Sirius and XM are still working towards a merge and the Justice Department is moving “as quickly as possible” to get it completed. While they are moving at a fast pace they have also stated that they wanted to make sure they have the right answer in the end.
Despite any opposition Sirius and XM continue to defend their merger saying that it is not anti-competitive. While Sirius and XM are the two players in satellite radio they are primarily competing against standard radio and other new technology such as portable MP3 players. Currently the Sirius/XM merger is being reviewed by the FCC and DOJ, with opposition coming from the National Association of Broadcasters.
Read [Reuters]
I do some work with NAB, and I think the Justice Department will ultimately rule that XM and Sirius' proposed monopoly would be bad for consumers. In 1997, EchoStar and DirecTV tried to merge and form a monopoly on satellite TV. EchoStar and DirecTV argued that they competed with cable, VCR’s, Blockbuster, etc… But in the end, the FCC struck down the deal on the grounds that their merger would have formed a monopoly. This case is no different.
The only people this deal isn't in the best interest of is the terrestrial radio broadcasters. Let's get it done, it will be great for the economy and the customers!
JG Mason,
A local radio station can only broadcast within its own market, but satellite radio is heard nationwide. So this allows satellite radio to compete on the local level, but prevents local radio from competing with satellite radio.