Directv ( and most likely Dish) are hurting for customers, lots of people cancelling due to the economy. You can almost name your own price.
If you are a Directv customer, this is what you do -
"Hi, this is Directv, how can I help you?
I want to cancel my subscription.
OK sir, can I ask why?
Got a flyer from Dish, I can get the same service for 20 bucks a month less.
One moment please. (they transfer you to the retention department)
Hello sir, I understand you want to cancel, is there anything we can do to keep you as a customer? How about if we take 20 dollars a month off your bill?
Well, I don't know............
And we will throw in the movie channel package for 6 months no charge.
That sounds good, ok, I will stay"
I did this when I got a notice that they wanted to raise my bill 15 bucks a month, no price increase, ended up paying 20 bucks a month less and free movie channels.