Sirius-XM Gets Extension on FCC Leasing Deadline

The Federal Communications Commission's Media Bureau has granted Sirius-XM satellite radio an extension on a deadline to enter long-term leases of capacity to non-affiliated content providers. The company now has until October 27, 2009. On July 25, 2008, the FCC approved the transfer of control of licenses held by Sirius and XM, subject to their fulfillment of the leasing condition. In response to commenters' concerns about the mechanics of the channel lease administration and allocation, the FCC deferred a decision as to specific implementation details for the leasing condition. On February 27, 2009, the Media Bureau issued a Public Notice seeking comment on the implementation details of the leasing condition. In response to the Public Notice, commenters raised a number of additional concerns and proposed a range of models to implement condition. The Media Bureau anticipates FCC action on the implementation guidelines in the near future, and thus grants this brief extension.