State Attorneys General continue to push the Federal Communications Commission to add more concessions to, or for the flat-out rejection of, the proposed merger of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.Last week, State AGs Robert Cooper and Richard Blumenthal (pictured, left), of Tennessee and Connecticut respectively, were joined with staff members from 12 other State AG Offices in a phone conversation with FCC Commissioners Deborah Tate (pictured, right).
The States positions haven't changed much since their meeting with the FCC Chairman. They still feel that Georgetown Partners' proposal of a 20% set-aside for minority-owned programming would be the minimum for a "completely sufficient alternative" - but noted that others have proposed a larger divestiture of spectrum.
Additionally, the State AGs want to see HD Radio chips included in satellite radio receivers in conjunction with the availabilty of interoperable equipment.
[Read FCC Filing (PDF)]
The FCC lives for this, otherwise they would make a decision. They wait until they have a complaint then they have to review it and review it and review it and.............
I will never invest in a company that is associated or has any dealings with the FCC, after this intentionally delayed decision.
I don't get this. How is the NAB getting to the Attorney Generals? Is no one above the $$$??
You would think this was a national crisis the way they waste their time on this.
Ryan,
You should've posted this picture of Cooper. If that pic doesn't tell the story I don't know what does.
http://www.tn.gov/attorneygeneral/
It is so obvious that the NAB has coerced politicians like Cooper and Blumenthal into holding up the merger and they in turn have tied the hands of the FCC. The real shame is that they say they are protecting the consumer, but in reality their goal is to bankrupt both XM and Sirius and then what happens to the consumer?
I view this as a positive really. As mentioned in the weekend's AP piece, this is all too late to have any real impact. Further, you'll note that the AG's made the same request that Ibiquity made...which is the same numbers (more or less) that the handful of Congressmen made, which are the same talking points that the NAB and Georgetown made. They are all reading off the NAB TelePrompter....and they are starting to scream, not speak.
This is ending very soon based on the frenzy of visits, calls and filings. It appears at least to me that the opposition to this merger is acting more desperately than those who favor it... a good sign to me.
Well at least they make a good looking couple
SIRI is a bag of malarky! You all should have invested in filiments! They're the wave of the future!
Let's see , XM has 170 channels
170 x 20 = 34 channels
Sirius has 130 channels
130 x 20 = 26 channels
34 + 26 = 60 channels .
60 channels for minority programming ? You've got to be kiddding , right ?
Here are the Commissioners' direct numbers:
Michael Copps - 202.418.2000
Jonathan Adelstein - 202.418.2300
Deborah Tate - 202.418.2500
Robert McDowell - 202.418.2200
Urge them to vote NOW!
With XM-Sirius merger dragging as long as has, why has the decision not been made? The Dept. of Justice made their decision in March, yet you all keep dragging your feet. This decision should have been made shortly after the DOJ's.
It is time to stop listening groups like NAB, Gerorgetown Partners, and others to block the merger and delaying the process. They had enough time to post their opposition that was to end July 24,2007. If time frames are set, you need to abide by them. The link below will show that all groups had the opprituniy.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-2417A1.pdf
Please, make the decision now
Alert...Alert...ALERT
I call into JA's office three times a week.
Today his receptionist basically refused to put me into his VM... she wanted to give me the FCC "complaint" number even though I told her twice, that I did not have a complaint but wanted to weigh in on the merger.
Since I've ALWAYS gone into EVERYONES VM, iI have to assume either this person is new or that the decision is made and comments are no longer being taken.
Let me know what you find. I'm in the camp that an announcement will be made before Friday... and this is my FIRST speculation on dates.
Will someone explain to me how the state AG's have an interest in whether HD radios are incorporated into the sat. radios?
That is such a SELLOUT to the NAB. I can't believe Tate or anyone else even listens once they start mentioning the inclusion of HD radio. Sirius and XM have already agreed to open up the manufacturing of radios- If people want HD radio and sat. radio they can choose through their purchase dollars.
Gotta keep calling/emailing. Way to go plowboy!
I just wrote to the State AG of TN and the Senator from MN who are the latest shillers for the NAB.
Are there even 60 different races?
I called Commissioner Tate's office today -- the receptionist got my number, and I offered to talk to her or anyone there to hear my thoughts. I really don't expect a call, but I offered. As a consumer, this is just holding up a lot of good things I could be listening to -- like BASEBALL.
I invite others to call and share your experience... did you get into voice mails? ..was your call diverted?
I remain in the camp that regardless of Ms. Tate's final determination that Mr. Adlestein will vote in favor. Does he like approving media consolidation...no. Is that a lesser evil to him than losing "choice" to the NAB and limiting the audio source for information by one player... yes, I think it is. This man is Very pro consumer " the people" in every one of his addresses.
IF he supports us, I would again underscore the importance of us supporting HIM as the next chairman. This should be a primary goal within the satrad community not to forget our friends...especally when they stood up in the face of ca$h and Congre$$.
Ms. Tate – 202-418-2500
Dtaylortate@fcc.gov
Mr. Adlestein – 202-418-2300
Jonathan.adlestein@fcc.gov
Mr. Copps – 202-418-2000
Michael.copps@FCC.gov
Mr. McDowell – 202-418-2200
Robert.McDowell@FCC.gov
Mr. Martin – 202 –418-1000
KJMWEB@FCC.gov
I'm old... I forgot.
We Need HD Radio, I'm Married to the Ketchup owner, Denay this merger and i will give everyone in the US a free packet of Ketchup
Arbitrage spread has really widened today with Sirius up a few pennies and XM down almost 5%
Tate will sell out under pressure and vote no,that's all the NAB wants and will get
THE HOLDUP IS WORSE THAN A VOTE. EVEN IF REJECTED, WOULDN'T THIS BE REVERSED BY THE COURTS, SAME AS THE WHOLE FOODS MERGER, WHICH BROADENED THE COMPETITION AREA. I AGREE, WE SHOULD HOLD THE TWO DEMOCRATS RESPONSIBLE ON THIS. HOW CAN THEY GO AGAINST DOJ AND MARTIN. IF IT'S NOT A MONOPOLY HOW CAN ANYONE BE AGAINST IT.
"The process appears to be broken," former FCC media bureau chief Ken Ferree is quoted as saying. Ferree suggests that the commission's goal to nix or approve deals within 180 days has become meaningless.
I'll say. The proposed pairing is about to hit the 500-day mark later this month.
This is certainly a unique and controversial deal, and hardly one to be rushed, but XM and Sirius agreed to many of the concessions last summer. Two hundred days should have been plenty. Three hundred would have been a travesty. But five hundred days? It would be laughable -- if it didn't feel downright criminal.
ENOUGH OF ALL THIS BLABBER WE THE PEOPLE
does anyone want to picket the fcc this is bullsh.t
i am sirius......million man and women satalite march!!!!!
WE ARE SIRIUS...............CALL TO START THE
REVOLUTION 1-215 391-7059
7/11/08
HAS A RING TO IT LETS MEET IN WASHINGTON
MERGER MICHAEL
STOP HIDING BEHIND YOUR COMPUTER
FRIDAY 7-11 AT FCC OFFICE
PEACEFULL AMERICAN RALLY
What a joke -- Tennessee, the original home of the KKK, asking to look out for minority interests.
There is Far More to Fear from a Broadcast Monopoly than a Satellite Radio Monopoly. It is no accident that the National Association of Broadcasters is vigorously opposing this merger — despite their protestations to the contrary, they view satellite radio as a major competitor. As a result, they have done everything possible to hobble the satellite radio industry ever since the FCC set-aside spectrum for what was to be 4 services in the mid-90’s. I recall being approached by the NAB at that time (when I was at the Media Access Project) to advocate imposing public interest obligations on what was then called DARS (Digital Audio Radio Service) or S-DARS. For the past two Congress’ the broadcasters have tried to legislatively prohibit satellite radio services from providing any local service, including emergency information. They filed a similar petition at the FCC. At least two broadcast groups refuse to carry satellite radio advertisements, and another forced XM to carry advertisements on the channels it programmed.
Nothing would please the broadcast industry more than this merger being denied - leaving two weak companies to compete with the 80 year-old broadcasting behemoth. Don’t believe the nonsense that broadcasters do not compete nationally with XM because they cannot/do not aggregate demand. Ever hear of syndicated programming like the Tom Joyner Morning Show? Rush Limbaugh? Or Opie and Anthony? (who, by the way, are on both XM and terrestrial radio). Large station groups use their national reach to aggregate demand, just like satellite radio. Nor should anyone be fooled by merger opponents’ talk about the “unique characteristics” of satellite radio. There is nothing inherently subscription-based or non-commercial about satellite radio. Indeed, one of the early applicants for an S-DARS license proposed being free and advertiser supported. And both XM and Sirius originally had commercials on their music channels before competitive pressures caused them to change. Finally, digital HD-radio makes it possible for radio broadcasters to charge subscription fees, and indeed, some are considering that alternative.
Consumer advocates and policymakers opposing this merger might take heed from the failure of the 2002 proposed Echostar-DirecTV DBS merger. That merger was premised on the notion that one strong satellite TV company would be better competition to incumbent cable than two weak companies. We did not take a position on the merger at the time, but interestingly, several of the organizations opposing the merger here supported that merger with fewer conditions than PK is seeking for XM and Sirius. The merger was denied at the behest of Fox, which ended up buying DirecTV (which Murdoch is now selling, having called DirecTV a “turd bird.” ) The result? Cable prices continue to go up, DBS cannot provide competitive broadband, and the DBS industry did not have enough resources to successfully bid for new Advanced Wireless Services spectrum, which was largely gobbled up by the incumbent telcos (so much for a competitive third broadband “pipe”).
Former Federal Communications Commission Chief Economist Thomas W. Hazlett's advocacy of the proposed XM/Sirius satellite merger centers around a single irony: nothing makes the case for the application better than terrestrial broadcaster opposition to the union.
"These interests emphatically claim that they oppose the merger because it will lead to a monopoly that will harm consumers," Hazlett writes in a brief filed today with the FCC. "This fierce opposition is powerful evidence in itself that AM/FM radio—'free radio'—competes with satellite radio, and reveals the true concern of terrestrial stations: that the merger will create a stronger rival better able to meet the needs of consumers."
Hazlett's 51 page statement, commissioned by XM and Sirius, effectively turns all economic arguments against the merger on their head. But the filing also ignores key legal questions about the proposal, implicitly suggesting that they represent a substantial hurdle that XM and Sirius may not overcome.
The Hazlett brief goes as follows:
The opponents of the merger work with false market definitions
The campaign to stop the XM/Sirius union often portrays the radio universe as carved up into channels rather than market share, Hazlett contends. By presenting the situation in this manner, adversaries such as the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) can count XM or Sirius' numerous channels (as many as 170) as equivalent to Clear Channel frequencies, and suggest that in a given market XM controls 51% of market share, while Clear Channel, with five stations, controls only 1.5%.
Such logic "clashes frontally with market realities," Hazlett writes. "The market share analysis conducted posits that satellite radio is the overwhelmingly dominant radio service. This would surprise investors, who value terrestrial radio broadcasting properties at more than eight times the level of satellite operators. Indeed, they value one broadcaster, Clear Channel, at more than twice the value of XM and Sirius combined."
Given that less than 10% of U.S. automobiles have satellite receivers, XM and Sirius cannot be accurately portrayed as dominant broadcasters attempting to consolidate the market. They are "niche players," Hazlett argues, trying to improve their situation against "dominant terrestrial station incumbents and emerging digital media rivals."
It is competitiveness, not anti-competitiveness, that terrestrial broadcasters fear
Hazlett rhetorically wonders why conventional broadcasting critics of the proposed merger warn that it will trigger higher satellite subscription prices. Logically, this would cause a drop in subscriptions and a rise in terrestrial radio listening.
"In seeking to block the proposed XM-Sirius combination, however, terrestrial radio interests reveal that they predict just the opposite would occur," Hazlett's filing contends. "They anticipate that a merger would facilitate not price increases, but an intensification of rivalry."
The reality is that terrestrial broadcasters have identified satellite radio as "a substitute for their product," and fear that a merger will enhance its efficiency, siphoning away over-the-air radio listeners.
Opponents ask the wrong question about competition
The question is not whether an XM/Sirius merger will create less competition in satellite radio, but whether it will "increase or decrease the value of services available to consumers."
The XM/Sirius merger will lead to greater productivity and more consumer options as satellite radio becomes more stable, Hazlett contends. Economies of scale will lead to better programming. The merged entity will drop duplicative shows and create more niche channels.
"Instead of making choices between popular channels carried exclusively by one satellite system or the other, and then shouldering risks associated with changes in program menus or their own preferences, customers will be able to confidently access their favorite shows," the briefing claims.
The history of the satellite radio proceeding reveals NAB's true fears
Hazlett cites numerous objections made by the NAB to the very idea of the Digital Audio Radio Satellite (DARS) service, established by the FCC in 1997, that launched XM and Sirius. He argues that these filings reveal NAB's actual apprehensions, quoting from a 1995 NAB filing:
"Whether it is advertising-supported or not, satellite DARS providers fundamentally will compete with terrestrial broadcasters for listeners. . . . Although subscriber supported services would not appear to propose a direct threat to local broadcasters’ revenue base, the audience fragmentation likely to occur from the deluge of programming options could severely handicap traditional radio broadcasting."
It is conventional broadcasters' "reliably self-interested opinion that the merger will not create monopoly," Hazlett concludes, "but more intense competition. Precisely why this combination is in the consumer’s interest."
With XM-Sirius merger dragging as long as has, why has the decision not been made? The Dept. of Justice made their decision in March, yet you all keep dragging your feet. This decision should have been made shortly after the DOJ's.
It is time to stop listening groups like NAB, Gerorgetown Partners, and others to block the merger and delaying the process. They had enough time to post their opposition that was to end July 24,2007. If time frames are set, you need to abide by them. The link below will show that all groups had the opprituniy.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-2417A1.pdf
Copy and Paste the above, and send it to the clowns below.....
Here are names and numbers to these clowns:
Ms. Tate – 202-418-2500
Dtaylortate@fcc.gov
Mr. Adlestein – 202-418-2300
Jonathan.adlestein@fcc.gov
Mr. Copps – 202-418-2000
Michael.copps@FCC.gov
Mr. McDowell – 202-418-2200
Robert.McDowell@FCC.gov
Mr. Martin – 202 –418-1000
KJMWEB@FCC.gov
Say NO to the merger!!!!!
You bet - keep the commissioners tied up answering phone calls and mail from frustrated investors. Then they will NEVER vote on this stupid merger. Pound your chests some more, and whine some more. That'll help even more!
SAY YES TO THE MERGER FUCK ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO SAY NO
YOU WONT GET ANY KETCHUP UNLESS YOU REJECT THE MERGER
FCC for SALE
No checks please
ONLY CASH
GOD BLESS the FCC
SAY NO TO THE MERGER FUCK ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO SAY YES
FCC for Sale
Cash only
GOD BLESS THE FCC
FCC for Sale
Cash only
GOD BLESS THE FCC
FCC for Sale
Cash only
GOD BLESS THE FCC
FCC for Sale
Cash only
GOD BLESS THE FCC
FCC for Sale
Cash only
GOD BLESS THE FCC
FCC for Sale
Cash only
GOD BLESS THE FCC
GOOD! The State Attorney Generals, along with Senators, Congressmen, the FCC, NAB and everyone else are doing their jobs. Face it the DOJ screwed up and everyone who's educated knows it. Also if the last almost 500 days are any indication, the comments here at Orbitcast prove at least 50% of claimed satradio subscribers here are blind, ignorant, satradio fanboys who have zero clue about laws, and economics. Only the ignorant support
Melvin Alan "Mel" Karmazin's "merge" MONOPOLY scheme, and thats what Melvin Alan "Mel" Karmazin is counting on, the ignorant because Melvin Alan "Mel" Karmazin's "merge" MONOPOLY scheme is not good for subscribers or the satradio industry. Melvin Alan "Mel" Karmazin's "merge" MONOPOLY scheme, is good for one person Melvin Alan "Mel" Karmazin and his pockets.
June 27 2006: 8:40 AM EDT
NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. Chief Executive Mel Karmazin said Monday he would like to buy archrival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., but price and regulatory hurdles would be issues.
Karmazin, speaking at a conference in New York, stressed, however, that Sirius's business plan "doesn't really involve our doing a deal" and also indicated he wasn't interested in Sirius being bought.
"Regarding XM - would we like to buy them? Sure. We'd love to buy them. Price would matter, so that would be an issue... (and) there would definitely be the regulatory issue," he said.
To the prior Coward, the Justice department ruled properly a long time ago. Even if you disagree with it, the FCC can't; it's not their decision. The FCC cannot say "we think this isn't competitive, therefore we won't allow it." If they did, a court would have the decision thrown out by morning.
Besides, all the kids that want the candy, AKA JJ & Chester -- they WANT the merger to happen, too. If it doesn't, no free shareholder equity handout for them.
It's organized crime. Everyone is ok as long as everyone benefits.
Oh yeah... one more thing... Plowboy sucks, he is still desperate to try and justify his poor failed investment in satradio. Melvin Alan "Mel" Karmazin's "merge" scheme or NO! "merge" scheme Plowboy's money is still HISTORY, just like the satradio industry
If the merger is sooooo important. Why isnt howie getting involved, With your marches and get togethers?
" Oh yeah... one more thing... Plowboy sucks, he is still desperate to try and justify his poor failed investment in satradio. Melvin Alan "Mel" Karmazin's "merge" scheme or NO! "merge" scheme Plowboy's money is still HISTORY, just like the satradio industry"
OH MY!!!
I for one am simply not feeling the love in this statement at all... In fact, someone sounds extra cranky and freightened... Could it be that Plowboy's exclusive WWW postings disclosing dirty tricks are frustrating po po AC?... Could it be that the recent educational posting on NAB's commercial motives really made said AC's panties bunch?
One thing for sure. Plowboy has the time, money and brains to be a thorn in the side of AC and his unscrupulous pals. I've got all the time in the world, while yours is running out.
:) Goodnight Buttercup! ..Until I nail you again tomorrow!
Mat,
You better go back to school the FCC sure can say ""we think this isn't competitive, therefore we won't allow it." Since that is the FCC's job (to keep the spectrum pro-consumer and competitive.) Oh and there is that little agreement that Sirius and xm agreed too, to get their FCC operating licenses. That no-combination clause written into the terms of their licenses. The FCC has all the say they want about that. Your ignorant if you think the DOJ got it right. Any "merge" scheme is a MONOPOLY. "monopoly (also "Pure oligopoly") exists when a specific individual or enterprise has sufficient control over a particular product or service to determine significantly the terms on which other individuals shall have access to it." There are no other satradio companies, direct competition would be a thing of the past, and one satradio company would have control of the spectrum of 2. MONOPOLY, get with the program.
Umm... direct competition? I hear that there's this thing called an iPod...
Besides, you're acting like the 3 major TV networks when CableTV rolled out. Now you likely pay for cable because the major networks aren't all that you're interested in. Funny thing; the FCC didn't mind when there was one cable provider in a city. It was competition.
Now, you have terrestrial radio in the same position. What they don't like is that they will finally have a viable competitor. Your narrow view of what "radio" is doesn't cut it. Some radio is free, some is paid. It's all radio. Just like TV -- some is free, some is paid, but it's all TV.
No one is shutting down cable monopolies. Why? The same reason that Sirius and XM should be allowed to merge and compete.
Audio entertainment -- the real product or service here -- is CLEARLY not defined as narrowly as satellite radio only. It's not.
You get your panties in a wad about this merger being a monopoly... I challenge you to tell me how a consumer will be harmed by this.
Ployboy,
"One thing for sure. Plowboy has the time, money and brains to be a thorn in the side of AC and his unscrupulous pals. I've got all the time in the world, while yours is running out."
No frustration at all here, only on your end. We know thats a lie, like all the other BS you've posted here at Orbitcast, while you've desperately tried to justify your failed investment in the risky satradio industry. Give it up you made a big mistake and the money is gone. No sense trying to get others to make the same stupid investment mistake you have, no sense calling and bugging anyone and leaving messages on voice mail, no sense in whining like a little girl here at Orbitcast that YOU screwed up. All your posts prove is your ignorance.
":) Goodnight Buttercup!" .Better hope I don't feel like nailing "you again tomorrow!"
Ployboy,
"One thing for sure. Plowboy has the time, money and brains to be a thorn in the side of AC and his unscrupulous pals. I've got all the time in the world, while yours is running out."
No frustration at all here, only on your end. We know the above is a lie, like all the other BS you've posted here at Orbitcast, while you've desperately tried to justify your failed investment in the risky satradio industry. Give it up you made a big mistake and the money is gone. No sense trying to get others to make the same stupid investment mistake you have, no sense calling and bugging anyone and leaving messages on voice mail, no sense in whining like a little girl here at Orbitcast that YOU screwed up. All your posts prove is your ignorance.
":) Goodnight Buttercup!" .Better hope I don't feel like nailing "you again tomorrow!"
AC IS A FUCKING PIECE SHIT GO FUCK YOUR SELF HATER
Anonymous Coward is so appropriate.
There is no lie. The regulation you're talking about is the one that is being considered -- that they may merge. The question lays before the FCC, and if answered from the context of CONSUMER gain, the answer is clear.
CLEARLY consumers benefit through more offerings.
CLEARLY consumers benefit from not having their price go up.
CLEARLY consumers will have a more compelling choice.
The only thing you offer by maintaining an obsolete rule is the protection that Terrestrial Radio has had for too long. If competition is healthy, then free radio will be better for having to compete against paid radio.
But you know you'll lose. Now JJ & Chester get a freebie, if and only if it goes through.
So in a way, even they are on the merger's side. Who isn't? CC, NAB, and anyone who would then have to compete against a viable, better product.
Maybe then will local radio do what it hasn't in so long... find new acts, feature local talent, inform local listeners, have fewer commercials, and offer what only local stations can. For too long, it's been national playlists, PAYOLA, and no royalties paid. No longer. What is fair is fair, for all sides. And when you make it fair, the consumer benefits.
I'm a lifetime Sirius subscriber. I get a huge benefit if they merge. I get nothing if they don't. From my perspective, and from many, many others like me, we look forward to the day we will be able to hear all sorts of new stuff. That's because we get new stuff a lot as it is on satellite. When is the last time a terrestrial radio station was innovative?
Why don't you do this... take chester's 24 channels and lease those out so that there are 4 minority anger channels, and 20 of the best terrestrial channels on, simulcast, for free, over Sirius/XM. That way, you can be heard NATIONALLY for FREE. Just like you like it.
Guess what -- we still will go right by it until the stations are good.
Mat,
you continue to prove your ignorance why?
The ipod provides direct competition, like the direct competition between xm and sirius? Better educate yourself.
No but the FCC allowed cable tv companies to compete. cable tv companies didn't ask for a government bailout to form a MONOPOLY. Better educate yourself on this one too.
Terrestrial radio could care less about a sat radio "merge" since it doesn't make a "viable competitor" any more than it is now. Better also educate yourself on this one too.
There your go calling cable a monopoly again, but we've already that been proven incorrect, many places have a choice in cable companies, direct tv and fiber all providing the same way for data to get to you. Better also educate yourself on this one too.
Monopoly (lack of direct competition) in satradio causes:
price to go up,
consumer choice is removed.
talent, content and programming decreases.
Oh and before your ignorance posts something else... Neither companies has made a dime, due to poor management. A "merge" isn't going to pay the hundreads of billions in debt which is compounding and due soon. Satradio is a failure and will always be a failure "merge" MONOPOLY scheme or not. The only thing a "merge" is going to help is Melvin Alan "Mel" Karmazin retirement account, all on the backs of consumers and the health of the satradio industry.
educate yourself, NO! to Mat ignorance.
Is it me, or does this particular picture of Ms. Taylor-Tate make her look like Irene Dunn, the lovable "Granny" on the Beverly Hillbillies? I wonder if when back at home in Tennessee if Ms. Taylor-Tate's car has a couch strapped on the back and a bottle of elixir at her side?
Come to think of it, Her legal adviser, Ms. Blankenship ( the one that worked for Sam Brownback ..small world isn't it) could be the buxom Ellie May with Michael Copps as Uncle "Jed", Kevin Martin as "Jethro Bodine" and Mr. McDowell as "Mr. Drysdale " to round out the bunch.
After all, The Beverly Hillbillies and the FCC are both turning out to be great comedies!
Mat,
You continue to prove your compete ignorance....
"we look forward to the day we will be able to hear all sorts of new stuff. That's because we get new stuff a lot as it is on satellite. When is the last time a terrestrial radio station was innovative?"
You know why? Do you any clue? Do you know why satradio NEEDS to innovate? Do you know why the satradio companies each spent more than they could on talent, content, and programming? Direct competition with each other. They didn't spend all that money to (in your world) compete with iPod's and terrestrial radio)
Mat, thanks for taking the time to completely prove your a ignorant fool.
Is it me, or does this particular picture of Ms. Taylor-Tate make her look like Irene Dunn, the lovable "Granny" on the Beverly Hillbillies? I wonder if when back at home in Tennessee if Ms. Taylor-Tate's car has a couch strapped on the back and a bottle of elixir at her side?
Come to think of it, Her legal adviser, Ms. Blankenship ( the one that worked for Sam Brownback ..small world isn't it) could be the buxom Ellie May with Michael Copps as Uncle "Jed", Kevin Martin as "Jethro Bodine" and Mr. McDowell as "Mr. Drysdale " to round out the bunch.
And while on that front ....
Come and listen to a story about a girl named Deb
A poor mountaineer, the NAB kept her family fed
Then one day she was primping in the mirror
And in through the door came a fellow named Rehr… Dave that is …
Limousines, trips.. speaking fees !
Well the first thing you know Old Deb’s a millionaire
Rehr said Deb let’s move away from here
He said “In Congress” is the place you ought to be
So they loaded up the Lexus and moved on up the street
K Street that is … Lobbyists, parties… trips to Africa …Swimmin pools, movie stars.
The FCC Hillbillies!
Well now its time to say good-bye to the FCC and all their friends
They would like to thank you folks for buying in with them
You're all invited back again to this locality, to watch the constipation and mediocrity
Politics that is. Set a spell. Take your wallet out . Y'all come back now, y'hear?
Shake down, the "merger" is in break down, take down
Everybody who's ignorant wants into the crowded light
Break down, take down, Melvin Alan "Mel" Karmazin is busted
Let down your guard, fcc, cuz Melvin wants to line his pockets
Just about the time you think that it's alright
Break down, take down, Melvin Alan "Mel" Karmazin is busted
ALERT - ALERT - ALERT
*** Anonymous Coward is wasting your time ***
*** Responding to him will just engage him ***
*** DO NOT ENGAGE ***
ALERT - ALERT - ALERT
The AG demand for HD inclusion just proves beyond a doubt who has "suggested" they speak out against the merger duh
The manufacturers can add the HD RADIO chips to satellite radios if they want. It is supposed to be up to the factories!!! The state attornies generals want to bankrupt radio makers now????
That is what "OPEN ACCESS" was about!! Apparantly the Attornies Generals do not know anything about this merger. It's very obvious!!
So now they want the FCC to step on open access and just flat out tell factories to install a chip that may put radio makers out of business?
ALERT - ALERT - ALERT
*** Pocketradio is wasting your time ***
*** Responding to him will just engage him ***
*** DO NOT ENGAGE ***
ALERT - ALERT - ALERT
I am tired of waiting for a decision from the FCC. When are they going to finally make a decision? If they reject the merger, then the courts will immediately throw the FCC decision out the window!!
Did you plan on telling us how a merger hurts customers, or are you going to continue to rehash flawed logic?
ENOUGH OF ALL THIS BLABBER WE THE PEOPLE
does anyone want to picket the fcc this is bullsh.t
i am sirius......million man and women satalite march!!!!!
WE ARE SIRIUS...............CALL TO START THE
REVOLUTION 1-215 391-7059
ROTFLMAO!! More like a couple of hundred of Mel's BITCHES that work for FREE, for the promise of making a couple of bucks on a PPS jump on a approved merger. They make phone calls and write hundreds of made up comments on the FCC web site using hundreds of aliases. All while claiming that they have NO SPECIAL INTERESTS in the outcome.
Some people's integrity is FOR SALE of SO LITTLE.. At least the politicians that the Satellite Radio Shareholder Special Interest Groups point the finger at claiming they are paid off at least smart enough to get their MONEY UP FRONT. But not, the Satellite Radio Shareholder Special Interest Groups.
Mel will get the final laugh when he files a petition and wipes out all of the Satellite Radio Shareholder Special Interest Groups while he cuts himself and Howard Stern in for a nice percentage of the new debt free company.
Only then will the Satellite Radio Shareholder Special Interest Groups write and call the FCC asking HOW they could have EVER voted in favor of the merger.
And so it goes,
PCSTEL
@STOCKBEATER
"That is what "OPEN ACCESS" was about!! Apparantly the Attornies Generals do not know anything about this merger. It's very obvious!!"
'Ibiquity Fears Open Access Will Not Help Adoption Of HD Radio"
"In a meeting held with FCC commissioner Tate, Ibiquity outlined fears that the open access condition proposed in the merger between Sirius and XM would not ensure that HD radio chipsets get installed into receivers capable of receiving SDARS signals."
http://tinyurl.com/6pgnq2
Ah, poor Bobby knows he really fucked himself, as his product is complete shit and he has pissed off HD manufacturers, such as Pioneer. Boo hoo!
"Terrestrial Radios Free Ride"
"In a filing by the National Association of Broadcasters, there seems to be concern that satellite radio threatens the very viability and existence of AM, FM, and HD radio in cars. What a concept. Terrestrial radio is a wonderful service, and does indeed provide great programming, but to say that SDARS will push terrestrial radio out of cars is taking a bit too far is it not?"
http://tinyurl.com/6p3vhg
Those NAB maggots are used to getting a free-ride, and want to jam the HD crap technology down Satrad's throat.
"How Many Radio Stations Does One Person Need?"
"Which brings us to a major question anyone involved in producing radio programming needs to address: How many stations does one person need?"
http://www.audiographics.com/agd/070708-1.htm
Ah Bobby, terrestrail radio already knew that there are too many radio stations, so the HD channels are a complete waste, but the real plan is to decimate community radio.
And both XM and Sirius originally had commercials on their music channels before competitive pressures caused them to change.
And what happens when that "Competitive pressure" disappears? More Commercials, more of the time. And then a quality product that consumer want becomes just more commercials, more of the time, just like terrestrial radio. Then the air personalities will begin to disappear on the music channels replaced by "more commercials".
Mel will file a petition to get out of the content contracts, and wipe out the Satellite Radio Special Interest Groups, and reward himself with a heap of ownership in the combined debt free entity. Leaving all of his BITCHES wiped out.
Say goodbye to the Golden Age of SDARS.
Spend you pennies in profit carefully. Because the Karma Monster is coming home to roost in your backyard.
And so it goes,
PCSTEL
They both realized they couldn't get people to pay for music when terrestrial radio had music for free with commercials. Is that going away? Nope.
Again... no harm to customers. If they put commercials on the music channels, they will lose customers in droves. That is what the market will do. That's competition.
All that needs to happen is that terrestrial radio loses its status of privileged non-competitive non-royalty paying situation, and then we won't have Satrad fighting with two arms tied behind their back.
Maybe if terrestrial radio was more local, this wouldn't be an issue. You know, local channels with local licenses that do nothing local with the exception of the lone 7am Sunday show?
ALERT - ALERT - ALERT
Anonymous Coward is the default name to a blank name
Anonymous Coward is multiple people
ALERT - ALERT - ALERT
TERRESTRIAL RADIO HAS 400 MILLION LISTENERS RIGHT?
SAT RADIO COMBINED HAS ONLY 20 MILLION LISTENERS RIGHT????
HOW THE HELL IS THIS A MONOPOLY?????
HOW??????
WHY DOES HD RADIO HAVE TO BE INCLUDED WHEN THAT WILL RAISE THE PRICE OF SAT RADIO'S...
ITS EVIDENT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BULLSHITTERS WANT A FREE RIDE!!!
WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THAT ANNONYMOUS CUM STAIN OR WILL YOU COPY AND PASTE MORE NAB PROPAGANDA?>?????
WHY can't we all just get along? ... Hey man.. .who took my dope?
ALERT - ALERT - ALERT
*** "THE" Anonymous Coward is wasting your time ***
*** Responding to him will just engage him ***
*** DO NOT ENGAGE ***
ALERT - ALERT - ALERT
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7................................475, 476, 477, 478,......VOTE!
Gas 411
Time for the FCC to Vote 476....
Hmmmm......
I bet the FCC has an answer by this Thursday after the close - Approval !
Here's what I'm missing. The 14 State AG's work for the DOJ who have decided that there is no conflict or monopoly in this merger. These 14 State AG's work in states where 70-80% of their constituents support the merger. These 14 AG's represent only 25% of their peers in States that don't object. So if they are not representing their superiors, or their constituents, or their peers.. who are they representing?
Obviously the NAB.
Cut the crap and quit using people like this to stall FCC!
http://www.fcc.gov/contacts.html
Disgraceful, reprehensible, outrageous, disturbing, scandalous, annoying, shameful, stupid, classless, unfair, rude, coniving, and last but not least......CRIMINAL!!!!!!
The NAB has tremendous influence over state politicians. Their affiliate stations can make airtime available for their political friends or deny it to their enemies. One guy gets a nice two hour 'interview' and the other guy gets squat. Satrad cannot offer the state leaders much as it is not as regionalized as a terrestrial station. Free money has a lot of implications while free airtime 'interviews' doesn't. You see the same thing with newspapers.
Quote "does anyone want to picket the fcc this is bullsh.t
i am sirius......million man and women satalite march!!!!!
WE ARE SIRIUS...............CALL TO START THE
REVOLUTION 1-215 391-7059"
YEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAHH MAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNN!
Go picket.....have fun. Take pictures. Bring a sandwich.
I'll say it just one more time.... I LOVE the woman's outfits. She always uses accessories to the nines! .... i just wish i had a shot of her shoes and bag.
She may not be able to make up her mind, but she picks some mean-assed outfits! Get your fucking priorities straight American ...Tweeds are where it's at!
Anonymous Coward get a life.
Your a loser.
The Merge has positives and no negatives.
You dont know wtf your talking about....
Ive seen plenty of dummies like you bash stocks and then get raped once the stock soars.
AC,
They already decided its not a monopoly.
Cut the bull.
You'll drowning in your own pile of it.
AC,
They already decided its not a monopoly.
Cut the bull.
You'll drowning in your own pile of it.
They already decided its not a monopoly.
DOJ presented their viewpoint that the two companies do not present a "monopoly in commerce". So fair enough... The two companies are free to merge away.. Just leave one of your spectrum licenses at the front door as you leave.
But, the companies also want to take their spectrum licenses with them. So while the DOJ rendered a decision that the two companies do not present a "monopoly in commerce", they do most certainly create a "monopoly in spectrum".
That's the only concern of the FCC and the NAB and other groups that oppose the merger. They do not oppose the merger per s