Satellite-television broadcaster DirecTV will be operated as separate unit when telecommunications company AT&T completes its takeover of US media company Time Warner, according to the Reuters news agency.
AT&T will also operate its wireless business separately from Time Warner’s media assets following completion of the deal, which has been valued at $85.4bn (€80bn).
The outline details of the takeover were first announced in October, and the deal is expected to be closed by the end of this year, according to Bob Quinn, AT&T’s senior executive vice-president of external and legislative affairs.
The report said that John Stankey, the current head of DirecTV and other entertainment businesses, will lead the media division. John Donovan, AT&T's chief strategy officer, will be in charge of the wireless business.
AT&T chief executive Randall Stephenson will remain in his role following the merger.
Time Warner has a significant interest in sports broadcasting in the US, with rights to Major League Baseball, the NBA basketball league and the March Madness college sports basketball competition.
Time Warner also operates pay-television channels HBO and CNN, as well as production studio Warner Bros.