Getting Smaller – DIRECTV's New Tier: Here's an interesting move in the channel packaging game, first reported by our friend John Ourand at Sports Business Journal: DIRECTV is now testing a low-cost tier – called the Select Package – in 14 rural and minor-metro markets. The package offers 120 channels at $45/month. The channels include ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN 3D as the only "pure" sports channels although games are also available via TBS, TNT, HDNET and local broadcasters. It isn't necessarily a harbinger of DIRECTV's future packaging ... but it's an interesting look at what might (or might not) play in today's income-challenged environment. It fits into DIRECTV's overall focus on regional marketing this year and, as noted by SBJ, it provides a counterpoint to DISH's long time $40/month, 120 channel tier.
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