Congressman Mike Doyle (R-Pa.), who is also a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, has recently written the FCC and the Justice Department, opposing the Sirius-XM merger.
Doyle said he was worried the merger would reduce the "diversity of artists" on the services. An odd assumption especially considering that both The Latino Coalition and the National Black Chamber of Commerce have come out in favor of the merger.
Mike Doyle also said that the resulting company would be a monopoly in the satellite radio market, and he complained that the two companies had not produced an interoperable receiver. Statements that seemingly echo the NAB's stance on the merger.
How coincidental, because it turns out that the NAB's Political Action Committee is one of Congressman Doyle's top campaign contributors.
But the connection between Mike Doyle and the NAB doesn't end there.
As it turns out, just over a year ago, the NAB hired Mike Mullen - and Mullen served as a senior legislative assistant for Congressman Doyle since March 2004. Mullen was responsible for all telecommunications, technology, consumer protection and health care issues before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Mullen incidentally is the NAB's Director of Government Relations now.
every one of these relationships is being exposed now... this is what the merger was designed to do.
Good digging! Although I disagree with you below about Sen. Kohl, there is a lot of this stuff going on, and I appreciate all you do to expose it. I just think we ought to focus on the clear cases of conflict (like this one) and not cry wolf every time we think there is a potential conflict.
Again, good reporting!
Hey no biggy. I'm just glad that you voice that opinion - nothing wrong with that at all. :)
I wrote the following to Rep. Doyle:
Dear Congressman Doyle,
As a Pennsylvania resident and voter (though not in your district), I am saddened by your ill-advised and—frankly—illogical stance on the XM-Sirius merger.
The fact is that any perceived monopoly of the nascent satellite market is negated by the truly monopolistic and predatory business practices of the 2 or 3 primary corporations that own more than 90% of the radio industry. And given the growth of iTunes, HD Radio and other technologies and business model options, I find it incomprehensible you would chose to come out against the satellite merger.
As an XM customer (and frequent renter of Sirius-equipped rental cars), I’ve been satisfied and impressed with the diversity of choices offered by satellite radio in general. The question of interoperability referred to below is less a matter of intent or technological ability, than one of need and market driver. The XM-Sirius merger would provide the need; the combined marketing and advertising budgets would provide the driver.
It seems to me Pennsylvania politics would be better served by focusing on the PA Turnpike, state-wide gambling, the environment, education, the Iraq war – almost anything else than this...especially given the business ties and trails referred to in the article below. Though I am a registered Democrat and fellow PSU alumnus, I simply cannot support your stance on this issue.
Disappointed,
Eric
Seriously, did anyone REALLY doubt the NAB's power in Washington?? They're pretty damn good at lobbying their point-of-view and have a lot of people in DC in their back pocket.
No real surprise, really. Just pathetic.
I'm glad he's against the merger, but how do slime balls like this ever get elected?
Wow, it's almost as if SatRad people have really powerful enemies. There's a shocker.
So, doesn't anyone want to place their bets on David this round? I'm gonna have to back Goliath myself, but you guys go ahead!
Syphix, I don't think anyone doubts that NAB is well-funded and influencial, but at the same time let's not make them into giants. This list of top 100 contributors does NOT include the NAB, or any of it's members. http://opensecrets.org/orgs/list.asp?order=A So there are lots of voices louder that theirs, whispering in the ears of our congresscritters.
Does anyone know the National Beer Wholesalers Assn.'s (#29) position on the merger? They'd be somebody to have on your side, even if you lose, you'll have a great party!! ;-)
While Congressman Doyle may be funded by the NAB, I don't think there's any doubt that what he says is true - there WILL be a diminution of artists and genres if this merger is approved. My particular type of music - new age - will not survive the merger, at least - there won't be two stations, as there are now. And what about contemporary jazz? Will both stations survive the merger? Undoubtedly not. I am happy to subscribe to both services, and get the variety of music that I desire. With one monopoly (run by Mel, of all people), I will likely suffer a tremendous loss of choice. You don't have to like the NAB to be against this merger.
I can't trust someone who's eyes are that close together.
What a stooge.
Congressman Doyle is a Democrat, not a Republican.
Just FYI.
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