The Syndicate Blog

Now that a Sirius/XM Satellite Radio merger is one step closer to reality, you may be asking yourself logical questions about future types of programming packages and usability of older equipment. Thankfully satellite radio blog Orbicast spells it out in plain English.

Both companies have defended the possible merger as a venture that will benefit consumers, promising compatibility with existing radios and more flexible pricing and programming choices, including a delicious a la carte option. We break down the post-merger choices for you after the break. Read More…

The Department of Justice has approved a merger between SIRIUS Satellite Radio and rival XM, over one year after it was first announced. The move has been hotly contested, with the companies arguing their merger would benefit consumers and not create a monopoly (the argument being that consumers aren’t choosing between two satellite radio providers, but rather between terrestrial radio, iPod, etc when looking for music and entertainment choices). Both Sirius and XM have promised a number of benefits to their customers should the merger happen – a la carte service, a variety of channels, etc.

But don’t expect to be tuning into a wonderland of XM-Sirius goodness any time soon though, as the FCC still needs to sign off before this is final – and they’ve been the slowest decision makers of all. Hopefully this won’t drag out for another year, but with the National Association of Broadcasters still fighting valiantly against the merger, who knows…

If you’re the type who likes to read big words, here’s what the D to the O to the J had to say:

After a careful and thorough review of the proposed transaction, the Division concluded that the evidence does not demonstrate that the proposed merger of XM and Sirius is likely to substantially lessen competition, and that the transaction therefore is not likely to harm consumers. The Division reached this conclusion because the evidence did not show that the merger would enable the parties to profitably increase prices to satellite radio customers for several reasons, including: a lack of competition between the parties in important segments even without the merger; the competitive alternative services available to consumers; technological change that is expected to make those alternatives increasingly attractive over time; and efficiencies likely to flow from the transaction that could benefit consumers.

You can read the Department’s official release and analysis here.

Late last night after it was officially announced that XM and Sirius satellite radio companies will be merging, Sirius CEO, Mel Karmazin has released this statement.

February 19, 2007

To: SIRIUS Subscribers

Today is a very exciting day for SIRIUS customers. As you may have heard, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio are merging to form the nation’s premier audio entertainment provider.

This combination of our two offerings will benefit you – our loyal listeners. As a single company, we’ll provide superior programming to you every day with the best of both SIRIUS and XM. Currently, XM and SIRIUS broadcast a wide range of commercial-free music channels, exclusive sports coverage, news, talk, and entertainment programming. Howard Stern. Oprah and Friends. The NFL. MLB. NBA. ESPN. CNBC. Fox News. Additionally, the combined company will be able to improve existing services such as real-time traffic information and rear-seat video as well as introduce new ones.

After shareholder and regulatory approvals, we anticipate that the combination will be finalized by the end of 2007. Until then, both companies will continue to operate independently. We will continue to provide you with the uninterrupted service – as well as the outstanding customer support – that you have come to expect and enjoy from SIRIUS. We do not anticipate any changes in your service during the merger process, however, please call our customer care team on 1- 888-539-7474 should you have any questions.

We look forward to the many benefits this combination will offer and continuing to make your listening experience an enjoyable one – offering more of the Very Best Radio on Radio.

Stay tuned,

Mel Karmazin, CEO

Read More…

After months of specualtion and talk about it, XM has announced it’s merger with Sirius satellite radio. The merger came down after talks have happened for what seemed like months. The two companies are expected to merge their technology and programming. Mel Karmazin will serve of as CEO and and Gary Parsons will serve as Chairman of the new company.

Source [XM]