The DirecTV and Dish merger is subject to regulatory approval and serves as a lifeline for EchoStar, which has no means to pay the $2 billion of its $20 billion debt due by November 14th. DirecTV previously attempted to merge with Dish in 2002,

Another big media acquisition has finally been confirmed.     Satellite TV provider DirecTV (T, TPG) said Monday it will buy rival Dish Network (SATS), including Dish's streaming brand Sling TV, through a debt exchange transaction.

DirecTV to acquire rival Dish Network, subject to regulatory approval. Regulators shut down a similar merger in 2002. After a two-week blackout, ESPN and other Disney-owned channels are back on DirecTV. The Walt Disney Company and DirecTV announced Saturday that they are in the process of finalizing a new contract.