We
Win in a Battle To Stop the Merger of the Satellite TV Companies, EchoStar Communications
and Hughes Electronics! Thank
All of Grange Members for Support and Participation on This Issue! Attached
is National Grange Press Release on the FCC Decision. Last
Thursday(10/10) The Federal Communications Commission rejected a proposed merger
between EchoStar Communications Corp. and Hughes Electronics Corp., scuttling
an $18.5 billion deal that would have created the nation's largest pay-TV service.
The
FCC voted 4-0, saying the deal would create a virtual monopoly that would be particularly
hurtful for millions of Americans without access to cable television. "Many
Americans, especially in rural places, would be left with only one choice for
their subscription video service, now and in the foreseeable future," Federal
Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell said. "Based on the record,
the commission cannot find the merger is in the public interest." During
the past year, the National Grange has expressed its strong opposition to the
proposed merger of EchoStar and Hughes. Finally, we achieved our victory!
Thank
you for your grassroots participation in the National Grange Legislative program.
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