IN THE MULTI-CHANNEL TELEVISION BUSINESS, CLOUT COUNTS

摘要

Last month, we wrote how satel-lite television services are becoming the principal economic driver of the global satellite industry and what a merger of EchoStar and Hughes might mean for the U.S. satellite industry. This month, we expand upon that theme by looking at the impact DBS providers are having on the U.S. multi-channel television business by using their increasing market clout to challenge the regulatory status quo and change the marketplace. In particular, EchoStar's litigation strategy aimed at tilting the age-old conflict between content and distribution. We believe these efforts could have an even more profound effect than the merger itself, particularly for local broadcasters and smaller networks.