NAB Takes Further Aim At XM/Sirius

NAB TAKES FURTHER AIM AT XM/SIRIUS
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
The National Association of Broadcasters has filed reply comments in the FCC's ongoing review of the proposed XM/Sirius satellite radio merger again expressing its strong opposition. Broadcasters say approving the merger would create a satellite radio monopoly that competes with them on the local front, but which they cannot compete against for national delivery of audio programming. They also argue it would be a government bailout for satellite radio's overpayment for programming (Howard Stern's nine-figure deal, for example). XM/Sirius counter that there is plenty of competition in the national audio delivery market, including syndicated terrestrial radio, cable radio, and audio downloads, and that broadcasters are just trying to protect their turf from increased competition.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6472061.html

* See NAB's filing: http://www.nab.org/xert/corpcomm/pressrel/releases/082707_ReplyComments_...