DirecTV Inc. kicked off a new educational-programming initiative called
'DirecTV Goes to School' Wednesday during a ceremony at the La Salle Avenue
elementary school in Los Angeles.
Programmers representing 67 channels have agreed to make their networks
available to participating schools free-of-charge as part of a package called
'School Choice.'
'Cable has had a similar program for many years,' DirecTV senior vice
president of programming Stephanie Campbell said. 'We felt it was time for us to
give back.'
The service will be available to up to 50,000 U.S. schools serving grades
kindergarten through 12. Qualifying schools are responsible for buying and
installing their own DirecTV hardware. Some disadvantaged schools will be
offered free hardware and installation based on their ability to pay.
Schools that buy DirecTV receivers with built-in personal video recorders
from TiVo Inc. can time-shift the programming that will be available live on the
DirecTV feed. TiVo plans to donate lifetime memberships to its PVR-subscription
service to participating schools.
DirecTV's educational program includes about 28 channels not yet affiliated
with Cable in the Classroom.
