NAB to Oppose EchoStar-DirectTV Merger

NAB to Oppose EchoStar-DirectTV Merger

Written By
Matt Carolan
Matt Carolan
Nov 30, 2001
1 minute read
eWeek content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More

The National Association of Broadcasters announced Thursday that it will oppose the proposed merger of EchoStar Communications with DirecTV.

“This merger would create the worlds largest monopoly video delivery system,” said NAB President and CEO Edward O. Fritts in a prepared statement.

The NAB announced that TV Board Vice Chairman Michael Fiorile will testify in opposition to the merger at a Dec. 4 House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.

The $28.5 billion merger was first announced in October, immediately raising competitive concerns about consolidation in satellite services.

Advocates of the deal have argued however that competitive concerns are overblown, since satellite services are in a more direct competition with cable television companies. Some analysts have also suggested that the merger could create a powerful rival to the regional Bells in the broadband services market.

eWeek Logo

eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site's focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.