COMPANY TOWN ANNEX

Broadcast Satellite Service Sets Prices: DirecTv Inc., a unit of GM Hughes Electronics, announced its initial pricing for its broadcast satellite services, which will compete against cable systems beginning in April. DirecTv said it will offer its “Personal Choice” package for $21.95 a month and its “Total Choice” package for $29.95. The broadcast satellite service will offer as many as 150 channels of programming to homes via an 18-inch satellite dish, which will sell for about $700. DirecTv also said it will carry a new business television news network produced by Bloomberg Financial Markets in association with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.