Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Round Two of the Fight for a DirecTV-Dish Network Merger

DirecTV-Dish Network Merger

They say good things come in pairs, but in the eyes of the FCC, this isn’t always so. About 20 years ago, Dish Network and DirecTV attempted to merge into a single company. This triggered a Department of Justice investigation and whispers of anti-trust violations. In the end, the FCC ruled that the merger would indeed cross the boundaries of anti-trust laws. For 20 years, both companies have gone on to survive in the online streaming era.

Fast-forward to the beginning of this year, and there are already whispers that DirecTV and Dish Network are about to go for Round 2 of their quest to merge. The latest first rumbling of this situation came from a New York Post article. TPG Capital is a minority stakeholder and has some control over DirecTV. It’s reported that this is their idea to move forward on merger talks.

TPG Capital leaders aren’t the only people who believe that the merger will happen. Dish Network chairman Charlie Ergen is fond of calling the merger “inevitable.” What’s more, many insiders believe that round two might actually be a knockout success for both companies. A lot of things have changed since their first attempt.

Antitrust laws are pro-competition and anti-monopoly.. 20 years ago, Dish Network and DirecTV were pretty much the only options that television consumers had to choose from if they wanted to watch outside of their local cable TV companies. The FCC ruled that the similarity of Dish Network and DirecTV would form a virtual monopoly over the industry.

Oh, how things have changed. Today’s television consumers have a near-infinite array of platforms to choose from. There’s Apple TV, Dish TV, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, and so many more. For those who have wireless internet, they watch “television” on their tablets, laptop, and even smartphones. Blair Levin, a policy advisor to New Street Research, believes that this time, the Dish and DirecTV merger might be significantly more likely to go through.

Levin says, “If the antitrust authorities agree, the government would likely deem that market significantly more competitive, with the merger unlikely to cause an anti-competitive effect.” New Street Research is a respected independent research firm that focuses on technology just like this, so it’s possible that their prediction will prove correct.

That’s not to say that there won’t be “uncertainty about its fate,” Levin says of the merger. The DOJ is certain to zone in on the sameness of the companies just like they did almost 20 years ago. For now, though, if both companies choose to go forward with a true try at a merger, it looks like their odds of approval are much better now than they were decades before. The entire television industry has changed, and the nature of the competition has changed, too.

If the merger goes through, what will it mean for television consumers? For the stock market, the news came positively for Dish Network. Its stock jumped by 3% after the initial reports. This could mean that there’s a positive slant to the way the public would view a merger between these two. Both would bring their own philosophies into the satellite TV market and perhaps form a strong competitor against the many streaming services that have since taken over in the last decade. Unlike last time, a merger might mean stronger competition among television services.

In the coming months, talks will continue and either go forward or break down. That’s a certainty. If they go forward, it will then be up to the DOJ as to whether or not this is a done deal or another false alarm. Dish Network and DirecTV continue to be competitors for now, competing against an entire legion of mobile entertainment. By the end of the year, they might be teammates giving television consumers yet another way to enjoy their binges on today’s most beloved television shows. Decisions and news won’t come quickly. As we all know, the television industry takes its entertainment very seriously. And the DOJ takes antitrust laws very seriously.

 


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Related Articles

Top Trending

Snokido Games
Snokido Games: The Ultimate Guide To Play for Free Online
how old is benny blanco
How Old Is Benny Blanco? A Look at the Record Producer's Age and Career
how tall is benny blanco
How Tall is Benny Blanco? Exploring the Height of the American Record Producer and Songwriter
Who is Benny Blanco
Who is Benny Blanco? An Introduction to the Music Producer and Songwriter
benny blanco net worth
Benny Blanco Net Worth: A Closer Look at His Wealth and Assets

LIFESTYLE

how to put on a duvet cover
How To Put on A Duvet Cover Easily: Simple Quora Way
12 Budget-Friendly Activities That Won’t Cost a Penny
12 Fun and Budget-Friendly Activities That Are Completely Free
lovelolablog code
Unlock Exclusive Lovelolablog Code For Discount Deals in 2025
Sustainable Kiwi Beauty Products
10 Sustainable Kiwi Beauty Products You Should Try for a Greener Routine
Best E-Bikes for Seniors
Best E-Bikes for Seniors with Comfort and Safety in Mind

Entertainment

Snokido Games
Snokido Games: The Ultimate Guide To Play for Free Online
benny blanco net worth
Benny Blanco Net Worth: A Closer Look at His Wealth and Assets
emma mackey white witch netflix narnia movie
Emma Mackey Cast as White Witch in Greta Gerwig’s Netflix Narnia Film
Diddy trial news swinger lifestyle defense
Diddy’s Lawyers Claim Swinger Lifestyle Is Legal Ahead of Trial
the last of us abby motives reveal
The Last of Us: How Early Abby Reveals Strengthened the Story

GAMING

Snokido Games
Snokido Games: The Ultimate Guide To Play for Free Online
unblocked games 67
Are Unblocked Games 67 Safe? Top Unblocked Games to Play in 2024
Anonymous Poker
All You Need to Know About Anonymous Poker
Future of Handheld Consoles
The Next Big Thing in Handheld Consoles Post-Steam Deck Revealed!
Indie Developers Making Big Games
Unveiling the Rise of Indie Developers and Their Big Games

BUSINESS

Franchise Plumbing Companies To Invest In USA
10 Best Franchise Plumbing Companies To Invest In USA
Emerging Logistics Hubs In Asia-Pacific
Top 10 Emerging Logistics Hubs In Asia-Pacific
Logistics Companies In Europe
Top 10 Logistics Companies In Europe To Watch In 2025
How Divorce Affects Your Taxes
How Divorce Affects Your Taxes: 7 Key Considerations for 2025
How to File a Tax Extension
File a Tax Extension with No Penalties: Easy 3 Step Guide

TECHNOLOGY

How Many Wheels Are There in the World
How Many Wheels Are There in the World? The Ultimate Investigation
xr:d:DAF_piQWhQQ:6,j:8643955411235431116,t:24031606
Perplexity Eyes Chrome Takeover if Google Is Forced to Sell
Apple and Meta Fined €700M by EU
Apple and Meta Fined €700M by EU Over Digital Market Violations
Apple Mail not working
Is Apple Mail not working for you? Here’s what you need to do!
lenovo yoga 720-15
Lenovo Yoga 720-15: A Premium 2-in-1 Laptop [Detail Guide]

HEALTH

Terminally Ill Patients Look to Expanded Access Programs
Terminally Ill Patients Look to Expanded Access Programs for Hope
Common Questions in ACLS Practice Tests with Answers
Most Common Questions in ACLS Practice Tests with Answers
How to Identify and Manage Burnout in the Workplace
How to Identify and Manage Burnout in the Workplace?
How to Start a Mental Wellness Program at Work
How to Start a Mental Wellness Program at Your Office?
Tips For Mentally Healthy Leadership
10 Tips For Mentally Healthy Leadership