How is dish network and echo star connected?

Charlie Ergen founded EchoStar Communications Corporation with his wife Candy Ergen, and colleague James DeFranco in 1980. DISH Network was then established in March 1996 however, the two companies officially split in 2008. In addition, Charlie Ergen does still remain at the helm of both entities & CEO of both companies, regardless of the fact that they are now considered separate companies.