EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:DTV):

DIRECTV Group Revenues Increase 17% to Nearly $4.6 Billion
DIRECTV Group Operating Profit Before Depreciation and Amortization
Increases 27% to $1.2 Billion

The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:DTV) today reported that first quarter 2008 revenues increased 17% to $4.59 billion, operating profit before depreciation and amortization1 (OPBDA) increased 27% to $1.18 billion and operating profit increased 17% to $657 million compared to last year's first quarter. The DIRECTV Group reported that first quarter net income of $371 million increased 10% and earnings per share increased 19% to $0.32 compared with the same period last year.

"DIRECTV's first quarter results highlight the overall operational and financial strength of our company. Our strategy of offering the best television experience to higher quality customers continues to drive superior financial results," said Chase Carey, president and CEO of The DIRECTV Group, Inc. "DIRECTV U.S. revenues were up 14% to $4.05 billion in the quarter due to a 17% increase in net subscriber additions to 275,000 coupled with an 8.6% increase in ARPU. The increased demand for DIRECTV services was primarily driven by our industry-leading content, HD, DVR and interactive services, as well as strong results from our direct sales channel. These factors along with new dealer incentives and tighter credit policies designed to attain higher quality customers contributed to a ten-year-low first quarter monthly churn rate of 1.36%.

DirecTV Group Inc. (NYSE: DTV)