XM-Sirius merger

Two Issues with Major Repercussions for Consumers at FCC -- Cell Phone Fees and Satellite Radio

Stevie Converse — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:34:03 -0700

Two issues that could have major repercussions for consumers are now floating around the executive offices of the Federal Communications Commission headquarters.

Senate Democrats Weigh In on XM-Srius

Stevie Converse — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:32:41 -0700

With the Federal Communications Commission members kicking around the compromise proposal for an XM Satellite Radio-Sirius Satellite Radio merger and both Democrats and Republicans still talking of wanting to get a decision out the door "soon," several high-profile Democrats weighed in saying that the proposal does not go far enough for their liking.

Radio Daze at the FCC

Stevie Converse — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:42:03 -0700

Why has it taken federal regulators 17 months to decide whether XM and Sirius should be allowed to merge? Because both of these statements are true: Even with a merger of the two pay radio companies, satellite radio is a dead man walking; and with or without a merger, satellite radio is poised to be among the most important content providers in a confusing new media landscape.

Make Satellite Radio Keep Competing

Stevie Converse — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:15:56 -0700

The Federal Communications Commission should enforce its long-standing and well-reasoned prohibition against a satellite radio monopoly that it established in 1997 when it granted the spectrum licenses to XM and Sirius. The policy underlying this prohibition - to provide an opportunity for a competitive satellite service to benefit consumers - is as valid today as it was in 1997.

For FCC's Michael Copps, XM-Sirius Merger Still 'Steep Climb'

Stevie Converse — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:53:23 -0700

Responding to Federal Communications Commission chairman Kevin Martin's support of the XM Satellite Radio-Sirius Satellite Radio merger under certain conditions proposed by the two companies, Democratic FCC commissioner Michael Copps said Monday that he has not changed his view that the merger has a high hurdle to overcome.

Radio Merger Under Fire from Black Lawmakers

Stevie Converse — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:41:42 -0700

Senior members of the Congressional Black Caucus yesterday criticized a compromise plan for the proposed merger of the XM and Sirius satellite radio companies, saying the deal does not provide enough opportunities for minority-owned programming.

XM-Sirius Merger Approval Not Assured

Stevie Converse — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:38:51 -0700

The static may be lifting on the long-pending merger between the nation's only two satellite radio operators after a key regulator backed its approval Monday.

FCC Asked to Consider Revoking XM and Sirius Licenses

Stevie Converse — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:35:07 -0700

A top telecommunications lawyer has filed papers with the Federal Communications Commission that take the hardest line ever against the proposed merger of Sirius and XM satellite radio. Attorney Julian R.

Two Senators Say XM, Sirius Should Give Up Spectrum to Merge

Stevie Converse — Thu, 22 May 2008 06:15:26 -0700

Two senators are asking the Federal Communications Commission to require XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (XMSR) and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (SIRI) to divest up to half of their combined radio spectrum as a condition of their proposed merger.

Public Knowledge, Media Access Project Clarify Letter from Georgetown Partners

Stevie Converse — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:30:17 -0700

Public-interest groups Public Knowledge and Media Access Project want to make sure the FCC understands their position on the Sirius-XM merger in light of a recent letter from Chester Davenport, the Managing Director of Georgetown Partners.

Consumer Groups Urge FCC to Reject XM-Sirius Merger

Stevie Converse — Wed, 14 May 2008 07:33:05 -0700

The Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union and Free Press are urging the Federal Communications Commission to reject the proposed XM-Sirius merger.

Consumer Groups Urge the FCC to Reject XM-Sirius Merger

Stevie Converse — Tue, 13 May 2008 06:54:28 -0700

The Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union and Free Press are urging the Federal Communications Commission to reject the proposed XM-Sirius merger. The Department of Justice signed off on the deal without attaching any conditions to protect consumers.

Tale of Two Satellite Radio Firms

Stevie Converse — Tue, 13 May 2008 06:05:16 -0700

Losses grew at XM and shrunk at Sirius, the satellite radio firms said Monday in announcing what they hope will be their final quarterly financial reports as stand-alone companies.

Consumer Groups Push Issue on XM-Sirius

Stevie Converse — Tue, 13 May 2008 05:12:54 -0700

As the Federal Communications Commission continues to consider whether or not to allow XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio, the nation's two satellite-radio companies, to become one, a group of consumers groups wrote the agency putting in its pitch for "or not."

Lawmaker Backs Away from Letter Supporting XM-Sirius Plan for Minority Channels

Stevie Converse — Tue, 13 May 2008 04:37:07 -0700

Rep.

Adelstein Says FCC Should Consider States Concerns over XM-Sirius

Stevie Converse — Fri, 09 May 2008 08:02:44 -0700

Federal Communications Commission member Jonathan Adelstein on Thursday said the agency should take into consideration the concerns raised by 11 attorneys general about the controversial all-stock $13 billion merger of XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.

More Static for Sirius-XM Deal

Stevie Converse — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:01:31 -0700

Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI) Chief Executive Mel Karmazin is willing to play ball with the government on possible conditions placed on his planned merger with XM Satellite Radio (XMSR). He has said he'll hold prices steady, for example, to allay concerns the deal would hurt consumers in the pocketbook.

Key House Reps Ask FCC for Openness in XM-Sirius Merger

Stevie Converse — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:35:06 -0700

The plot continues to thicken regarding the proposed merger of Sirius and XM satellite radio.

XM-Sirius Merger An Opportunity for Openness and Access? LPFM for Satellite?

Stevie Converse — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:26:08 -0700

Matthew Lasar continues his excellent reporting for Ars Technica with an article on a recent letter from House Energy and Commerce Chair John Dingell (D-MI) and Internet subcommittee Chair Edward J. Markey (D-MA) to the FCC urging an open platform for satellite radio if the Commission approves the Sirius/XM deal.

Dingell and Markey Want Conditions on XM-Sirius Merger

Stevie Converse — Fri, 02 May 2008 06:59:46 -0700

House Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-Mich.) and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet Edward Markey (D-Mass.) wrote a letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, asking for consumer protection and open device conditions on the XM-Sirius merger.