EchoStar, Hughes Promise Local TV
EchoStar Communications Corp. and Hughes Electronics Corp. promised to deliver local television channels in all 210 U.S. markets if the government approves their $30-billion satellite-TV combination.
The two biggest U.S. satellite-TV providers now offer local broadcasts in 42 cities. They’ve asked the Federal Communications Commission for approval to launch a satellite to provide the added local service.
Critics say EchoStar’s planned purchase of Hughes, owner of the DirecTV service, will limit consumer choices in rural areas lacking cable TV.
EchoStar says the combination will give viewers a competitor to cable monopolies, more local news and fast Internet service.
The companies’ promise to deliver local channels to all U.S. markets will bolster their argument, analysts said.
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