That's an interesting scenario, Goodboy, and one that might well bear out. Charlie understands the value of slots in the sky. And they are in favor in many areas of government for their confrontational approach to cable, which wins points on the hill and with the FCC. Both those groups would love nothing better than a strong DBS competitor to answer complaints from nearly every quarter about cable monopolies.
DIRECTV was never really willing to take on that role. And, despite what seems like an almost insurmountable lead in subscribers, they lack firm direction. Personally, I see DIRECTV as very similar to AT&T - big, powerful on the basis of its sheer size, but unable to commit to a decision. And what better case in point than the failed AT&T/DIRECTV venture. It's better to make the wrong decisions with dedication and make them work than it is to make the right decisions without commitment.
Vogel is an intelligent guy, and I think he'll be an asset to Primestar. He's never been a CEO (although he's the paper head of Star Choice, the Canadian service, they're much smaller - and he his duties are not demanding enough to even require him to move his home from Denver), but he's paid the dues. Like an assistant coach taking on his first head coaching job, he deserves the shot - let's see what he does with it.
Regards,
NOEL |
