Tags: Dish Network, DirecTV, DTH, Satellite TV
Publication: BusinessWeek.com
Publication Date: 11/06/2012

While popular options for paid television, subscriber numbers have plummeted for both DirecTV and Dish. A merger appears to be a possibility again. Image credit: John Dewar

After reporting a loss of subscribers in the third quarter, Dish Network Corp. Chairman and Founder Charlie Ergen has suggested both his company and its larger rival, DirecTV, should consider a merger to address the slowing pay-TV market. While no deal discussions have taken place yet, both Ergen and DirecTV CEO Mike White have been reported to say that a merger would ultimately benefit consumers.

Dish is currently waiting for FCC approval for mobile video and data services. If given the green light, it would increase the likelihood of a merger with DirecTV, according to analysts.

This wouldn’t be the first time the companies tried a merger. In 2002 regulators blocked the deal because it would have been anti-competitive. However, the market has changed in the past 10 years with more companies offering television and video services online, which opens the possibility for the merger even more.

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