Satellite television providers will broadcast UPN programming from January 1 following a recent court ruling prohibiting them to pick and choose which local channels they will carry.

DirecTV and EchoStar's Dish Network will pick up UPN and WB affiliates in more than 40 markets, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The markets include key areas such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Under the 1999 Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act, providers were obliged to carry all public television stations if they carried any at all. However, the satellite companies neglected to follow this and instead chose which channels they would offer customers. A decision in the Federal Court last month ordered the providers to comply with the 1999 ruling from January 1 next year.

"It further levels the playing field for this emerging network," said UPN executive vice-president of affiliate relations Steve Carlston.

The news comes in the wake of several deals between UPN and cable companies in markets such as Cincinnati designed to strengthen the network's distribution.

Subscribers who wish to receive Enterprise and other UPN programming will have to pay an extra $6 a month to recieve the local channels.

Further information can be found in this Hollywood Reporter article.

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