DirecTV Group Inc.’s Chief Executive Charles Carey said Thursday that the El Segundo-based satellite TV provider is not considering a merger with smaller rival EchoStar Communications Corp.

“Let me be clear on where we are today there aren’t any discussions,” Carey said in a media conference at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. “The media has to find things to write about to create readers. They are 10 times ahead of any reality.”

Carey was dispelling reports this week in Baron’s magazine that speculated about the potential overhead cost savings and investor benefit of a merger between the largest satellite TV provider in the country and its smaller, Englewood, Colo.-based rival. An analyst in the Barron’s story estimated DirecTV shares would be worth $25 if the two companies merged and that considerable cost saving could be had.

Shares in DirecTV were up 10 cents to $24.10 in midday trading Thursday.