Congressman Rick Boucher (D-VA) sent a letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin this past Tuesday, announcing his support of the Sirius-XM merger.
In the letter, Congressman Boucher said that the satellite radio merger "should be considered in the context of a broad market definition" and would "lead to significant pro-consumer benefits."
"The relevant market clearly includes all of terrestrial radio, as evidenced by repeated statements by leading broadcast companies that they are in competition with satellite radio. The strong opposition of the NAB to the merger lends credence to the reality that terrestrial and satellite radio are in direct competition," wrote Boucher in his letter to the Commission.
(Many of these "repeated statements" include SEC filings where several terrestrial radio companies, many of which are NAB members, clearly define satellite radio as competition.)
"The relevant market also includes Internet radio and both Internet-based streams and Internet delivered downloads of music," added Boucher.
In regards to the consumer benefits, Boucher wrote that the merger "would extend to consumers larger choices from among [satellite radio's] program offerings." Adding that a combined Sirius-XM "will be able to expand diverse programs for underserved interests, such as for foreign language and religious programming."
Boucher originated, and is current the co-chairman of, the House Internet Caucus. He also currently sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Judiciary Committee.
Read the full letter after the jump...
Down with the merger. Down with Mel. Down with Stern.
employed by the NAB??
please allow merger
Frank...stop being so stupid.
Why does it seem like this won't ever end? We'll be rounding the one year mark soon, right?
Martin, the formal announcement of the merger was mid-Feburary. Even at that time, they expected to close near the end of the year. Although it seems like it's been dragging on forever for those of us following everyday here at Orbitcast, it's pretty well on schedule. It seems crazy, but it's true.
No rubberstamping this garbage...Boucher is in bed with the merger and consolidation types, and this whole thing is nothing more than Mel's last desperate grab to keep Sirius from going under!
Let it! And Mel will have NO ONE to blame but himself for destroying the company.