FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARSOCCI NAMED VICE PRESIDENT OFCOMMUNICATIONS AT HUGHES ELECTRONICS

EL SEGUNDO,  CA - December 17, 2002  - Bob Marsocci has been named vice president of corporate communications for Hughes Electronics Corporation. He will retain his position as senior director of communications for DIRECTV, Inc., a subsidiary of HUGHES, and continue to serve as a DIRECTV spokesperson.

Marsocci succeeds George Jamison, who has been named vice president of communications at United Technologies Corporation. Marsocci, who will oversee HUGHES' external communications strategy, will report to Jack A. Shaw, president and chief executive officer of HUGHES. He will also be a member of the Hughes Management Committee.

"In his years with DIRECTV, Bob has worked closely with the management of HUGHES, and brings to his new position a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and a keen understanding of our business. His familiarity with both the HUGHES and DIRECTV communication teams will make this transition a smooth one," said Shaw.

Marsocci, 38, joined DIRECTV during its start-up phase in November 1995 as senior manager, communications. Increasing his responsibility, he was named director of communications in October 1998 and senior director of communications in June 2001. In his current role, he oversees the execution of DIRECTV's communications and media relations strategy. DIRECTV is the nation's leading digital satellite television service provider with more than 11 million customers.

Before joining DIRECTV, Marsocci was a senior account supervisor for Hill and Knowlton, Inc. He joined Hill and Knowlton in September 1990 as senior account executive after serving as account executive at the GCI Group for three years.

Marsocci graduated the University of Rhode Island in 1986 with a bachelor of arts degree.