Second Season of DIRECTV ® Hometown Heroes Gives Viewers Perfect Antidote for ‘Bad News Fatigue’ by Focusing on Inspiring Individuals Making a Difference

TV viewers getting tired of all the bad news on television these days are in for a welcome treat when the exclusive original series DIRECTV ® Hometown Heroes returns for a second season beginning Sunday, April 5, (9 a.m. ET/PT) only on DIRECTV’s The 101^® Network. The series, hosted for a second year by Joan Lunden, is presented commercial-free and in HD.

This extraordinary and uplifting program takes the spotlight off the economy and bad news and focuses on the extraordinary work and humanity of DIRECTV customers from across the country who are transforming the lives of those in their community. Each week the 30-minute program, from Emmy^® Award-winning producer Linda Ellman, will feature three remarkable members of the DIRECTV community, highlight the motivation behind their selfless acts and demonstrate the positive impact they’ve had on the lives of others.

Throughout the ten-episode series viewers will meet extraordinary people such as Eva Payne from Fremont, Neb., who at the mere age of 21 founded Camp Kindle, a summer camp for young people infected or affected by HIV or AIDS; Karen Shirk of Xenia, Ohio, who founded "4 Paws For Ability,” an organization that trains dogs to assist people with disabilities of all kinds; Don Harper from Orange, Calif., who founded "Discovery Arts” which brings music, art, dance and drama to children being treated for life threatening illnesses at local hospitals; Bill Gross of Eureka, S.D., who founded "Farm Rescue,” which provides free equipment and labor to help farm families in crisis plant and harvest their crops; and Juan Lopez from Philadelphia, Pa., who founded "Platinum All-Stars,” a community-based nonprofit group that uses an organized basketball league to fight crime and delinquency in some of Philadelphia’s toughest neighborhoods.

"It’s so rare to find a news show that actually focuses on good news, so I was happy to come back for a second season,” said Ms. Lunden. "This show takes viewers on a unique journey that packs a therapeutic dose of human compassion and leaves you with the feeling that the world is a better place.”

"At a time when Americans are being bombarded with so much negativity, we are especially pleased to present a series that reminds us how one person can make a profound difference in the lives of others,” said Ronit Larone, vice president and executive producer, DIRECTV Entertainment. "This kind of program is unique in today’s TV landscape, it’s enjoyable, uplifting and we think viewers will find it a welcome relief.”

DIRECTV ® Hometown Heroes host Joan Lunden is an award-winning broadcast journalist, entrepreneur, mother of seven and one of America's most recognized and trusted television personalities. During her 17-year tenure as host of ABC's Good Morning America, she helped millions of Americans start each day — reporting from 26 countries, covering four presidents, five Olympics, and two Royal weddings. Lunden has become a constant and reassuring presence in American homes for over 25 years.

Ms. Lunden will be joined by a team of correspondents including Emmy^® Award -winning reporter Jennifer Santiago, AOL Living’s Rachel Campos-Duffy and television star turned journalist Grant Goodeve.

Jennifer Santiago is the host of the Travel Channel’s Royal Passage to Asia. In addition to winning numerous awards for her investigative reporting, Jennifer is a seven-time Emmy nominee and two-time Emmy winner. She also contributes international reports for the CBS Evening News With Katie Couric.

Rachel Campos-Duffy currently hosts AOL Living, a lifestyle page that reaches millions of users, and also serves as the site’s resident parenting expert. Previously, she joined the legendary Florence Henderson as co-host of the weekly magazine show Lifetime’s Speaking of Women’s Health. Ms. Campos is best known for her role as a reality television pioneer on MTV’s ground-breaking The Real World San Francisco and over twenty feisty performances as a guest co-host on ABC’s The View. She is the proud parent of five children.

Mr. Goodeve is an actor and television host best known for playing the role of David, the oldest son, on the ABC television series Eight Is Enough. Goodeve also appeared in guest roles in series such as The Love Boat, T.J. Hooker, Dynasty, Fantasy Island — and later Northern Exposure. Most recently, he began contributing to KING-TV's Evening Magazine and hosting such shows as Northwest Backroads and If Walls Could Talk. He is an active member in his Presbyterian church in Seattle, engaging part-time in an itinerant music ministry in the region.

DIRECTV ® Hometown Heroes is produced by Linda Ellman and her production company Linda Ellman Productions, Inc. Ms. Ellman is a three-time Emmy^® Award-winning veteran of television news and entertainment, with more than 25 years experience in local and network News, syndicated and cable programming. Ms. Ellman and Chris Meindl are executive producers.

Viewers can learn more about the program, get updates on each hero, and even nominate their own heroes through the show’s website, www.directv.com/heroes.

(Editors please note: Images are available per request through The Lippin Group)

About DIRECTV, Inc.

DIRECTV, Inc. (NASDAQ:DTV), the nation’s leading satellite television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to more than 17.6 million customers in the United States and is leading the HD revolution with more than 130 HD channels. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy access to over 265 channels of 100% digital picture and sound, exclusive programming, industry-leading customer satisfaction (which has surpassed national cable companies for eight years running) and superior technologies that include advanced DVR and HD-DVR services and the most state-of-the-art interactive sports packages available anywhere. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit directv.com.