Dish’s Ergen Expects 100 HD Nets, 100 Local HD Markets

Conceding that delays in satellite launches hurt Dish Network competitively, CEO Charlie Ergen said Tuesday that the satellite provider will have 100 national HD networks and local HD channels in 100 markets by the end of the year.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6535643.html

CNet: Satellite lobbying push could mean higher cable bills

DirecTV and other satellite television providers want taxes "equalized" on fairness grounds -- which could mean higher taxes for cable providers and their subscribers.

http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9872657-7.html

Magid Study Finds Increased DTV Awareness

Six out of 10 Americans (59% to be exact) are now aware of the February 2009 turnover, according to Magid Media Futures, which conducted an online survey of some 1,200 adults 21 and over to measure their awareness of the DTV transition and their adoption of HDTV.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6544545.html

DOJ gives blessing to XM-Sirius

What an outrage! The key reason for DOJ granting the merger is because XM and Sirius have flagrantly and defiantly violated their FCC licenses for every day of their existence. Now it is up to the FCC.

http://www.rbr.com/radio/6471.html

Cable subscriptions will rise little on digital switch

MARCH 27 | Blockbuster, Netflix and other DVD-rental services may have found an unlikely ally in the U.S. switch to digital broadcasting next year: the federal government.

https://www.videobusinesss.com/article/CA6545683.html

DirecTV Lobbied On Digital TV Switch (Associated Press)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Satellite-television provider DirecTV Group Inc. spent more than $1.2 million in 2007 to lobby on the nation's switch next year from an analog to a digital TV format.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hrXO6SuUG-BGulsibUbFs-zBcvkQD8VHU5300

XM-Sirius merger approved

Barnett said Justice Dept. lawyers rejected arguments made mostly by consumer groups and the National Assn. of Broadcasters that satellite radio was a unique market and that a merger would allow creation of a monopoly that would jack up subscription rates.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117982819

Dish unveils turbo-charged DVR

EchoStar Communications and its Dish Network Thursday officially introduced their newest HD DVR, which can store up to 500 hours of programming for on-demand, and is meant to support the satellite provider’s expanded HD offering of 38 channels.

http://www.contentagenda.com/article/CA6469685.html?industryid=45198

LIN Television Retransmission Deal and Broader Industry Trends

Late last week, LIN Television (TVL) announced it had secured a retransmission deal with Dish Network Corp. (DISH), formerly Echostar Communications, for 26 television stations in 17 of its local markets.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/69352-lin-television-retransmission-deal-and-bro...

EchoStar to Acquire Sling Media

EchoStar to Acquire Sling Media Pay-TV provider and satellite equipment sales company EchoStar Communications is to acquire Sling Media for US$380 million in cash and EchoStar options.

http://www.broadcastandmedia.com/articles/D2/0C0509D2.asp