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It was apparent at the 18th SkyFORUM in New York City that Charlie Ergen, chairman and CEO of EchoStar, was in fact a little concerned for the satellite TV merger. But, like the Charlie most know, he shrugged it off with a little humor.
"Our nation wide pricing plan didn't convince the DOJ (Department of Justice). However, we haven't received feedback from the FCC," said Ergen. "I'm confident the FCC has a sense of fair play."
Throughout the interview, conducted by USA Today's media business reporter David Lieberman, Charlie was drilled on such topics like Cablevision, piracy, plans for post-non-merger and post-merger, and a number of other issues close to the executive's heart. "I didn't hold any prayer meetings," said Ergen. "But, if God is making this (merger) decision, I think I have a pretty good chance."
Ergen was asked about his viewpoint on Charles Dolan's pursuit of a satellite business through Cablevision. After some strong questioning from Lieberman, Ergen surmised that Cablevision could not be a viable competitor with a 61.5-degree orbital slot (noting that the prized real estate doesn't sufficiently cover the entire continental United States).
The EchoStar executive also commented on the potential break-up fee if in fact the merger isn't approved: "We will honor our contract with Hughes.
"I don't spend a lot of time thinking about failure," Ergen said. "We've done everything in our power to try to convince the DOJ that this is the best thing for the consumer. I think that if the merger is not approved, both companies (EchoStar and DirecTV) will have lost, and the consumer too."
From SkyReport (Used with Permission)
"Our nation wide pricing plan didn't convince the DOJ (Department of Justice). However, we haven't received feedback from the FCC," said Ergen. "I'm confident the FCC has a sense of fair play."
Throughout the interview, conducted by USA Today's media business reporter David Lieberman, Charlie was drilled on such topics like Cablevision, piracy, plans for post-non-merger and post-merger, and a number of other issues close to the executive's heart. "I didn't hold any prayer meetings," said Ergen. "But, if God is making this (merger) decision, I think I have a pretty good chance."
Ergen was asked about his viewpoint on Charles Dolan's pursuit of a satellite business through Cablevision. After some strong questioning from Lieberman, Ergen surmised that Cablevision could not be a viable competitor with a 61.5-degree orbital slot (noting that the prized real estate doesn't sufficiently cover the entire continental United States).
The EchoStar executive also commented on the potential break-up fee if in fact the merger isn't approved: "We will honor our contract with Hughes.
"I don't spend a lot of time thinking about failure," Ergen said. "We've done everything in our power to try to convince the DOJ that this is the best thing for the consumer. I think that if the merger is not approved, both companies (EchoStar and DirecTV) will have lost, and the consumer too."
From SkyReport (Used with Permission)
