FCC Rejects Satellite TV Merger "The FCC rejected a proposed merger between Echostar and Hughes, scuttling a $26 billion deal that would have created the nation's largest pay-TV service. "Based on the record, the commission cannot find the merger is in the public interest and thus has voted to decline the license transfer," FCC chairman Michael Powell said. EchoStar , runs Dish Network, while Hughes operates DirecTV. Together they serve about 18 million subscribers. Opponents said a merger would create a monopoly in many areas, particularly in rural places without access to cable television."