Would you like to see the merger go through?

Would you like to see the merger go through?

Yes ...

I like the overall possibilities that would be created. More locals, better PQ, the sports packages for all, and the ability to negotiate better contracts due to our overall numbers. My only fear is the "take it or leave it" attitude Dish could have because they are the only player ... but I really don't think that will happen.

I voted yes and for everything Scott mentioned plus better IRDs and PVRs built by companies that know how to make quality products, Hughes, Sony, Philips and RCA. And more interactive content for us E* subs.

Steve

I also voted yes. Although I'm not big on merging companies reducing competition, I do feel strongly that satellite space is at a premium and having two companies duplicate programming is a big waste.

Some might call me an E* "cheerleader" but I feel that way only because E* has treated very well in meeting my TV wants and desires. I look forward to Charlie expanding his vision of what DBS is all about after teh merged company can utilize the combined bandwidht more effecgively.

This being said, however, I would be just as equally pleased if it were DirecTV taking over E*. Again my main reason is that there would be more room for new channels and services. And while my own LIL needs are being met. It would be great for subs in lesser markets to be able ot get their LIL service.

I am for it for the same reasons stated, but I only give it about a 40% chance of happening. This is up from what I thought when it was firt announced.

From a DirecTV subscriber's perspective, there is no advantage to surrendering better service to a megalomaniac who's repeatedly failed to deliver on promises to his own subscribers. This deal benefits G.M., G.M.'s Hughes/DirecTV shareholders, and saves Ergen's fanny from all but assured ruin had Murdoch gotten control of DirecTV. Label me a curmudgeon, but, someone had to give the Pollyannas a much needed dose of reality check.

I voted yes but lately have been leaning towards don't care. The benefits of not duplicating programming seem obvious. But some guys just won't be able to live with Charlie if the merger goes through.

Some posters personal animosity towards Charlie might make them leave DBS and I don't want to see that. DBS has to grow to stay in business. As a rural customer DBS is my only option for ESPN, CNN, movie channels etc. Cable is not going to come 5 miles out from a small town to hook up 4 houses on the way.

I'm for whatever makes satellite TV survive.

Quote: "Some posters personal animosity towards Charlie might make them leave DBS and I don't want to see that."

The number of those people in the REAL world are totally insignificant. Most subscribers don't even know who this Charlie guy is, much less the fact that he is a multi-billionaire. Personally, I think the fact that he is a multi-billionaire is the biggest problem that most people have against him. I have often seen this same type of loathing against people that I have done work for in the past. A rich guy decides to build a fancy home and half the workers there complain about the way he spends his money. I always point out that if it were not for this rich person spending their money on this home, they wouldn't have a pay check next week. Often that doesn't even matter, the resentment is so deep.

Thanks Rking for pointing out that the REAL world doesn't have as many Charlie haters as DBS message boards.:) But, there won't be enough room here (or that other place) for all the "DBS is screwed up because you know who is running it" threads.

At least News Corp isn't getting D*, I have a lot bigger problem with vertical integration than ther being 1 DBS provider.

HELL NO!

If the merger goes through, im out of a Job!

Murdoch isnt out of this game yet. Remember the merger hasnt even been approved yet and this will take at least 6 months. If it is turned down, there is a chance Murdoch will get another shot at getting DirecTV, even at a reduced price. So, as much as you might think that he wont get DirecTV ever again, dont keep your hopes up too much. Until if and when a merger is approved, its anybody's guess what will happen until then.

Brian I happen to agree with you. More than anything though I find that the optimism I've seen here, as well as in other groups, is misplaced.

Despite all the bs talk about people that may have personal issues with Charlie, talk about simply being out to get him due to his billions, and all the other nonsense, people still haven't accepted the fact that he has failed to address the issues of his current 6 million subscribers let alone 16 million!

We have people in here talking as if Charlie will revolutionize dbs for goodness sake. He hasn't done so thus far so I see little reason that he will do so through a merged company. E* was a third place company when there were three dbs companies in the market. They'd still be in third place if P* hadn't been bought out.

Just once I'd like to hear something "real" besides blind optimism that provides a solid basis as to why someone, anyone, would be in support of this merger. Something that addresses software issues, something that addresses hardware issues, something that addresses PQ, something that addresses passing on value to the consumer. ANYTHING besides "we will be able to do this and that and bargain better".

In anything in life, it doesn't really matter what it is, the basics must first be covered before one starts tackling tougher issues. IMO E* hasn't had the basics covered in some time. J

Metro, how are you out of a job? Don't you sell both systems?

Brian, I don't count Murdoch out. I just think that would be worse than E* getting D*

Happy New Year

Here we go again. I have heard it countless times from those in both camps:

1)Echostar's subs: "Oh, if Rupert got DirecTV, it would be the worse thing in the whole wide world"

2)DirecTV's subs: "If Charlie got DirecTV, it would be the worse thing in the whole wide world"

Here's my scenario:

Neither Charlie, Rupert, or even Bill Gates should get DirecTV. DirecTV should let a third party who is led by someone who doesnt have the ego that is shaped like China and Africa combined. This would leave out Charlie, Rupert, Steve Case, and Bill Gates.

Alternate scenario: The Dish Network/DirecTV merger is approved. Ergen at some point is unable to service his debt load. Chapter 11. Hmmm... Who's that guy with an Aussie accent and an open checkbook riding a white horse up the courthouse steps?... At least if "Sir Rupert" were to get control of DirecTV before any of that happens, there would still be the benefit of competition among the DBS providers.

Originally posted by Brian Rector:

...DirecTV should let a third party who is led by someone who doesnt have the ego that is shaped like China and Africa combined. This would leave out Charlie, Rupert, Steve Case, and Bill Ga

(Nice mental imagery!) Legally, couldn't happen. A seller cannot arbitrarily deny consideration of specific parties based on perceived personal or business-style considerations.

Ray, I like your tagline :)

Steve

Thanks! Actually I'm exagerating. I know much less than half . . .

I voted no, but I would have voted yes if they weren't pulling ESPN Classic (and trying to pull ABC Family)

Why would you want a merger?? Why??? Okay..if you do...heres what you have to look forward to:

1)You think Dish ads on TV are bad enough, wait till you get those countless DirecTV for Kids promos. Thats right....DirecTV subs will have to suffer like those who have Dish Network with Britany. I can even see Tayna Memme getting replaced by Britany for DirecTV Customer News. This will cause DirecTV subs to hit the mute quickly.

2)Jim Ferguson as the official DirecTV film reviewer??? Geez....having no official DirecTV viewer was so much better.

3)You wont get DirecTV Movies and Sports previews. You will get "Dish we are sports" and once again that guy dressed up as a official stating "We dont control the blackouts. We dont have any blackouts since we dont have any sports"

4)Charlie Chats will continue. You know....its those programs that really make you believe that you actually know more than the CEO himself. "Gee....whats ESPN?? Never heard of the channel" (He then changes his tune when he is told that he is in a ESPN studio) "Oh, that ESPN. I thought ESPN stood for Ergen is Special and Perfect Network. That other ESPN we could do without. I have an announcement. The ESPN for sports will be discontinued, but youre not going to lose ESPN. I will have a channel that will totally have Charlie Chats 24 hours a Day. Its the Ergen is Special and Perfect Network. Warhol was right, but Im more famous than he is" :D

This poll is now closed.