NAACP announces support for Satellite Radio Merger
Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 4:27 PM
Tags: 2, XM
An extremely influential group has today announced its support for the Sirius/XM merger: the NAACP.
The the nation's largest and most widely-recognized grassroots civil rights organization, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) today has officially endorsed the pending merger.
"We are extremely pleased to enjoy the support of such a well-respected and influential organization in the African American community," said Gary Parsons, Chairman of XM Satellite Radio and Mel Karmazin, CEO of Sirius Satellite Radio, in a joint statement.
In a letter to the FCC, NAACP Director Hilary Shelton affirmed, "We are convinced that the pending Sirius-XM merger will be a positive development for consumers. More diverse, accessible and appealing options at lower prices in satellite radio will help further expand the reach of this medium."
The NAACP also applauded both companies for maintaining "a strong commitment to diversity" and utilizing "significant resources to recruit and retain minority talent and leadership at all levels." Both XM and Sirius offer several music and entertainment channels (like XM's The Power (ch 169) and The Foxxhole (ch 106) on Sirius) which cater to the diverse tastes of African-Americans.
"We have no doubt that a merged satellite radio company would continue, and in fact, strengthen its commitment to diversity in employee recruitment and retention, while expanding its pool of diverse contractors and vendors," added Shelton.
While there have been a wave of groups supporting the merger, none have the level of recognition that the NAACP and its membership of over 400,000 nationwide holds. This is a huge achievement for merger supporters.
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Comments
This is really gonna put a huge boost to the pro-merger crowd. Great news. Been busy today haven't ya Ryan?
Posted by: Craskill ? | June 28, 2007 4:53 PM
Does this mean rev. al's a big supporter?
Posted by: PFreak ? | June 28, 2007 5:00 PM
They must really like the Golfer Channel on XM
Posted by: NWXMDUDE ? | June 28, 2007 5:13 PM
Sounds like all the groups that count when it comes to influencing officials(woman, minorities, business etc.) are coming out in favor--Tide is turning fast as these cant be ignored no matter how much $$ the NAB pays off to Congress
Posted by: gary | June 28, 2007 6:12 PM
Hey, I've heard of this group.. They are in favor of the merger.. Go figure.. NO!! NO!! NO!!
Posted by: harry hardon | June 28, 2007 6:38 PM
Again, How can this be good? the two companies combine and redundant stations will dissapear. its been stated already.. Does this mean Sirius Shade 45 or will it be XM's RAW that gets the Axe? How will a combined company serve the NAACP comunity better than the two as independant broadcasters? I just don't see it.
I still have not seen any decent argument for the merger other than "mamagment claimes synergies" and claims "1 billion in savings" I just don't see how the combination would be good for the consumer, let alone any minority group. I can see how it would benifit Sirius share holders, But that is of no concern to the FCC or DOJ.
I am NOT DRINKING THE KOOL ADE.
NO MERGER.
Posted by: jeff | June 28, 2007 7:11 PM
haha nice mover sirius/xm...good strategy.
Posted by: dave | June 28, 2007 7:53 PM
@ PFreak
"What do you say _AL_."
Posted by: Irate Keyboarding Person ? | June 28, 2007 8:11 PM
This is big. Very big. Think congressmen coming out against merger won't think twice now? This is big.
Posted by: rjr | June 28, 2007 8:21 PM
Do they? Everyone knows black people don't listen to satellite radio.
Posted by: Frank the Frowner | June 29, 2007 9:22 AM
@jeff
I agree 100% I still have yet to see how this will benefit the consumer.
Posted by: RokNRolMartian ? | June 29, 2007 9:28 AM
...and XM "Fades to Black"...
Posted by: TSmith | June 29, 2007 12:37 PM