XM, Sirius merger pending, media battle ready

[Randall]

>> That inevitably means fewer choices and lower quality for listeners. <<

I completely disagree with this statement. There is a LOT of duplication between the two services (both have Fox, CNN channels, etc) and they would get rid of the duplicated service on one of them, but they still have the empty channel to fill after it's gone from one of them. That would mean creating a new service to go there.

So, a merged company means MORE choices for that reason. People don't think this through; it's a unique situation.

[Randall]

Just to add, this is clearly a case of where a competitor (NAB) is trying to stomp out a nascent technology in the early stages because they perceive it as a threat. My 3rd grader can see that.

[Frontmed]

tomosity said:

"So the investors are more important than the talent?"

I assume you are talking about the likes of Clear Channel and the rest of the NAB membership that does not pay to artist for their work while satellite radio does.

Hey Marc, how about writing on something more important, like PAYOLA.

[Jack]

WOW this guy Marc Fisher is an idiot. What did he do cut and paste his story, It is the AM and FM commerical radio that is dying. Satellite radio is a great source of information and as far as internet radio and soon as they get established they to will charge for their their services. The suits at CBS and Clear Channel will see to that. The only reason the other media is protesting is they are affraid of competition.

[Congress says YES]

84% of Congress approves of merger
XM-Sirius Merger: Facts get lost by the shouting of the minority.
PS... I can not edit the title line .... but I would, in fairness, like it to read; 84% of Congress does not object to this merger.
"Approval" and lack of objection are two separate issue.**
http://www.nab.org/xert/corpcomm/pressre ...
There are 100 Senators and 435 Representatives
in the House. A total of 535 elected Representatives of the people.
Only 72 House members have opposed this verbally and/or in writing. Only 8 Senators Kerry, Leahy, Kohl, Cardin, McCaskill,Brownback, Dorgan and Snowe ) have opposed this merger.
Of all Senators those in written and oral opposition represent only 8%. Of all House members those in written and oral opposition represent 15.8%. Of all Attorney Generals the 13 in opposition represent 26%.
Looks to me like 84% of Congress and 74% of States AG's voiced **no issues with the merger.
The 455 remaining