The companies are in talks to create one of the largest pay-TV providers in the country. In 2002, the U.S. government blocked a similar deal.

DirecTV and Dish Network -- two longtime rivals that have explored joining up at various times for decades -- may be headed to the altar.

DirecTV and Dish are in advanced talks to merge in a deal that would create the largest US pay-TV provider, with almost 20 million subscribers, people familiar with the matter said.