels.” Mike Schroeder, Klingon High Council: “High quality local-into-local will drive more sales, if in fact the satellite providers commit to providing the HDTV signal that the local broadcaster is transmitting. Any company who thinks that delaying the inevitable is the answer needs to re-think its position.” Jeff Crabtree, Metron North America: “Both have the opportunity to be a major contributor. However, local has been a larger hurdle to overcome. The announcement of two-way high-speed Internet access promises to create a lot of excitement that will directly affect the sales volume.” John Ovrutsky, Home Box Office: “If all services continue to be well communicated to customers, both local-into-local and interactive/data services will play an important role in driving satellite sales.” TURN THE PAGE OTHER ISSUES TO LOOK FOR: Monday, July 19, 2000 Tuesday, July 20, 2000   Please direct questions about this site to general.mail@satbiznews.com q 2000 Satellite Business News Inc. All rights reserved.