Looks like all the ruckus the NAB is making over the Sirius-XM merger is raising awareness of exactly who the competition really is. And its rapid-fire lobbying could end up backfiring according to one analyst.

The "sneaky" lobbying efforts by the NAB "highlights that terrestrial radio may be considered competition by the Department of Justice," wrote Kit Spring analyst at Stifel Nicolas. 

In the past few weeks, groups such as the Carmel Group, the C3SR, and the Alabama House of Representatives, all have shown to be supported by the NAB.

"It is our understanding that all of the parties are supported by, or have members of, the National Association of Broadcasters. Thus, such reports have conflicts of interest. We also read each of them except for the Carmel Group and found them to be filled with omissions and logical flaws. In our view, such lobbying efforts by the NAB point to the likelihood that terrestrial radio is competition for satellite radio," wrote Kit in a recent report.

"While there was healthy skepticism by congressman at hearings, there did not seem to be outrage. Nor has there been consumer uproar," Spring wrote. 

[MediaWeek]