After a court ordered them to comply to a 1999 federal law, DirecTV and Dish Network became the first two satellite television companies to announce they are now offering UPN and The WB on its basic systems.

The decision came when the two networks took satellite television providers to court stating that if the companies carry some local stations in any given market, they must carry all of them. While that stance was challenged, the satellite providers eventually lost and were forced to either pick up the netlets earlier this month, or give up all local programming.

According to Zap2it, DirecTV began broadcasting UPN and The WB Dec. 27 in all 41 markets were is offers local service. Dish officials said they would begin broadcasting those two networks beginning Jan. 1 in 36 markets. The two providers combine to reach about 17 million subscribers, and have been discussion a possible merger.

"It further levels the playing field for this emerging network," said Steve Carlston, UPN's vice president of affiliate relations. Shows like "Enterprise" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" on UPN have suffered this season from lack of market coverage, a lot of it because the Big Four networks are carried by satellite providers, but UPN and The WB are not.

The change could mean an increase in ratings for those and other shows carried by both networks.