XM Satellite Radio

"I support the merger because it will best serve the listening public by providing a strong, national platform for the great diversity of voices and opinions that are the fabric of America - especially progressive voices, which are seldom heard on terrestrial radio... Combining the forces of Sirius and XM, I believe, will only make for better programming, expanded reach, lower prices, and ever more listeners."

- Bill Press, Radio Talk Show Host

 

"There is no doubt that the merger would be good for consumers of this service. A merger will allow the two companies to pool their resources, cut costs through economies of scale, boost innovation by bringing together their best and brightest talent, and ultimately make more programming available to subscribers."

- Representative Anthony Weiner (D-NY)

 

"This unprecedented array of offerings greatly will expand consumer choice and will give satellite radio subscribers the chance to achieve substantial savings. Indeed, one of the new a la carte packages will be offered at $6.99 per month - a savings of 46 percent over the existing standard monthly price of $12.95. Importantly, these new options also will mean that consumers will not have to receive or pay for content that they do not want. Perhaps most impressively, the new a la carte offerings will pave the way for a unique form of competition in the entertainment industry - one based on the individual programming preferences of listeners."

- Representative Pete Sessions (R-TX)

 

"We firmly believe that allowing these satellite-radio companies to merge in order to be able to better meet the content needs of this market on a national basis, with exceptional digital sound quality and no commercials, at relatively low costs to the consumer, is in the public interest."

- Representatives Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) and Edolphus Towns (D-NY)

 

"Many of satellite radio's biggest fans are young consumers who are drawn to the cutting edge music and other programming content offered on SIRIUS and XM. I understand that the merger will allow the new company to offer a variety of exciting new programming packages, some of which will enable subscribers to choose specific channels at lower monthly prices than are available today. While these new choices will benefit all subscribers, they may be especially important to young listeners who are looking for innovative music and talk programming geared toward their interests, but who also are on limited budgets."

- Tony Hawk, Professional Skateboarder and Radio Host

 

"We believe that the proposed merger will result in a stronger satellite radio platform for NASCAR-related programming in the audio entertainment market and will increase consumer choices on the one platform among NASCAR fans."

- Paul Brooks, President, NASCAR Digital Entertainment, LLC

 

"I am excited about the SIRIUS and XM merger and the prospect of increased listenership for niche programming such as mine. Merger synergies will decrease duplicative programming and result in expanded variety and more unique content unavailable anywhere else. Additionally, these synergies will also allow the companies to offer new programming options - customers will be able to select packages that include content from both XM and SIRIUS. For the first time ever in subscription media, consumers will also have the option of a la carte programming, where they can truly tailor their radio to fit their listening tastes."

- Senator Bill Bradley, Radio Host

 

"Both SIRIUS and XM are competing in a complex, rapidly evolving market of cutting edge technology and innovation. By merging, the companies will stand to greatly benefit from shared technical knowledge and combined resources that will in turn improve opportunities for Hispanics in this field. The two companies are using their role as innovators to help educate and train more Hispanic engineers, programmers, and others integral to satellite radio while developing opportunities in business."

- Jose Marquez-Leon, President & CEO, Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association

 

"Too often, traditional AM/FM radio lacks the kind of programming that speaks to a diverse point of view, such as mine. Satellite radio provides me a unique forum for content aimed at empowering listeners to improve their own lives and the lives of those around them. I am very excited at the prospect of the SIRIUS-XM merger, as it will enable an even greater number of Americans to have access to this kind of content."

- Deepak Chopra, Leader in Mind-Body Medicine

 

"Like Elvis fans, satellite radio listeners are diverse. This merger not only promises to provide more options and a wider array of content for varied interests, but through the recently announced a la carte packages, it will also allow listeners to make more individualized choices regarding the programming they wish to receive. A range of programming options will be available at varied price points, promoting greater satellite radio accessibility and consequently expanding the universe of potential listeners."

- Jack Soden, CEO, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

 

"As one who travels the length and breadth of this nation every year and someone who is very aware of the convenience and variety of satellite radio, I would like to add my name to the long list of friends of the trucking industry who strongly believe this merger should be approved as quickly as possible."

- Charlie Daniels, Country Music Legend

 

"I am proud to have been a part of the evolution of the audio entertainment market it has developed from AM to FM to satellite and all the other options available to today's listeners. The merger of SIRIUS and XM will ensure that satellite radio remains a strong alternative to ubiquitous Top 40 stations that often neglect other kinds of programming."

- Bruce Morrow (a.k.a Cousin Brucie), Radio Host

 

"We find claims that a SIRIUS/XM merger would be anti-competitive to be without merit. Satellite radio currently makes up a mere 3 percent of the audio market compared with over 50 percent for terrestrial radio. The free market principle will guarantee terrestrial radio's dominance of the audio entertainment marketplace because they provide their services to consumers at no charge, whereas satellite radio is a paid subscription service, where customers must opt to subscribe and can just as easily opt to unsubscribe if they are not happy with the services provided to them by the newly formed company. This will ensure that prices stay low and that the demands of consumers are consistently met."

- Michelle D. Bernard, President and CEO, Independent Women’s Forum

 

"Right now a customer desiring pay radio must choose between the two companies and select programming rather than having access to all channels. This often results in a consumer being unable to get some desired programs. The merger will allow subscribers to get all the programs they wish to hear, which is often not possible and feasible currently."

- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY)

 

"The proposed merger should be considered in the context of a broad market definition, which includes the entire marketplace for audio entertainment. Under such an appropriate definition, the merger would combine only a small percentage of the market, but would lead to significant pro-consumer benefits. I, therefore, believe the merger is in the public interest and urge that the Commission approve it."

- Congressman Rick Boucher (D-VA)

 

"We should not expect our customers to incur additional hassle and fees to install a second satellite radio receiver or be forced to choose between the NFL and the MLB and Martha Stewart and Oprah. Additionally, the merger will allow Kia customers to select smaller packages at much lower prices. This expanded choice and lower price is exactly the value our consumers want and deserve."

- Len Hunt, Executive Vice President and COO, Kia Motors America

 

"More broadly, this merger proposes to combine two small players in the audio entertainment market.  As a result, the merger will bring greater vitality and financial resources to this upstart technology.  Allowing this to happen will, in turn, spark a new generation of services and products with more advanced and user-friendly features.  Consumers, of course, will be better off as a result."

- Julian C. Day, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, RadioShack

 

"In Washington and elsewhere, many people much more expert than I in these matters are working diligently to examine the merger. From my perspective, however, it offers a unique opportunity to extend the reach and breadth of religious programming. It is also an unmatched opportunity to strengthen this new medium and position satellite radio to compete with the ever-growing list of audio entertainment providers."

- Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop, Archdiocese of New York

 

"In this plentiful environment, satellite radio remains a small player.  Instead of blocking this merger out of unrealistic concerns that a merged SIRIUS/XM somehow will be able to dominate the market, regulators should move quickly to permit these two emerging companies to combine their operations."

- William G. Crutchfield Jr., Founder and CEO, Crutchfield Corporation

 

"Rather than being forced to choose between content that currently is exclusive to one satellite provider, consumers will gain access to packages offering the "best of both" services for significantly less than the current combined price."

- Richard Holcomb, Senior Vice President, American Trucking Associations

 

"Traditional Radio will continue to serve the masses and their vast commercial needs, while Satellite will fulfill the ever-growing number of profoundly important niches, which include nothing less than the entire musical history of American culture. These niches, when separated into genres-the history of Rock & Roll, the history of Blues, the history of Jazz, the history of Gospel, etc.-are no longer commercially viable individually, but when offered in combination, are."

- Steven Van Zandt, Musician and Actor

 

"Critics have also argued that if competition does exist between satellite radio and broadcast radio, it is on a "one-way" basis.  Specifically, they have argued that XM and Sirius compete with traditional radio in local markets, but that traditional radio doesn't compete with satellite for national programming. However, while broadcasters transmit signals locally, national programming - through networks and syndication - is commonplace."

- Edwin Meese and James Gattuso, The Heritage Foundation

 

"Frank Sinatra Enterprises understands that opponents of this merger claim that the merger of Sirius and XM will result in a monopoly that will harm consumers. Given the broad selection of products and services used by consumers to listen to Frank Sinatra's works, we have a hard time understanding this argument. The music of Frank Sinatra and other big band, swing, and traditional pop music is available on terrestrial radio, internet radio, and available for download to MP3 players."

- Robert Finklestein, Frank Sinatra Enterprises

 

"Satellite company mergers are one element of an evolving marketplace that increasingly magnifies consumer choice and ability to customize information; not merely information received, but also that which individuals themselves create or assemble for distribution to others."

- Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., VP Policy & Director of Technology Studies, Competitive Enterprise Institute

 

"Perhaps the most convincing confirmation comes in the form of the National Association of Broadcasters' fierce opposition to the proposed merger.  If satellite radio constitutes a distinct market, why would the terrestrial broadcasters devote so many resources to trying to defeat the merger?"

- Randolph J. May, President, The Free State Foundation

 

"Circuit City believes that the interests of consumers should be paramount in the FCC's consideration of this proposed merger.  When viewed from this perspective, we believe that this merger should be approved by the FCC."

- Philip J. Schoonover, Chairman, President & CEO, Circuit City

 

"FamilyNet has found satellite radio to be an ideal medium for bringing our message to consumers, particularly those that live in remote areas, and may not be able to access such programming through traditional radio or other means. We support any efforts, including the proposed Sirius-XM merger, that will help satellite radio survive and continue to benefit the public for many years to come."

- R. Martin Coleman, Chief Operating Officer, FamilyNet Radio

 

"The proposed new company will benefit the audio market in general as well as individual consumers. Sirius and XM have shown in their public filings and congressional testimony that a combined satellite radio company will expand consumer programming choices, result in lower prices, and spur deployment of technology."

- Grover Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform

 

"As an organization that represents over 11 million diverse and talented American women, NCWO believes the proposed merger will result in considerable benefits via greater competition, lower prices, and more diverse programming for women and other minority groups all over the nation."

- Susan Scanlan, Chair, National Council of Women’s Organizations

 

"While African American music and culture have moved more into the mainstream in the last decade, our community still remains largely neglected by major media companies as a niche audience. Satellite radio has afforded our community access to a wealth of new programs, from the modern gospel station "Praise" to sports commentary with Tiki Barber and Keyshawn Johnson. Satellite radio companies like XM and Sirius have provided much needed competition for traditional radio outlets as well as HD radio and online podcasts."

- Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Presiding Bishop, African Methodist Episcopal Church - 2nd District

 

"WIPP believes approval of the merger between Sirius and XM will substantially enhance programming choices by creating a stronger satellite radio company. In turn, it will elevate the quality and choice of other service providers allowing for the improved diversity and quality of an already robust and competitive market. Especially relevant to WIPP membership is the prospect of increasing the number of channels offering small business content, particularly issues of special interest to women and minorities in business."

- Barbara Kasoff, President, Women Impacting Public Policy

 

"Radio station owners have long studied the issue of radio rivalry, and have - for over a decade - asserted that satellite radio offers a dangerous competitive threat. In advocating that regulators deny the proposed merger, broadcasters document that its likely effect will be to provide satellite radio listeners more, not less, service for their subscription dollar."

- Thomas Hazlett, Professor of Law & Economics, George Mason University

 

"For the most part, the mainstream media companies offer very limited music and entertainment programming targeted to the Hispanic community. Satellite radio, by contrast, does provide sought after programming such as CNN en Espanol, ESPN Deportes, and Mexico Canta. We believe that satellite radio provides expanding and vibrant platforms for news and entertainment for Hispanic Americans."

- Lillian Rodriguez-Lopez, President, Hispanic Federation

 

"The farms and rural communities we represent have been well served by satellite radio. Approval of the merger between Sirius and XM will ensure that our rural communities continue to receive important informational service via satellite radio and will provide our members and rural neighbors with more programming choices at improved prices."

- Pam Potthoff, National President, Women Involved in Farm Economics

 

"Especially important to our membership is the commitment the parties have made to issue refunds to satellite radio subscribers who choose to block adult-themed programming... With all of the indecent and violent programming bombarding American families today, we applaud the efforts of Sirius and XM to empower consumers who want to avoid such content. This is clearly a step in the right direction."

- Gary Bauer, President, American Values

 

"For far too long, the Latino market has fallen victim to traditional radio companies that target very narrow and highly profitable audiences.  Under this framework, Hispanics lose out on news, sports, music and diverse cultural programming that is widely available on alternative sources such as satellite, HD and internet radio.  The satellite radio industry, by contrast, has been a launching pad for Hispanic programmers and an increasingly popular service for vast numbers of Latino consumers and other listeners who enjoy the richness of Hispanic culture, arts and news."  

- Robert G. de Posada, President, The Latino Coalition

 

"Satellite radio is critical to the programming needs of African Americans. The medium offers dozens of channels that are targeted to the programming needs of African American entrepreneurs, entertainers, and consumers. In fact, Internet radio, music download services, and satellite radio have all played critical roles in democratizing the music and audio industry allowing consumers access to a virtual on-demand world."

- Harry Alford, President, National Black Chamber of Commerce

 

"Competitors that are threatened by the prospect of a thriving satellite radio company have launched a self-interested campaign aimed at killing the merger, by asserting that an XM-Sirius alliance would constitute a monopoly. Despite their claims, the merger of XM and Sirius would be beneficial to consumers and deserves support."

- John Berthoud, President, National Taxpayers Union

 

"Consolidation of the terrestrial radio industry over the last decade has left much of rural America behind in recent years, as locally owned stations are replaced by mega-corporate conglomerates which produce homogenized content and so-called local news and weather delivered from hundreds of miles away.  The emergence of satellite radio has offered listeners in rural areas a robust alternative with hundreds of specialized channels that cater to the programming needs of rural America."

- Niel Ritchie, Executive Director, League of Rural Voters

 

"Indeed, if the National Association of Broadcasters and its terrestrial broadcaster allies are able to persuade the Department of Justice and the FCC to prevent the Sirius/XM merger on the basis that satellite radio constitutes a discrete product market, well then, maybe I'll become a believer in the Easter Bunny too."

- Randy May, Thinking “Siriusly” About Satellite Radio Competition April 9, 2007

 

"Satellite radio is a critical medium for Hispanic Americans, making available a wide range of listening choices that are not generally available on traditional broadcast radio.  For example, ESPN Deportes, CNN Español, and several Latin music channels."

- Brent Wilkes, Executive Director, League of United Latin American Citizens

 

"The bottom line is that with expanded choices and better prices, satellite radio will be an even more attractive option for consumers, and this ultimately benefits our Chamber members and the two-million Latino-owned businesses in the U.S. There is no doubt that the XM-Sirius merger will be a win-win for Hispanic businesses and the community and we strongly urge its approval."

- Alfred P. Placeres, Esq., President, New York State Federation of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce

 

"I think all of us would agree, though, that these two, the merger of these two is not going to create a 'monopoly' in any sense because there is a lot of competition out there with the broadcast and the Internet and wireless and iPod, as others have mentioned."

- Rep. Cliff Stearns (FL), 3/7 House Cmte. on Energy and Commerce’s panel on “The Future of Radio”

 

"Stop throwing around the word 'monopoly.' The competition they have is with radio stations charging zero dollars for the same or a similar product."

- Rep. Anthony Weiner (NY), 2/28 House Judiciary Committee antitrust task force