The Federal Communications Commission gave the merger a green light late
Friday after Commissioner Tate voted to approve it,
breaking what had been a 2-2 tie, according to published media reports.

Tate’s blessing came only after the companies agreed this week to pay a
total of $19.7 million to the government for violations of FCC rules,
according to the Associated Press.

Conditions on the approval
included a series of consumer protection conditions, including a
three-year cap on prices, setting aside 8% of their channel capacity
for minority and non-commercial programming and payment of a $19.7
million penalty for past FCC rule violations, reports Reuters.

The joint company will have
to build radios that receive both Sirius and XM. Also, FCC will conduct
an inquiry into whether HD terrestrial radio signals can be built into
all satellite radios.

“I think it’s going to be, in the end, a good thing for consumers and
be in the public interest,” Federal Communications Commission Chairman
Kevin Martin told The Associated Press. “Consumers will enjoy a variety
of programming at reduced prices and more diversified programming
choices.”

It’s about damn time!!!!!!

More reports as the work week gets into gear.

I’m sure there will be allot to report on in the following weeks. Everyone have a great weekend.

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