In the most predictable thing to happen since breakfast, DirecTV and Dish TV have finally confirmed they will merge – uniting two beleaguered legacy video distributors several years too late. Even if the deal was fast-tracked for approval today, from the expected confirmation in H1 2025, the merger is a survival strategy rather than a growth opportunity, with both companies losing ground to cord-cutting and streaming trends. For the grand total of $1 and the inheritance of $9.9 billion of Dish debt, DirecTV has agreed to acquire its long-term satellite TV rival from EchoStar, including Sling TV – putting to bed years of rumors. In the same breath, AT&T has officially exited show business, agreeing to sell its majority 70%…