XM and Sirius have just issued a press release highlighting additional support for their pending merger.
Among those cited in the release are NASCAR and Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and Jim DeMint (R-SC), as well as some on-air talent like Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley, Tony Hawk and progressive talk radio/television personality Bill Press.
We already saw the Senators' support last week, though it would be nice to see some additional support from others on The Hill.
Then there's NASCAR Digital Entertainment, which filed some comments with the FCC on behalf of NASCAR fans who subscribe to satellite radio:
"We hope that the proposed merger will lead to more flexible programming options for consumers, which will lead to an increase in the number of people that receive NASCAR-related satellite radio programming. Also, I understand that, post-merger, NASCAR fans that are satellite radio subscribers will be able to enjoy the best of both SIRIUS and XM without having to purchase two radios or pay for two separate subscriptions."
As well as other comments:
"Merger synergies will decrease duplicative programming and result in expanded variety and more unique content unavailable anywhere else," wrote Bill Bradley"...the merger will allow the new company to offer a variety of exciting new programming packages, some of which will enable subscribers to chose specific channels at lower monthly prices than are available today," wrote Tony Hawk.
"I support the merger because it will best serve the listening public by providing a strong, national platform for the great diversity of voices and opinions that are the fabric of America -- especially progressive voices, which are seldom heard on terrestrial radio," said Bill Press.
I guess it's always a good thing to flex some PR muscle and highlight support. And I understand the underlying message: government, content partners, and hosts/employees all support the merger - but is it me, or does this seems somewhat... uninspired?
oooooh, NASCAR supports the merger? Talk show hosts?
GET Real. ... so many that have come out for the merger obviously either have no clue or its obviously in their best interest to gain more listeners or acess to more listeners. This sort of support is worthless. Its just like Jock Straps being in support of showers. Lipstick manufactures in support of Botox, or Trojans in support of Smut shops.
The Senators support is maningful, unfourtunatly with the senators against the merger, its almost a wash.
sounds like fcc wants more info now
What the fuck does Tony Hawk know other than how to play with a skateboard past the age of 12? Pathetic, all of them. I don't think a single one of them actually wrote the statement they put out.