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SIRIUS and XM Merger [COMPLETE]
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Tholek
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 Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 3:14 am Post subject:  |
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Wolfeman
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| Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 12:36 pm Post subject: |
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| I think he needs serious therapy. Moving away isn't going to solve anything. He looks like hell lately. This all came to a head because Howard brought in this girl that had a big crush on Artie and Artie took it as an insult when all Howard was trying to do is 'hook a brotha up' in his words... |
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h3x
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| Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2007 9:53 pm Post subject: |
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New SIRIUS Commercial
Its been awhile since SIRIUS advertised on TV (aside from the recent Mercury-SIRIUS promotion and guest appearances from Howard Stern and Artie Lange on the late night talk shows)... Here is one of the commercials they plan to release nationwide as part of their summer advertisement campaign:
http://www.sirius.com/wo/movie/sirius_ad_52907.wmv
League of Rural Voters supports SIRIUS-XM Merger
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MINNEAPOLIS, May 31, 2007 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The League of Rural Voters urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to approve the merger between XM Radio (Nasdaq: XMSR) and SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI), noting that the combined entity would offer listeners in rural communities more programming options at lower prices than those currently available from the two companies separately. "In many rural areas throughout America, commercial radio reception can be extremely limited. Satellite radio has offered listeners in rural areas a robust alternative with hundreds of specialized channels that meet the programming needs of rural America," said Niel Ritchie, the League's Executive Director.
Consolidation of the commercial, over-the-air radio industry over the last decade has left much of rural America behind in recent years, as locally-owned stations are replaced with corporate conglomerates producing homogenized content with so-called local news and weather delivered from offices hundreds of miles away. In announcing its support of the merger, the League also highlighted rural listeners who depend on satellite radio's emergency and public safety stations. Satellite radio is often the best source of diverse music, talk, news, and sports in remote areas, as many other alternatives to terrestrial radio have yet to reach there. A successful merger of XM and SIRIUS creates even more programming options and provides a clear benefit to the many listeners living in rural America.
The League of Rural Voters was founded in 1985 as a non-profit
organization dedicated to increasing the representation of rural people in the public policy making process. The League seeks to build awareness of the economic challenges facing rural communities while advocating for federal and state policies that focus government resources on education, health care and local and regional economic development.
SOURCE: League of Rural Voters |
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Tholek
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| Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2007 10:27 pm Post subject: |
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There is a resistance to the merger by fellow Opie & Anthony fans who feel wronged by O&As suspension. Personally, I don't see opposing the merger as something that is really in the interest of O&A. If XM will screw them over now, I don't see how they wouldn't if the merger fell through too. However, they seem to be some of the most vocal opposition right now, and have succeeded in convincing some advertisers to pull commercials.
It remains to be seen if they will continue if, and when, O&A return to the air. |
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h3x
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| Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2007 1:10 am Post subject: |
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I don't think O&A will be dropped from XM after the suspension is up (that is if they keep their mouths shut about XM, the merger and the incident that got them suspended in the first place)...
I have a strong feeling that they'll be back on XM when the suspension is up. |
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Tholek
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| Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2007 1:17 pm Post subject: |
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So do I, and while I want them back, it's something I'm not 100% happy about. Being there now may be like being at Infinity when Stern was an ass and tried to ruin their careers. While it's up to XM what they wish to air, O&A usually, as of late, follow FCC rules. To castrate them further is untenable, and may affect the show.
Approved or denied, this merger business needs to end sooner rather than later. Maybe that's what the other fans are thinking here.
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h3x
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| Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 7:49 pm Post subject: |
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Its going to end soon. The clock has officially started today...
As of today, the FCC has begun their 180-day investigation (which will ultimately decide whether the merger will go through or get shot down). |
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tylerc
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| Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 7:54 pm Post subject: |
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| So when will they actually merge? |
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h3x
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| Posted: Sun Jun 17, 2007 3:21 am Post subject: |
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One last post before the outcome of the merger is decided...
You have until July 9th to file a comment with the FCC on whether or not the merger should be approved.
You can find out how to voice your support (or opposition) to the merger from the following websites:
http://www.siriusmerger.com
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/ |
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Tholek
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| Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2007 7:39 pm Post subject: |
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Lawmakers to regulators: Block merger of XM, Sirius
By Brooks Boliek 1 hour, 16 minutes ago
WASHINGTON (Hollywood Reporter) - More than 70 lawmakers on Monday urged antitrust authorities to block the proposed merger of the nation's two satellite radio companies, contending that the deal is anticompetitive.
In a letter to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and
Federal Communications Commission chairman Kevin Martin, 72 members of Congress expressed their opposition to the XM-Sirius deal, saying it would harm consumers.
"On its face, we believe that sanctioning the marriage of the only competitors in the satellite radio market would create a monopoly, which would be devastating to consumers," the lawmakers said.
Chief authors of the letter are Reps. Gene Green, D-Texas, and Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., a senior Republican of the
House Judiciary Committee, which oversees the Justice Department.
Several committee chairmen and prominent members also signed the letter.
Among the Democrats' signatories are Budget Committee chair John Spratt of South Carolina, Agriculture Committee chairman Collin Peterson of Minnesota, Rules Committee chairwoman Rep. Louise Slaughter of New York and presidential candidate Rep.
Dennis Kucinich of Ohio.
Among the 25 Republicans who signed the letter are former House Speaker Rep.
Dennis Hastert of Illinois, Republican whip Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri and Tom Cole of Oklahoma, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee.
The lawmakers join a growing cadre of congressmen who have expressed varying degrees of concern about the deal. While the lawmakers can't block the deal on their own, their concerns threaten to create an atmosphere that would make the deal harder for antitrust authorities to approve because they often pay attention to lawmakers' concerns.
In May, House Energy and Commerce Committee vice chairman Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Pa., sent a letter expressing concern about the deal to Gonzales, Martin and FTC chairman Deborah Platt Majoras.
Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., chairman of the Senate antitrust subcommittee, sent a letter to Martin and Assistant Attorney General Thomas Barnett expressing opposition.
House Judiciary Committee chairman John Conyers, D-Mich., and House antitrust task force ranking member Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, sent a letter to Martin and Gonzales asking a series of tough questions related to the merger.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter |
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070619/media_nm/radio_dc;_ylt=AtEb.nXne_wpKegbTgsUVs5xFb8C |
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h3x
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| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 2:07 am Post subject: |
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The Department of Justice approves SIRIUS-XM Merger, FCC ruling has yet to be decided
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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has approved Sirius Satellite Radio's $5 billion buyout of rival XM Satellite Radio.
The merger was approved despite opposition from consumer groups and an intense lobbying campaign by the land-based radio industry.
Regulators said the merger is not likely to substantially hurt competition or consumers. |
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gpcaW34bTLs1hXU9zx16zSXEHrCQD8VJVPPG2
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The United States Department of Justice today approved the merger between Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., stating that the evidence does not establish that the combination of the two would "substantially reduce competition."
Official statement:
"After a careful and thorough review of the proposed transaction, the Division concluded that the evidence does not demonstrate that the proposed merger of XM and Sirius is likely to substantially lessen competition, and that the transaction therefore is not likely to harm consumers. The Division reached this conclusion because the evidence did not show that the merger would enable the parties to profitably increase prices to satellite radio customers for several reasons, including: a lack of competition between the parties in important segments even without the merger; the competitive alternative services available to consumers; technological change that is expected to make those alternatives increasingly attractive over time; and efficiencies likely to flow from the transaction that could benefit consumers.
"The Division's investigation indicated that the parties are not likely to compete with respect to many segments of the satellite radio business even in the absence of the merger. Because customers must acquire equipment that is specialized to the satellite radio service to which they subscribe, and which cannot receive the other provider's signal, there has never been significant competition for customers who have already subscribed to one or the other service. For potential new subscribers, past competition has resulted in XM and Sirius entering long-term, sole-source contracts that provide incentives to all of the major auto manufacturers to install their radios in new vehicles. The car manufacturer channel accounts for a large and growing share of all satellite radio sales; yet, as a result of these contracts, there is not likely to be significant further competition between the parties for satellite radio equipment and service sold through this channel for many years. In the retail channel, where the parties likely would continue to compete to attract new subscribers absent the merger, the Division found that the evidence did not support defining a market limited to the two satellite radio firms that would exclude various alternative sources for audio entertainment, and similarly did not establish that the combined firm could profitably sustain an increased price to satellite radio consumers. Substantial cost savings likely to flow from the transaction also undermined any inference of competitive harm. Finally, the likely evolution of technology in the future, including the expected introduction in the next several years of mobile broadband Internet devices, made it even more unlikely that the transaction would harm consumers in the longer term. Accordingly, the Division has closed its investigation of the proposed merger." |
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/March/08_at_226.html
All that is left to seal the deal is for the FCC to approve the merger. It will most likely be approved by the FCC because according to analysts: "The FCC has never, to our knowledge, rejected a merger approved by the DOJ. We don't believe this one is likely to be the first." |
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dmorris68
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| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 4:07 am Post subject: |
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Yeah, I thought about posting this yesterday when I heard the news. I'm very surprised.
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| The United States Department of Justice today approved the merger between Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., stating that the evidence does not establish that the combination of the two would "substantially reduce competition." |
I just can't wrap my head around that statement. There IS no other competition in satellite radio. I just don't understand how they can equate free, limited market, terrestrial broadcast with a nationwide subscription satellite service and thus claim they compete. Corporate greed and stockholder demands being what they are, without competition in the satellite market, I would expect prices to rise while service and innovation decline over time.
Maybe the FCC will see things different, but honestly I thought the DOJ would have a bigger problem with it, so it's probably going to be approved. Oh well, maybe we'll get some refreshed equipment out of the deal -- I'm looking to upgrade and quite honestly haven't been impressed enough with the latest generation. I find all the features I want are scattered between different models -- no one model has what I'm looking for. |
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h3x
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| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 5:02 am Post subject: |
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| dmorris68 wrote: |
| Corporate greed and stockholder demands being what they are, without competition in the satellite market, I would expect prices to rise while service and innovation decline over time. |
I don't think it would make any sense to raise prices if you are struggling to "compete" with other forms of "audio distribution". If they raise the price and start taking content away, then people will simply stop paying for the service and it will drive the company to bankruptcy (they aren't exactly in a financially stable position as it is, hence the reason for the merger).
Whether or not you consider terrestrial radio, MP3 players, internet radio, and any other form of 'audio distribution' as competition to the satellite radio industry is in the eye of the beholder. I would consider it as "a form" of competition.
| dmorris68 wrote: |
| Oh well, maybe we'll get some refreshed equipment out of the deal -- I'm looking to upgrade and quite honestly haven't been impressed enough with the latest generation. I find all the features I want are scattered between different models -- no one model has what I'm looking for. |
What service do you have? I thought you mentioned awhile back that you had SIRIUS... or was it XM? Anyways, lets just say you have SIRIUS...
If you don't want any of the XM programming, then you will still receive SIRIUS programming without the need of getting a new receiver. You won't have to do a thing and you won't pay any more for your service.
However, if you decide to add XM programming to your service via the 'A La Carte' plan, then you would need a new receiver.
Then they have some plan where you can get 10 channels of the 'best of' the other service. That would not require a new receiver, you would be able to pick that up on your current radio. What channels will be offered on each service has yet to be decided.
Here is a list of the proposed Post-Merger pricing options:
http://www.siriusmerger.com/uploads/Sirius_Channel_Lineup.pdf
Personally, I have no need to get any XM programming. I'm content with what SIRIUS has to offer. |
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h3x
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| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:29 am Post subject: |
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Apparently one Boston terrestrial radio station considers SIRIUS & XM as competition (to the point that they bleep their own afternoon radio host from mentioning the approval)
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Apparently Entercom is real serious about not mentioning Sirius or XM on the air, because it's being reported that an afternoon talker was bleeped when mentioning the news about the companies yesterday.
According to Radio-Info, regionally syndicated afternoon talker Howie Carr was bleeped when reading the news about the DOJ's approval (from the Drudge Report apparently).
Carr supposedly was discussing the merger news on air, saying "Justice Department approves [EDIT]. That's good." Then later Carr said to his producer: "Did you cut that out? I can't report the news?"
More and more it's the corporate regulations - not the FCC mandated indecency regulations - that are crippling broadcasters from doing their job. This is a perfect example. |
http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/boston-talker-gets-bleeped-talking-about-sirius-xm.html |
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dmorris68
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| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:55 am Post subject: |
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I just don't agree on what counts as "competition," but that's just me. People who are hooked on subscription programming (which is most of us who try it) will tolerate price increases to keep their service. That's why they left free commercial broadcast service in the first place -- they were willing to pay extra for premium content.
With XM and Sirius as separate competitors, if you were dissatisfied with one, you could switch to their direct competitor. Now, the only available switch is away from premium programming entirely, so many will endure price increases, at least until they can't afford it anymore. As such, to maximize profits, XMSirius is now free to increase pricing as long as they don't keep it so high that customers leave in droves. That couldn't happen as easily with them being separate competitors. Same with innovation -- with nobody in the market to "out do" them, they are going to be less inclined to spend the money on R&D to innovate.
I keep going back to the satellite TV comparison. The DirecTV/Echostar merger was nixed on the same monopoly principle, and yet in their case there *is* a direct competitor for premium content: cable TV. So even if they had merged and monopolized satellite, there would still be a preimum alternative to go to (for most people, although not rural folks). In fact that relatively small rural population who cannot get cable was one of the main reasons the satellite TV merger failed, because then those people would have no competition to go to if unhappy. I see radio as the exact same concept (you just listen instead of watch) but with radio there is no 3rd party (i.e. cable) to go to. There are already fewer options from the start. Those same rural people who can't get cable or decent broadcast TV also likely can't get broadcast radio other than AM, so why doesn't the same regulatory argument apply for radio that applied for TV?
As far my service, I have XM and I'm quite happy with it -- I really have no desire for Sirius programming at this point. Of course that could change if I experience something I like better than XM. My complaint was about the hardware itself. I have in mind an "ideal" receiver that has features I see split between several different current XM models. Features such as a nice color display, cross-channel buffering with lots of capacity, portability, reliability, reception, etc. Some models that have *most* of what I want are getting poor reviews for various reasons. The best reviewed models are lacking in the features I want. It's not like I want features that don't exist, they just don't all exist in one unit. I'm at least hoping that if the merger goes through, they'll merge technologies and hopefully get me closer to my ideal receiver. |
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h3x
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| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:53 am Post subject: |
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I forgot to mention that they will continue to operate as two seperate brands. Its just that both brands are now owned by SIRIUS. I personally don't see any drastic changes any time soon.
Its up to the FCC at this point on whether they will approve the merger (which is most likely) and if there will be certain conditions for its approval. |
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TravMan162
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| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 11:46 am Post subject: |
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| h3x wrote: |
I forgot to mention that they will continue to operate as two seperate brands. Its just that both brands are now owned by SIRIUS. I personally don't see any drastic changes any time soon.
Its up to the FCC at this point on whether they will approve the merger (which is most likely) and if there will be certain conditions for its approval. |
this is going to be dragged on longer than mick jagger's career. |
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h3x
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| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:21 pm Post subject: |
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Orbitcast: SIRIUS/XM Merger: Will my radio still work? (and how much will it cost?)
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I am questioned constantly (nearly everyday even) from satellite radio subscribers concerned about their existing radios. Since the DOJ approved the merger, these questions have bombarded my inbox even more: Will my Inno work after the merger? Do I need to buy a new Stiletto after Sirius and XM merge? I just bought a new car, will my new satellite radio still work? You get the idea.
Here's the facts:
From day one Sirius and XM have promised that no existing radio will be made obsolete by the merger. (Afterall, that would be silly from a business sense wouldn't it?) The reality is that you will be able to get the "best of both" Sirius and XM on any of today's satellite radio devices with one monthly subscription.
* If you're an XM subscriber:
You'll continue to receive your existing XM service, and gain the ability to receive certain Sirius programming.
* If you're a Sirius subscriber:
Sirius customers would continue to receive their existing Sirius service, and be able to obtain certain XM programming.
There are eight different packages that the companies have announced they will offer following the merger. Prices for each will range from $6.99/month to $16.99/month. If you don't want anything to change, it won't - the "Everything" packages will cost the same as what you currently pay.
Can I get MLB on my Sirius after the merger? Will I can get NFL on my XM?
The real answer? We don't know for sure. If you read through those post-merger channel lineups, you'll notice that there are "top selections" made available for both sides. Obviously, like anything else in this world, contracts will need to be negotiated to iron out all the details. We will find all that out after the merger is finalized.
First-ever A La Carte packages
Of those eight packages, two will be "a la carte" packages. These will be the first ever a la carte options in subscription media. Ever. You will have the choice of either a 50 channel package (starting at $6.99) or a 100 channel package ($14.99), and then choose from a selection of channels to your liking. "Premium" content will cost more, but this will be the first time that you can pick and choose what channels you want on your radio. (Hint: if you mostly want the commercial-free music, with a smattering of news/talk, then the a la carte packages will be perfect for you.)
There's one caveat: A la carte programming will only be available for subscribers using new radios.
These new a la carte capable radios are currently in development and will be brought to market following final approval of the merger. Sirius and XM originally estimated it would take one-year to bring them to market, but since the merger process has dragged on much longer than anyone expected, it's hard to know the exact timeline now.
If you have any questions, as always, feel free to email me at ryans@orbitcast.com and I'll help out as best as I can. |
Rep. Rick Boucher "pleased" with DOJ; urges FCC to complete review
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Congressman Rick Boucher (D-VA) today issued a statement regarding the Justice Department's approval of the merger between Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.
"I am pleased that the Department of Justice has concluded its investigation and determined that the XM-Sirius merger does not pose significant competition concerns," stated Boucher. "The Department appropriately defined the relevant market for competitive purposes as the entire marketplace for audio entertainment, including terrestrial radio, Internet radio, and consumer devices, such as iPods. In that broader market, the merged company will have limited ability to raise consumer prices."
"While creating no consumer disadvantage in terms of pricing of services, the merger will lead to significant other consumer benefits," Boucher added, citing the synergies that would allow for a la carte packages to be available to consumers.
"This unprecedented approach will provide subscribers with more choices and lower prices and will pave the way for a form of content acquisition based on the individual programming preferences of listeners."
Boucher concluded: "Given the vibrancy of competition in the audio entertainment market and the substantial consumer benefits that will result, the merger is clearly in the public interest. I urge the FCC to complete its review of the XM and Sirius transaction expeditiously and allow the two companies to proceed with their merger plans."
Rick Boucher has a history of promoting technology and being active on Internet-related legislation. Boucher's proposals to promote competition in the cable and local telephone industries contributed to the enactment of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Boucher also originated the House Internet Caucus (and is currently its co-chairman) and created the Digital Media Consumer's Rights Act (DMCRA) legislation. |
Last but not least, some news from Satellite Radio's "main competitor", terrestrial (AM/FM) radio:
WSJ: Clear Channel deal is near collapse
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Ouch, that's got to hurt. Just as Sirius and XM edge closer to finalizing their own merger, the Wall Street Journal is now reporting that Clear Channel Communications Inc. is having trouble closing their own.
Indeed, they're saying it's nearing a complete "collapse."
According to WSJ sources, the private equity firms behind the deal (Thomas H. Lee and Bain Capital Partners LLC) and the banks financing it have failed to resolve their differences over the terms of the credit agreement. Those banks are Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse, RBS and Wachovia.
"The sponsors do not want to do this deal," said one person involved, referring to the private equity firms. "No one wants to do this deal except for the seller." |
Fun Fact: Clear Channel owns over 1,200 radio stations across the U.S. (Every Alaska radio station (with exception to public radio) is owned by the 800 pound gorilla known as Clear Channel. Then there is the local television networks (NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX)... All owned by one company as well. Hmm...)
NAB is "astonished" by DOJ approval of Sirius/XM
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The National Association of Broadcasters is disgusted. They're hurt. They're angry! And quite possibly even... astonished!
"We are astonished that the Justice Department would propose granting a monopoly to two companies that systematically broke FCC rules for more than a decade. To hinge approval of this monopoly on XM and Sirius's refusal to deliver on a promise of interoperable radios is nothing short of breathtaking."
That's the statement issued by the NAB following the DOJ's approval of the Sirius-XM merger.
What's even more astonishing is the NAB's reasoning for expressing such dismay: breaking FCC rules and under delivering on promises. C'mon, is that the best you've got Dennis? You've had 400 days to prepare for this moment... and you give us that?
Wait... have any radio stations broken any FCC rules? Like maybe... indecency rules? Using your logic, all those nasty rule-breakers shouldn't be allowed to merge either. I'm sure your members would love to hear that bit of knowledge.
The NAB should stick to calling bloggers "nattering" instead, it's far more effective. |
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tjwor
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| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:03 pm Post subject: |
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| so... what is my siri stock gonna do on this? I hope it goes up a bunch! |
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h3x
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| Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:07 pm Post subject: |
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State Attorneys General urge FCC for merger restrictions
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A gaggle of state Attorneys General today urged the FCC to impose restrictions on the merger of Sirius Satellite Radio, Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.
The AGs - coming from 11 states that include Connecticut, Ohio, Missouri, and Iowa - told the Commission that they were "disappointed" by DOJ's decision to let the deal proceed without conditions.
"The combination of these companies will result in a single corporation controlling access to all nationally available satellite radio," the attorneys general said.
And what do they want?
The states are saying that the FCC should consider requiring Sirius and XM to make interoperable radios available to customers (uhm, ok), offer different packages of channels on an a la carte basis (uh huh), and divest some radio spectrum that would allow another competitor into the business (it depends, how much?).
"Our offices stand ready to share with you our thoughts on the potential value of various remedial conditions available, such as mandatory publicly available interoperable receivers, a la carte pricing, and divestiture of spectrum."
"I don't think there was ever a question of concessions" Mel Karmazin, during the many hearings on Capitol Hill, clearly stated the companies' willingness to provide concessions so that regulators would deem the merger in the public interest. I'm not exactly sure where these Attorneys General have been, but much of what they're asking for has already been baked into the merger. But that's politics for you... |
RIAA weighs in on DOJ approval of Sirius-XM
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Looks like everyone needs to weigh in on the Department of Justice approving the Sirius-XM merger. Next up to the plate: The RIAA.
Mitch Bainwol, Chairman & CEO of the fan-favorite organization, decided to spin the situation to include the performance royalty argument with terrestrial radio...
"The merger's approval serves as a powerful validation that competitors should play by the same set of rules. On the heels of this decision, the logic for a performance right for terrestrial radio has never been clearer. Terrestrial radio - unlike satellite, Internet and cable radio - continues to reap special interest subsidies in the form of free government spectrum and an outdated exemption from compensating artists and record companies. It's time for that to change and for Congress to provide an economic marketplace where there is parity amongst all delivery platforms."
And while I disagree my blogging colleague Mark Ramsey on the whole issue of performance royalties for all forms of radio, I do agree with his feelings that these two issues are completely unrelated. |
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h3x
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h3x
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| Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 10:04 pm Post subject: |
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DONE DEAL: Sirius-XM merger approved by FCC
"The day is finally here. The Federal Communications Commission reached an agreement to conditionally approve the merger between Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., according to various reports.
The three Republicans on the five-member Commission have agreed in principle to vote in favor of letting the deal proceed as long as the companies agree to conditions to protect consumers and settle the FCC enforcement matters, Reuters reports.
"I think it's fair to say an agreement in principle has been reached," FCC Chairman Kevin Martin told the Wall Street Journal earlier today.
Martin explained to WSJ that XM received a higher fine because it kept its terrestrial repeaters in operation after being informed by the FCC that they were in violation. Sirius received a smaller fine because it had shut down its towers while waiting for FCC approval.
"That's a significant violation under our rules," said Martin. "Hopefully this is the last issue for us to move forward."
"I'm optimistic and hopeful that we will be able to move forward very quickly," Martin told Reuters.
Tate is expected to vote on the deal as soon as today. The FCC isn't expected to formally release its decision for a few days, as staff attorneys draft the final paperwork for review by the five commissioners."
http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/its-over-sirius-xm-merger-approved-by-fcc.html |
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h3x
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| Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:35 am Post subject: |
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A spokesman for the FCC has confirmed that there is an agreement in principle to approve the merger between Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.
But the exact terms for FCC Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate's approval of the deal were still unknown.
According to a source familiar with the negotiations, Tate asked for various other conditions on top of the $20 million fine:
* A three-year price freeze, but one that still allows the companies to pass through programming costs
* A la carte and family-friendly programming offerings
* Commitment to interoperable and open receivers
* The 8% set-aside (24 channels) for noncommercial and commercial independent programmers.
That hardly seems like much of a difference from the companies' proposal, except for two changes, according to Broadcasting & Cable:
* At Tate's urging, the deadline for making the receiver specs available for outside suppliers (i.e., Open Access) has been moved up to "immediately"
* Interoperable radios will be available within nine months rather than a year.
(XM and Sirius are said to have agreed with moving up the dates). |
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dmorris68
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| Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 10:09 am Post subject: |
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So I guess DOJ/SEC will rubberstamp this if the FCC approves? I thought they would be the final say since we're talking about public corporations?
I just bought an XpressRC a couple months ago and love it, it's far better than my old SkyFi2, so it looks like it'll be awhile before I buy a hybrid radio. Oh well, I'm pretty happy with XM programming anyway. |
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