To update a previous article published today, Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. actually spent $1.4 million to lobbyists in 2007.Why the discrepancy? Because the Associated Press in their report (which I cited) only noted the disclosure made by Wiley Rein LLP. Sirius actually hired four additional lobbyists, which the AP did not report on.
Lobbyists are required to disclose any activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches under federal law.
Aside from Wiley Rein, which received the lionshare of lobbying expenditures (at $400k), Sirius also hired Paul Laxalt Group ($100k), Quinn Gillespi & Associates ($100k), Amani Group ($60k) and Richetti, Inc ($90k).
According to disclosure forms posted by the Senate's public records office, Sirius paid these firms a total of $750,000 in the second-half of 2007. Also, according to the Senate's public records office, Sirius spent $650,000 in the first-half of 2007 - the company had not hired the Amani Group until August.
In total, Sirius spent $1.4 million combined on these lobby groups in 2007.
View the additional disclosure forms for the 2nd half of 2007 after the jump...
"Battling for the merger has been costly. XM said it spent $30 million last year in merger-related expenses, reflected in its general and administrative costs. XM spent $1.2 million on lobbying the FCC and Congress for approval of the merger. Sirius reported that it spent at least $800,000 last year for lobbyists." From today's Washington Post. You can bet that if XM spent $30 mil, then Sirius spent even more since its taken the lead on most of the merger activities. Idiots. Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/28/AR2008022801114_2.html
Can you tell me how much testical radio spent? I am not sure but i think the number is up to 10mil.
Why did the NAB lobby so much? If the merged company would become a monopoly, that would mean that they have no competition. The fact that there were corporate forces fighting the merger shows that there is big money competition.