Rural Missourians Keep Close Watch On Satellite TV Merger Talks

A proposal to merge two satellite TV companies is being touted by supporters as a very good thing for residents of rural Missouri. Federal and state regulators are considering the proposal to have EchoStar take overDirectTV. EchoStar spokesman Chris Long says rural Missourians would benefit from improved access to quality television, and the price would remain at the current level for the time being. At the federal level, the merger requires the approval of the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission – among otherentities. The Public Service Commission has to approve at the state level.