8-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 20, 2003

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

NEVADA	0-26176	88-0336997
(State or other jurisdiction	(Commission	(IRS Employer
of incorporation)	File Number)	Identification No.)

5701 S. SANTA FE DRIVE
LITTLETON, COLORADO	80120
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:	(303) 723-1000

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS
SIGNATURES
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EX-99.1 Press Release

ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS

On October 21, 2003, EchoStar Communications Corporation confirmed that effective October 20, 2003, it completed the previously announced redemption of $1.0 billion principal amount of its 4 7/8% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2007. See Press Release, dated October 21, 2003, “EchoStar Completes Redemption of 4 7/8% Convertible Subordinated Notes” attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
Dated: October 21, 2003	By: /s/ Michael R. McDonnell
	Michael R. McDonnell
	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number	Description
99.1	Press Release “EchoStar Completes Redemption of 4 7/8% Convertible Subordinated Notes” dated October 21, 2003.

EX-99.1 3 d09806exv99w1.htm EX-99.1 PRESS RELEASE

Exhibit 99.1

Echostar Completes Redemption
Of 4 7/8% Convertible Subordinated Notes

LITTLETON, Colo., October 21, 2003 — EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH) confirmed that effective October 20, 2003, it completed the previously announced redemption of $1 billion principal amount of its 4 7/8 percent Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2007.

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in EchoStar Communication Corporation’s Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements included in its recent filings, including Forms 10-K and 10-Q, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and EchoStar Communications Corporation undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

About EchoStar Communications
EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves over 9 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network™, the fastest growing subscription television service in the nation. DISH Network delivers advanced digital satellite television services, including hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, professional installation and 24-hour customer service. DISH Network is the leader in the sale of digital video recorders (DVRs). Headquartered in Littleton, Colo., EchoStar has been a leader for 23 years in digital satellite TV equipment sales and support worldwide. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 500 company. Visit EchoStar’s Web site at <www.echostar.com> or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

Investor Relations Contact: Jason Kiser, 303-723-2210, jason.kiser@echostar.com
Press Contact: Steve Caulk, 303-723-2010, steve.caulk@echostar.com

###

-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----

EX-99.1

exv99w1