Satellite Radio merger recomemended

[kst$]

FCC Chief recommends Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.'s buyout of rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. This deal will effect millions of satellite radio users who perfer the music sports news and much more of commercial free radio.

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin made his recommendation Sunday in exchange for a number of concessions, including turning 24 channels over to noncommercial and minority programming. That sets the stage for a final vote that could occur any time after Martin's recommendation is circulated among his fellow commissioners.

The provision on noncommercial and minority programming along with several others - including a three-year price freeze for customers - persuaded Martin to support Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.'s buyout of rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. The deal would affect millions of subscribers who pay to hear music, news, sports and talk programming, largely free from advertising, in homes and vehicles.

The other four commissioners have, for the most part, kept their views on the deal to themselves. Unlike most FCC decisions, there is no clear indication on how the vote will go.

FCC chief recommends OK of satellite radio deal

By JOHN DUNBAR,

It seems as though alot of companies are combinding together to form one larger company. From fast food combining such as Long John silvers and KFC locally in Ohio combining and now satellite radio. They say they don't need to merge to stay afloat but to make there companies more competitive. We will see.

[moneysense]

I couldnt even afford to have something like this and these to me, these days, are luxuries. Even something as simple as going out to eat occassionally is becoming a luxury to a lot of people.

[carol b]

I dont have this either but mergers can be really good for the
consumer. You have bigger programming options. I don't know
about the cost however, if there are only 2 companies providing
these services and they have combined into one it takes away
the competition factor. This makes costs and finding a better
deal impossible.