Sirius, XM highlight key merger support

Sirius and XM have just issued a press release highlighting key support for their pending merger, citing a "diverse group of advocates" with "economic and consumer benefits."

Three additional Members of Congress joined GM, the Club for Growth, Harpo Productions, the Rural Coalition, and celebrities like Andres Cantor, Bill Mack, Wynton Marsalis, Cal Ripken Jr. and Barry Switzer as the latest supporters.

Reps. Joe Baca (D-CA), Bob Filner (D-CA) and Connie Mack (R-FL) are among the latest bi-partisan Congressional supporters.

"I find that the merger will not only maintain an advanced technological innovation, it will bolster the industry thereby strengthening our economy. More families and individuals will have an opportunity to access satellite radio." --Rep. Joe Baca

"The proposed merger will enable satellite radio to become a stronger competitor and will drive all other players in the market, including terrestrial radio, to focus on making their services even more appealing to consumers."
--Rep. Connie Mack

GM added its support and urged the FCC to avoid conditions that would compromise the performance or programming content available for vehicles with single mode receivers (no doubt a response to Georgetown Partners and U.S. Electronics wanting a piece of the bandwidth):

"GM believes the merger clearly will increase entertainment choices in the automotive environment particularly as "best of both" and as a la carte pricing becomes available for satellite radio services." --Richard M. Lee, Executive Director - Satellite Radio Services, GM

Several others like the Rural Coalition, Wynton Marsalis, Harpo Productions and Cal Ripken Jr. are also quoted in the press release.

It's clear that even though we're well past the FCC's 180-day timeclock, this is still very much a game of politics, public relations and lobbying. And it's just going to continue until we see a decision from regulators.

[Press Release]