1 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): May 21,2001 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 5. OTHER EVENTS EchoStar Communications Corporation ("EchoStar") announced on May 21, 2001 that it is offering $1 billion aggregate principal amount of Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2008, in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 144A. 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: May 21, 2001 By: /s/ David K. Moskowitz -------------------------- David K. Moskowitz, Senior Vice President and General Counsel 2 EXHIBITS INDEX Exhibit Description ------- ----------- 99.1 Press Release, dated May 21, 2001, issued by EchoStar announcing $1 billion Rule 144A Offering.