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.

From Sirius Investor Relations Website:

XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. and SIRIUS Satellite
Radio today confirmed that the companies are in
discussions with the Enforcement Bureau of the Federal Communications
Commission to settle outstanding enforcement matters.

As
previously disclosed by the companies, in 2006, the FCC commenced
investigations regarding the compliance of certain radios that include
FM transmitters with the Commission’s rules, and the compliance of
certain terrestrial repeaters with the special temporary authority
granted by the Commission. The companies hope to enter into a Consent
Decree with the Federal Communications Commission terminating these
inquiries.

As part of a possible Consent Decree, the companies expect to agree, among other things, to:

– adopt comprehensive compliance plans, and take steps to address any potentially non-compliant radios
remaining in the hands of consumers;

–
in the case of XM, within 60 days of the order adopting the Consent
Decree, shut down 50 variant terrestrial repeaters, and shut down or
bring into compliance an additional 50 variant terrestrial repeaters;

–
in the case of SIRIUS, bring into compliance or shut down up to 11
variant terrestrial repeaters within 60 days of the order adopting the
Consent Decree. These terrestrial repeaters were shut off by SIRIUS in
October 2006; and

– make a voluntary contributions to the
United States Treasury of approximately $17 million in the case of XM,
and approximately $2 million in the case of SIRIUS.

There can
be no assurances regarding the ultimate outcome of these enforcement
proceedings, including whether the FCC will approve Consent Decrees
under discussion with the companies.

This deal is done everyone. There is work coming in that Tate made her Yes vote. Official word soon.