XM/Sirius merger approved tonight.

[JamesAnderson]

The FCC voted 3-2 just before 9pm tonight to approve the merger of XM and Sirius.

Highlights:

The companies will pay a combined just under $20 million in fines for operating some terrestrial repeaters (analogous to boosters) at power levels exceeding their authorizations.

There will be a price freeze on the service for three years.

Smaller channel packages will be offered, much like how cable and satellite TV does things.

A la carte programming choices will eventually be made available.

Set aside channels for noncommercial broadcasters and minority groups.

Radios that can get both services may be made available.

We'll see the order next week sometime, as early as Monday, that will give us the full details on this.

[admin]

I can't even begin to say how disgusted about this I am, mergers NEVER work out for the best when it comes to the consumer, not just that this merger is illegal under the licenses of both companies to operate these satellites.

Shame on the FCC and the corporate republicans for continuing the Bush policy of letting corporations running ruffshot over the American people.

To the FCC I gladly give you the finger for this

[elchupacabras970]

CEO Mel Karmazin made joint appearances on Howard Stern's program and on Opie and Anthony today. Karmazin said that after a committee comprised of "100 people [contemplated the name change], we decided to call the company Sirius-XM"

It was a tense moment for Opie and Anthony, who asked Karmazin if he had brought pink slips for them. It seems that Karmazin gave them the axe when he was their boss for CBS radio in New York a few years back. Karmazin told them they were "important" but declined more details.

Stern will be included on a special 4 dollar Sirius-XM channel mix package to soon be unveiled.

As for compatibility? Karmazin says the current receivers will be operation for at least another decade.