Remember XM's whole thing with the RIAA over the Pioneer Inno? Sure you do. Well, what would happen if XM and Sirius merge?

Mel gives us a possible glimpse:

"We're implementing my viewpoint at Sirius. We have made an accommodation with the various music labels," said Karmazin. "After the merger, I will be the CEO, and all I can say is you know my views on the subject."

Karmazin said he couldn't comment on XM's legal case, nor did he know whether the matter would be resolved by the time the merger would be completed. But we sure do get an idea of where he stands.

I'd rather that he take the we-don't-bend-over-for-nobody approach, but I can also understand why this may not be the time/place for such a stance. Maybe if the merger goes through they can play hardball? (It just irks me to imagine that the RIAA may actually 'win' over this thing.)

And if you're curious as to why the RIAA has been so quiet during this whole merger madness, GigaOM has a very nice theory behind it.

[via MarketWatch]