SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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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): June 5, 2002
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
ITEM 4. CHANGES TO REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANTS
Effective June 1, 2002, EchoStar Communications Corporation
("EchoStar") determined not to renew the engagement of its independent
accountants, Arthur Andersen LLP ("Andersen") and appointed KPMG LLP ("KPMG") as
its new independent accountants, effective immediately for EchoStar and all of
its consolidated subsidiaries including, but not limited to, EchoStar Broadband
Corporation and EchoStar DBS Corporation. This determination followed EchoStar's
decision to seek proposals from independent accountants to audit EchoStar's
financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2002. The decision
not to renew the engagement of Andersen and to retain KPMG was approved by
EchoStar's Board of Directors upon the recommendation of its Audit Committee.
Andersen's report on EchoStar's 2001 financial statements was issued on
February 27, 2002 in conjunction with the filing of EchoStar's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.
During EchoStar's two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2001,
and the subsequent interim period through June 1, 2002, there were no
disagreements between EchoStar and Andersen on any matter of accounting
principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or
procedure, which disagreements if not resolved to Andersen's satisfaction would
have caused them to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in
connection with their reports. None of the reportable events described under
Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K occurred within EchoStar's two most recent
fiscal
years and the subsequent interim period through June 1, 2002. The audit reports
of Andersen on the consolidated financial statements of EchoStar and
subsidiaries as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000
does not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they
qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
EchoStar provided Andersen with a copy of the foregoing disclosures.
Attached as Exhibit 16.1 is a copy of Andersen's letter, dated June 5, 2002,
stating its agreement with such statements.
During EchoStar's two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2001,
and the subsequent interim period through June 1, 2002, EchoStar did not consult
with KPMG regarding any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(i)
and (ii) of Regulation S-K.
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: June 5, 2002 By: /s/ Michael R. McDonnell
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Michael R. McDonnell,
Senior Vice President Chief
Financial Officer
EXHIBITS INDEX
Exhibit Description
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16.1 Letter of Arthur Andersen LLP regarding change in certifying accountant.