Rural Interests Eye News Corp./DirecTV Deal

[Steve Mehs]

Rural interests said they are scrutinizing the proposed deal
between News Corp. and Hughes/DirecTV, including the
possibility that the media giant's takeover of the coveted
satellite TV assets will allow for the delivery of more local
TV offerings into remote areas.

U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat, said he's studying
the merger benefits, and if and when the new DirecTV can
deliver local TV into his home state. "As with most of rural
America, Montanans want the ability to receive local
programming from their satellite provider. This deal has the
potential to make local-to-local programming a reality in
Montana," he said.

The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, which
though its affiliates sells DirecTV in rural areas, didn't
have immediate issues with the $6.6 billion deal. "NRTC looks
forward to learning more about this proposed deal from News
Corp. in the very near future," said Adam Schwartz, NRTC’s
vice president of external affairs.

"NRTC, our members, and other like-minded organizations have
joined together in recent years, informing and educating
regulatory authorities and the general public on rural
America’s concerns about changes in the telecommunications
industries serving their communities," Schwartz said. "We
remain committed to ensuring that rural Americans are afforded
the same vibrant and competitive direct-to-home
telecommunications services, including distribution of all
local television markets, which are enjoyed by our neighboring
urban and suburban communities."

Late Wednesday, News Corp. announced plans to take a 34-percent stake in DirecTV and Hughes under a deal worth $6.6 billion. Fox Entertainment Group, the 80.6 percent-owned News Corp. subsidiary, will hold the Hughes stake.

From SkyReport (http://www.skyreport.com) (Used with Permission)

[AJ2086]

Do these people always need to make everything difficult?

[RAD]

Originally posted by Steve Mehs
U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat, said he's studying
the merger benefits, and if and when the new DirecTV can
deliver local TV into his home state. "As with most of rural
America, Montanans want the ability to receive local
programming from their satellite provider. This deal has the
potential to make local-to-local programming a reality in
Montana," he said.


So would the D*/E* merger but that didn't go too far. Guess Rupurt can do a better job of stuffing $'s in politicians pockets.

[Rick P]

/* engage Kosh Mode..

"... and so.. it begins"

*/ disengage Kosh

[DCSholtis]

Originally posted by RAD


So would the D*/E* merger but that didn't go too far. Guess Rupurt can do a better job of stuffing $'s in politicians pockets.
You maybe right there, Rad but the big difference is that with D* those same residents wouldnt be needing 2 dishes on their roofs....only 1.....:D