Sirius, XM meet with Chairman Martin

Maybe the Clown(kevin martin) will make the decision and let'm merge.

Abd maybe he will go to Jail?

To quote John Valby

No One cares, no one cares!!!
No One cares, no one cares!!!
No One cares, no one cares!!!
No One cares, no one cares!!!
No One cares, no one cares!!!
No One cares, no one cares!!!
No One cares, no one cares!!!

you know more was discussed regarding the merger in that meeting then they are releasing to the public--most likely, they probably dicussed what Martin was going to propose to get feedback from Sirius/xm and to see what would be accxeptable

I am guessing that things are not going well for the merger. My money says that the companies are being told what the proposed conditions of the merger are going to be and are trying to decide whether or not to proceed. If, and I do mean IF, this is the case, I feel that the two companies are in such dire financial condition that they will accept whatever is put on the table. The terms won't be pretty - in fact, they will seem like nothing anyone could have forecast.

Whatever positives the merger held are now gone. I-pod accessories are far outselling XM and Sirius at retial. My conversations with retailers lead me to believe that the two cos are now trying to maintain relevance by dropping distributor pricing and increasing rebates even in the face of expected shortages. If this is true, watch out as it cannot be a good sign. None of this is confirmed, but the picture is not bright.

Car sales are in the tank and there are no signs of imminent recovery.

With gasoline approaching the magic $4 mark for regular unleaded, the consumers do not seem inclined to make unnecessary purchases or spending. Less time in the car means less need for XM or Sirius.

It is important because it shows that this deal is under construction.

MR. MARTIN

CAN'T YOU SEE THAT IT IS ALL ABOUT COMPETITION USING THE FCC TO BUY TIME AND MAKE THIS HARDER FOR THE COMPANIES?

CAN'T YOU SEE THAT THE DEAL IS CONSUMER FRIENDLY BY DEFINITION AND THE DOJ COULD NOT FIND ANTI-COMPETITIVE ISSUES AFTER A YEAR OF INVESTIGATIONS?

CAN'T YOU SEE THAT XM IS DYING SLOWLY AND SIRIUS WILL FINALLY BE THE ONLY SATELLITE RADIO PROVIDER IF THIS MERGER FAILS?

CAN'T YOU SEE THAT MR KARMAZIN HAS DONE YOU A FAVOUR WITH A LA CARTE AND YOU ARE WAITING FOR WHAT?

CAN'T YOU SEE SPECTRUM IS NOT A REAL PROBLEM SINCE THE MARKET CAN HARDLY SUPPORT ANOTHER COMPANY AND THAT IS WHY SPECIAL INTERESTS ARE TRYING TO USE FCC IN ORDER TO GET SOME SPECTRUM FOR FREE.

CAN'T YOU SEE THE ECONOMY WITH MICROSOFT WALKING AWAY FROM THE YAHOO DEAL AND HOW SIRIUS MIGHT DO THE SAME IF THIS MERGER GETS HARDER THAN IT IS?

MR. MARTIN BE A MAN AND PUT AN END TO THIS MESS BEFORE EVERYBODY AND THIER MOTHER VISIT YOUR OFFICE ASKING FOR A PIECE OF SIRIUS AND XM IF THEY MERGE!

Maybe the whole bunch are gay and the purpose of all of these meetings is a little sexuall liason.

There must be some really, really good restaurants in D.C. for the Sirlus and XM execs to keep going down there.

I agree with Gary. If Martin has been mute to the press, which he has, then there is more negotiations going on than what we're being made aware of (sorry for the end preposition) -

I doubt that Siri-Xm reps would waste time going to these meetings just to discuss alot of nothing new. We're at a disadvantage because we aren't privy to what's being discussed specifically and can only speculate that the back and forth is pertaining to the conditions that the FCC has likely already presented to both parties and their subsequent "hashing out" of those conditions to the satisfaction of all involved.

It would seem that if there weren't some tangible progress being made, that certain interested parties would have already brought a lawsuit against the FCC to accuse them of intentional foot-dragging, etc. Nontheless, the waiting is a severe test of patience to say the least.

> Maybe the whole bunch are gay and the purpose of
> all of these meetings is a little sexuall liason.

I see what you did there.

Have you ever thought of doing stand-up comedy? You're a natural talent with a unique view on this crazy world of ours. Please continue posting so that we may laugh at your obviously creative ideas.

I believe the guessing game of the Anonymous Coward is just more negative hype. The DOJ approved the merger without concessions and it's HIGHLY UNLIKELY the terms will 'seem like nothing anyone could have forecast'. What a joke!

Mr. Martin and his gang are under intense pressure from the NAB and other interests because the do fear the power and competition that a merged entity will present. If this was really no big deal and an entity that was going to flop, do you really think the NAB and others would be going to the FCC AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN. NOPE!

The concessions if any will most likely inlcude: open access to manufacturers of radios which will give buyers the 'opportunity' to add HD radio (which no one really wants) and ala carte pricing which is great. There may be some allotment for a few free channels on the Satellite dial, but that's no big deal.

Martin has dragged this thing out about as long as possible which makes him look a little better to enemies of the merger but this is a done deal and it will be wonderful, well received resource for millions. I-pod retial (I mean retail) numbers don't matter. This isn't ipod, this is live NFL, MLB, NBA, Collegiate Sports and the best audio entertainment and it will be available anywhere, anytime as you drive across every time zone or small town.

Undeniably a bargain stock right now at these levels and a sleeping giant that the NAB will have to compete with and last I heard competition can be a good thing.

"CAN'T YOU SEE THAT XM IS DYING SLOWLY AND SIRIUS WILL FINALLY BE THE ONLY SATELLITE RADIO PROVIDER IF THIS MERGER FAILS?"

I get tired of seeing this. Where is this info coming from? Stern?

Take a look at the two companies. BOTH have yet to turn a profit, but lets remember that Sirius has higher content costs, partially driven by the high price paid for Stern himself.

Looking at ratings alone, XM is much more balanced, and could be run on the cheap for little or no impact to what people are listening to. Sirius, on the other hand, is dependent on one person, who's contract will be up in just a few short years. How much of a pay cut do you think Stern is willing to take to keep Sirius afloat?

Sirius, not XM, is the one that is in danger of failing first. But make no mistake, XM would likely have no choice but to follow suit, as the generousity of shareholders to continue to subsidize both companies losses is likely coming to an end.

That may explain why Sirius and Xm worked out their "rolling merger agreement extension" the way they did. It's convenient to both for easy withdrawal in the event that the on-going negotiations come to an impasse and the conditions are summarily rejected.

the only reason howie is so involved in this discusion is sirius won't be able to resign him or pay out his stock options in his current contract without the merger.he is a self serving douche that has his zombie fans convinced the merger is good for them so they will rally support for it,when in reality ,it will only benefit mel,him and other execs at both companys.
i can't wait to hear the complaints on this board and others when this goes through and your all paying more and listening to a full slate of spots on ALL stations.
keep running towards the cliff lemings you'll get to the edge soon.
remember,it's all about allison

cant wait for the day (even if its 7 years from now) When sat radio...merged OR seperate...dominate the media markets and destroy terrestrial radio. The tables will turn, it is inevetable that terrestrial radio will dissapear. The only reason people listen to that crapis because they have no choice...they have the monopoly.

I know those old bags are aware that their day has come so of course they are going to do everything in their power to drain the resources of these two companys so they can remain in bed with all these people. They can only stall or try to get in bed with Sat Radio, but I dont see that happening. I just hope Sat radio finds a way to stay alive until this is over. I dont know how hard it will be for them to get out of a billion dollar debt, but they better be prepared for war.

FCC better be ready to got to court if they did go bankrupt as well. I hope this doesnt happen simply because the legal system in this country is a joke and would probably not happen for another 3 years. These corrupt a holes would just get a slap on the wrist, get fired, but still collect a paycheck.

The FCC is full of it. I can't believe they are taking this long to decide on this merger. They are incompetent and cannot make a decision in a good timely matter. Either approve or disaprove but geez, make a decision already. Does it really take over a year to make a decision. How did Kevin Martin get this job, he is incompetent!

I tend to agree more with poster Michael, although I'll be surprised to see less constrictive approval than what the DOJ dilivered; I'm sure there will be "conditions"...and I would imagine that Sirius/XM are playing a tough hand based on the DOJ's "unconditional approval stance"; Given that the DOJ made such a magnanimous, incontrovertable ruling, this really buffers Sirius/XM in their negotiations with the FCC; And of course, Martin must be under intense political pressure to placate the NAB....

I hope he grows some balls and uses this apparent foot-dragging as a "tool to bustress the Demo-gogues" and the Comission who entertains "serious proposals from the likes of Davenport and Jessie Jackson"! Was it Adelstien who was bemoaning how low the percentage of "African-American owned radio stations" there are? Wasn't he wishing that we could "right this wrong"...with some policy? The "wrong-was-righted" during the National Civil Rights Act of 1964"---an act I very much support and believe in; But to continue to believe that "something is owed anyone" post equal rights, is to live in a world of "personal guilt" over something most propably entirely un-related to "fair-play-among-the-races"! Maybe Adelstein lashed-out racially against some hispanics in the neighborhood as a child, or thew eggs on the black-neighbor's car, and has forever since been un-able to forgive himself, so now he seeks to "make right the prejucidial wrongs of this world"! But alas, his efforts are entiely mis-placed! Instread, why not try and secure Nate Davis a prominent positon in the merged company? Why not do that, in the vain of equal-rights, instead of wanting to give a self-serving, opportunistic, Rainbow Puch Coalition a "piece-of-this-pie" simply b/c their skin color is a bit black?

Damnit Martin, I hope you know what you're doing! I too urge prompt approval of this merger!

Is Crain's putting pressure on the stock today/
http://www.crainsnewyork.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080505/FREE/113927156/1084

STOP SELLING YOUR SIRIUS STOCK YOU KNUCKLEHEADS!

"How did Kevin Martin get this job, he is incompetent!"

Yes, but he's obviously Jewish.

Nope... Mr. Crain is just another analyst trying to get cheap shares... Notice growth and rapidly declining loss and then multiply that exponentially after the merger is approved. This company will be in the green by the end of the year. Don't let them trick you into giving your shares away right now. Downside is minimal and upside is through the roof. See ya!

yea, take alook at the 2 companies Sirius has far more shares out there, therefore they have more money on hand. They basically guaranteed their exsistence by diluting the Heck out of their stock. On the other hand you have XM who kept going into debt and borrowing money,

"the only reason howie is so involved in this discusion is sirius won't be able to resign him or pay out his stock options in his current contract without the merger"

I MIGHT agree with the spirit of the first part of that statement- but Sirius has no problems paying Howard his stock options. In fact, I believe they have all been paid...but even if they haven't, they were all set aside when Howard was signed. Its not hard to give them to Howard.

I agree with Input101....the rolling agreement tells us that the deal is not dead yet and it also tells us that the rolling agreement is one way to tell the FCC that they will have to rule one way or another and not to expect the agreement to terminate so they don't have to make a ruling.

The posters here all write as if Sirius and XM are legitimate companies that hold meaningful prospects for sustainability in the future. What in the world gives anyone reason to believe that either company is one that will survive? Is it the past performances of the management teams? Is it the consistent q over q losses that go up with each new GROSS - not net - subscriber?

All I hear is a bunch of Nancies crying because the companies haven't been allowed to merge. Folks - if any of you believe that these companies can survive together more than they can alone, you are deluding yourselves.

Sirius management and XM management have flown this plane into the ground - or are in the process of doing so. Ask yourself this - if these companies are operating under a well-crafted business plan, and the companies are such viable competition to terrestrial radio, why hasn't a single terrestrial radio company made a run for either Sirius or XM?

You know what the answer is, but just can't own up to accepting it.

Let's lay it on the line - these companies have failed and we're just waiting for the bankruptcy court to approve their reorgs or liquidation.

Anyone disagree? Let me hear you comments. Please, no "You're an idiot type of responses," I already know that. Let's here responses with factual support.

I agree with the statements by Michael -- nobody would put up this much opposition to this merger unless they believed that the potential exists for Satelite Radio to become the dominant medium. It is a fabulous product that, for some strange reason, has not been embraced wholeheartedly by the public. I own a sportster replay and it is one of the best entertainment purchases I have ever made. It takes two seconds to transfer it from the car to the house; it bewilders me that retail isn't selling dock&play/plug&play units in greater numbers! Wake up, stupid people. Put down the damn I-Pod and give Satellite Radio a try; enormous content, no annoying commercials with the music, and you don't have to load the thing. The subscription is a bargain and certainly less than what some people spend loading their precious little "pods". If you really do enjoy terrestrial radio and feel that it satisfies all your needs,then I suggest you check yourself into Bellvue and get your head examined; you obviously are mentally challenged at the least and even worse, you have extremely poor taste. If oil companies are allowed to merge and then casually rape the public on a daily basis while earning record profits, why in the hell can't two struggling companies that have NEVER made a profit be given the same right? I mention Satellite Radio to people all the time and about 50% have no idea what I'm talking about! The level of ignorance in this country is staggering, but pales in comparison with the level of ignorance shamefully on display by the Bush administration. We have an FCC that is unable to function at all, headed by a person that caters to the sleaziest of special interest, and maintains an arrogant smugness while sucking the life out of these two companies. Radio as we used to know it is dead. Rise up, EVERYBODY, because radio has been taken hostage by profit driven corporations that are offering you an inferior product. They hope that people will be complacent and accept the vile puke that emenates from their airwaves like projectile vomit. Get on board with Sirius/XM - you won't be sorry. You might just discover how horrible the excrement you've been listening to really is.

This wantabe satrad "merge" MONOPOLY is DESPERATE.

"Rise up, EVERYBODY, because radio has been taken hostage by profit driven corporations that are offering you an inferior product."

It sure would be nice if Sirius and XM would become "profit driven corporations."

Regarding To Annonymous Warrior's comment proclaiming that " It sure would be nice if Sirius and XM would become "profit driven corporations", I am relatively certain that they would be much closer to profitability if not confronted with unprecedented resistance from the NAB, congressmen and senators in collusion with anybody who will stuff money in their pockets, and the Johnny come Lately's ( Slimeballs like Jessie Jackson, etc) who want free handouts despite never having contributed anything to these companies. I am not saying that Sirius and XM are paragons of astute business practice - far from it. I can only wonder how different things might be if Sirius and XM were granted the same conditions as most other companies have had to abide by. They have been singled out and bullied into submission by our own government, and it not only isn't fair, it is downright criminal.