NEWS
	Federal Communications Commission 1919 - M Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20554	News media information 202 / 418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov
	This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
	November 30, 1998
	Statement of FCC Chairman William E. Kennard on EchoStar-News Corp-MCI Announcement
	Consumers need more competition to provide an alternative to cable and to keep cable rates in check. Direct broadcast satellite (DBS) firms have the potential to offer much-needed competition to cable. The deal announced today could facilitate stronger DBS-cable competition depending on the specific business plans put forward. We look forward to receiving more details on this proposed transaction to better understand how these companies plan to accomplish two important goals: bringing consumers alternatives to cable and preserving competition in the nascent DBS industry.