Allow the XM-Sirius Merger

In the case of the Sirius/XM merger, the companies have agreed in the past to allow regulation of their industry in order to effectuate the merger. That could of course go by the wayside but having two companies makes little sense to the subscribers. They have to subscribe to both stations and own multiple devices to get all of the satellite radio programming. A merger would allow all subscribers to have access to all of the satellite radio programming with a single subscription and a single satellite radio device.

The programs being transmitted would be in competition for the satellite radio audience and work to satisfy the demands and interests of that audience. If the audience is not satisfied with the programming offered by the merged Sirius/XM station then they could chose terrestrial radio, HD radio and podcasts-- all of which are free. What could be more competitive than that?

I am typically opposed to media consolidation but in this case I believe that it makes sense to consolidate the two companies. If the merged company is federally regulated then there is little concern for the public. Of course I do not trust the FCC to be competent regulators so the commission should be improved upon in order to eliminate concerns. Just because the FCC is dysfunctional is not a reason to prevent a merger that would otherwise make sense. The FCC needs to be improved upon as a separate but related issue.

I am an owner of Sirius stock, although I do not own enough stock to make a significant difference in my financial situation even if the stock increases in value several times. Mostly I feel that people should be interested in having a sensibly merged satellite radio company, not forcing the two companies to remain independent.

I would, for instance, oppose Roger Murdoch or Time/Warner buying either or both companies. That would constitute a dangerous consolidation of media. Having one company own all or most of the channels on the television dial would be a dangerous consolidation of media. What should be done though if every television viewer had to buy a separate TV for each channel they wanted to watch? Some type of merger would need to be considered.

I urge you to take a less obstructionist look at the proposed satellite radio merger and work toward a regulated merger that would benefit satellite radio subscribers. I believe this to be a more realistic and sensible approach.