Posted: Tue, Jan 21, 2003, 11:33 PM ET (0433 GMT)
EchoStar, which failed in its bid last year to merge with rival satellite TV provider DirecTV, is reportedly in talks to be acquired by News Corporation, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday. The article claimed that informal discussions had been held between Charles Ergen, chairman of EchoStar, and Rupert Murdoch, head of News Corporation; similar discussions have also been held between Ergen and executives of Liberty Media, run by John Malone. The substance of the discussions hasn't been disclosed but the Journal article said they likely involved the sale of EchoStar to one or both companies. Such a move would be surprising, since News Corp. and Liberty Media have reportedly been planning a bid to acquire DirecTV, whose parent, General Motors, is interested in selling the company. Analysts quoted by Reuters suggested that the EchoStar overture may be little more than a effort by News Corp. and Liberty to speed negotiations with DirecTV.

Related Links:

•  Wall Street Journal article (subscription required)
•  Reuters article