MISCELLANY — EchoStar CEO Charlie Ergen, along with company co-founders Candy Ergen and Jim DeFranco said they are supporting Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) in her campaign for the presidency in 2008. The company is encouraging its retailers to support the senator’s run as well, urging them to donate $2,300 to Clinton’s campaign. If dealers comply, they’ll get an invitation to a fund-raising event Oct. 23 at Ergen’s home. What a deal.

PROGRAMMING — FOX Business News launched this morning on several systems. DIRECTV is going to carry the channel in high definition on its channel 359. So far, the new business news outlet has yet to ink a deal with EchoStar’s DISH Network.

CONFERENCES — The Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) will be hosting its annual CASBAA Convention 2007 from Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. The show, dubbed “It’s all about Content!,” will showcase how content, technology and changing consumer demand are shaping the growth of creative content development and content delivery resulting in possible new revenue streams. For more information, visit www.casbaa.com.

EDUCATION — COMSYS will be hosting a seminar titled “Satellite Communications Fundamentals for Non-Technical Professionals” Oct. 29-30 in Hong Kong. The two-day event is in conjunction with the annual Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) Convention at the same location.