XM Satellite Radio chairman Gary Parsons compared th NAB's lobbying efforts to stop the Sirius and XM merger to a "jihad" at the Goldman Sachs conference in New York yesterday.
"They clearly view it as competition and, candidly, they should," Parsons told attendees.
"I've been a bit surprised about the raw magnitude of the dollars they have spent and the somewhat visceral nature of the jihad against the merger going forward," he added.
Parsons wondered why terrestrial radio dismiss satellite radio as having limited appeal while simultaneously spending vast sums of money - through the NAB - to try and stop the satellite radio merger.
Using the term "jihad" to describe the NAB's opposition is strategically brilliant in my opinion, and it's not the first time Gary Parsons has used this term. But it's an effective, and accurate I might add, description of their relentless lobbying - despite NAB members' own SEC filing having cited satellite radio as competition (and these constitute admissions under the law).
In response to Parsons comments, NAB spokesman Kris Jones said, "a monopolist will say and do anything to get their monopoly."
Wait... which group is it that will say anything and do anything again?
What does StackPointer think? I need to know what his opinion (stated as fact) is. I need a good laugh to get my day started.
I thank you Ryan for giving StackPointer his own forum. You should just give him the keys to your cars and house too.
"I may not agree with what you say, but I will fight to the death for you to have the RIGHT to say it."
StackPointer is allowed to have an opposing opinion. Everyone is. That's how I feel about the blog comments and that's how I feel about the Forums. By debating in an open and honest environment, hopefully we all can learn a thing or two.. because it makes us actually think about the issues.
Plus I'm hoping Stack will come around eventually and join the pro-merger camp... ;)
these rehr pics just keep getting better and better.
>>Plus I'm hoping Stack will come around eventually and join the pro-merger camp...
lol...i think you'll have just the same amount of success in converting a real jihadist as you would that jihadist...
Dude, don't play the jihad card.
I invented it.
Thanks dumpus... I'm trying. :)
A BLOCKED SAT RAD merger.... Would open the door to a non competitive buyout by CBS, WestWood One, ClearChannel and other Terestrial broadcasters.
No MERGER
I own shares and I will vote against it.
and David Rher can Kiss my Rher
I swear on my own grave, I can't stand looking at david rehr's face.
"I swear on my own grave, I can't stand looking at david rehr's face."
...that reminds me, I need a new mask for Halloween...
A BLOCKED SAT RAD merger.... Would open the door to a non competitive buyout by CBS, WestWood One, ClearChannel and other Terestrial broadcasters.
How in the HELL would that be a GOOD thing?
>>> By debating in an open and honest environment, hopefully we all can learn a thing or two.. because it makes us actually think about the issues.
Which is the reason orbitcast has become the best blog on the subject, by a mile.
Ryan has his opinion, but also has a fairly unique characteristic that allows him to be even-handed in running his blog without squelching those who disagree. Many people are simply unable to do it. If you contrast it (and the orbitcast forum) with some of the satellite radio forums, the difference is night and day.
He reminds me of Buster Poindexter.
I've done some work with NAB and I disagree with Parsons, but who uses the word "jihad" to describe a corporate opponent? When senators or congressmen use words like that to describe competition, or when they reference Hitler in speeches, they are widely condemned in their profession and in the court of public opinion.
It seems extremely juvenile, and to be honest with you, a bit defensive.