Dish Network CEO: Looking To Improve This Year
NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)-
"In 2008, our goal was to stop getting worse," Ergen told analysts during the company's fourth-quarter conference call Monday. "This year we're prepared to get better."
The fourth quarter marked the third consecutive period in which the satellite- TV provider lost subscribers. It was particularly shocking as rival
Ergen said the business was too complex and difficult for consumers, from the marketing, the service, as well as the installation process. He acknowledged the room for improvement, and noted that Dish is considered a "second tier" provider compared with its rivals.
Dish has been pushing lower priced promotions to attract customers, but Ergen said the company has tightened its credit standards.
Ergen also said he sees programming costs this year rising from a year ago, although he noted all companies in the video business face the same problem.
On its legal battle with
On Dish's investment in
Ergen hedged on whether he would return cash to shareholders, saying he would prefer to reinvest in the business.
Dish shares were recently down 11.6% to
