EchoStar acquires Sling Media for $380 million

U.S. satellite broadcast company EchoStar announced it will acquire content placeshifting technology developer Sling Media for $380 million, to be paid in a combination of cash and EchoStar stock. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter. Sling Media's signature Slingbox software transmits digital media from set-top boxes to web-enabled devices--its Clip+Sling initiative also enables users to clip and share limited segments of television programming. EchoStar, an early Sling Media investor, operates the Dish Network direct-to-home satellite TV service.

"With today's increasingly mobile lifestyle, EchoStar's acquisition of Sling Media will allow us to offer innovative and convenient ways for our customers to enjoy their programming on more displays and locations, including TVs, computers and mobile phones, both inside and outside of the home," said Charlie Ergen, EchoStar CEO and co-founder. "This combination paves the way for the development of a host of new innovative products and services for our subscribers, new digital media consumers and strategic partners."   

For more on the EchoStar/Sling Media deal:
- read this article from the Associated Press 
- and this New York Times article

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