XM, Sirius: Settling Enforcement Issues; FCC OK Nears

Eric Savitz — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:03:06 +0000

In what could be one of the final steps before the Federal Communications Commission approves their pending merger, XM Satellite Radio (XMSR) and Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI) announced this morning that they are in talks with the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau to settle outstanding “enforcement matters.”

The Wall Street Journal reports that Republican FCC member Deborah Taylor Tate has agreed to vote to approve the deal after winning several concessions from the companies involving enforcement issues. She would break a deadlock among the commissioners, who would then have voted to approve the deal by a 3-2 margin. According to the Journal, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin disclosed the news this morning. “I think it’s fair to say an agreement in principle has been reached,” he said. “We’re still trying to work out the language.”

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Satellite Radio: FCC's Adelstein Votes No; All Up to Tate

Eric Savitz — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:35:34 +0000

Federal Communications Commission member Jonathan Adelstein has voted to oppose the proposed merger of XM Satellite Radio (XMSR) and Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI), leaving the current tally tied at 2-2, with only Deborah Taylor Tate yet to decide. If she votes yes, the deal goes through. If she votes no, the deal dies.

According to Bloomberg, Adelstein said in a statement that the combination would create “a monopoly with window dressing.” Adelstein and Michael Copps, both Democrats, have voted no. Chairman Kevin Martin and Robert McDowell, both Republicans, have voted yes. That leaves the decision up to Tate–a Republican.

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XM, Sirius: Settling Enforcement Issues; FCC OK Nears

Satellite Radio: FCC's Adelstein Votes No; All Up to Tate