XM / Sirius Merger

[Skibo]

At this point, I don't think the merger would be approved, I believe that would be a bad decision because I don't think two companies can compete long term.

[tikiwoman]

Sounds like Sirius may end up being the better deal but all my radios are XM so I guess I will wait to see what happens. I do listen to RM online.

Val

[LIPH]

Whatever happens, I hope it's good for Sirius stockholders. I'm underwater right now.

[BottleofRum]

Sounds like Sirius may end up being the better deal but all my radios are XM so I guess I will wait to see what happens. I do listen to RM online.

Val

If the merger happens it will be very much a like a Sirius buyout of XM, Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin would become the CEO of the new Sirius/XM company, the headquarters would be base in NYC (XM is currently based in DC) where Sirius is currently located and the simple fact that everything would be viewed at a 50/50 split even though XM has more subscribers shows that this is really Sirius taking over XM. Even XM's Opie and Anthony said they are very worried if this merger happens that they maybe toast.

I only want this to happen so I can get all the MLB games, beside sthat i don't care about anything else XM has.

They did say that all XM and Sirius radios would work just fine under the merger so there would be no new equipment to buy.

[tikiwoman]

Sounds like Sirius may end up being the better deal but all my radios are XM so I guess I will wait to see what happens. I do listen to RM online.

Val

If the merger happens it will be very much a like a Sirius buyout of XM, Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin would become the CEO of the new Sirius/XM company, the headquarters would be base in NYC (XM is currently based in DC) where Sirius is currently located and the simple fact that everything would be viewed at a 50/50 split even though XM has more subscribers shows that this is really Sirius taking over XM. Even XM's Opie and Anthony said they are very worried if this merger happens that they maybe toast.

I only want this to happen so I can get all the MLB games, beside sthat i don't care about anything else XM has.

They did say that all XM and Sirius radios would work just fine under the merger so there would be no new equipment to buy.

Thanks for the info- good to hear if the merger goes through I don't have to replace radios.

Val

[PA PAR8 HED]

I heard this week that Mel Karmazin is proposing an a la carte option for customers if the merger goes through.

That may not be good news for RM if it is not one of the more popular stations...I don't know.

[chrisintampa]

here is a link to proposed channel lineups/packages

http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retr ... 6519560252

i hope margaritaville will be available in the sirius channels coming to xm or available for a premium
though it is still unknown

[chrisintampa]

I heard this week that Mel Karmazin is proposing an a la carte option for customers if the merger goes through.

That may not be good news for RM if it is not one of the more popular stations...I don't know.

margaritaville is listed on the post merger lineup so far

[PJ]

What happened to the talk of silmulcasting some of the more popular channels on both spectrums? It appears by just a quick scan of those files that in order to get channels from both lines ups you have to have one of the newer generation receivers that could pick up different spectrums or something.

I don't think it's fair that those of us with older receivers get punished for being longtime customers.

[ragtopW]

I just have one question?
since XM is a Directv Vender..
and Dish has Sirius..

how are they gonna work that??

[SMLCHNG]

The Satellite Radio Merger Tug-of-War
As a regulatory decision regarding the proposed satellite radio merger of Sirius and XM gets closer, opposing sides of the debate are pulling hard in an effort to gain approval. And, with Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin saying this week that if the merger goes through both companies would be ready to finalize the deal on the very next day, time seems to be running out to sway opinion at large.

Earlier this week, executives at Sirius and XM were delighted to announce that independent proxy advisory company Glass, Lewis & Co. recommended that satellite radio stockholders vote in favor of the companies' merger proposals. According to the firm, "the transaction is fairly priced and will yield substantial cost synergies for shareholders of both companies."

As previously reported, Sirius will hold a special meeting of stockholders to vote on the merger Nov. 13 at 9 a.m. in New York City. XM will hold its meeting later that day in Washington, DC at 3 p.m. The pending merger, which has been approved by each companies' boards of directors, is still subject to regulatory review and approvals from the Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission.

But as the companies prepare for merger, opposition has mounted to a unified satellite radio industry. The latest of which has come from political powerhouse Rev. Jesse Jackson and his Rainbow PUSH Coalition. During an appearance at a recent FCC hearing on media ownership, Jackson expressed his concerns about the proposed transaction that, in his words, would combine the two most significant companies in satellite communications.

A unified satellite radio industry "puts the public at a disadvantage. It has the potential of serious economic havoc on any business attempting to be a part of this marketplace and to the communities of which these businesses serve," Jackson said. "I urge this commission to view this proposed transaction - as it is currently structured - not in the public interest. It will eliminate diversity of content and meaningful opportunities for minority partnership in media ownership. This cannot happen."

http://www.skyreport.com/

[mjeischen]

The Satellite Radio Merger Tug-of-War
As a regulatory decision regarding the proposed satellite radio merger of Sirius and XM gets closer, opposing sides of the debate are pulling hard in an effort to gain approval. And, with Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin saying this week that if the merger goes through both companies would be ready to finalize the deal on the very next day, time seems to be running out to sway opinion at large.

Earlier this week, executives at Sirius and XM were delighted to announce that independent proxy advisory company Glass, Lewis & Co. recommended that satellite radio stockholders vote in favor of the companies' merger proposals. According to the firm, "the transaction is fairly priced and will yield substantial cost synergies for shareholders of both companies."

As previously reported, Sirius will hold a special meeting of stockholders to vote on the merger Nov. 13 at 9 a.m. in New York City. XM will hold its meeting later that day in Washington, DC at 3 p.m. The pending merger, which has been approved by each companies' boards of directors, is still subject to regulatory review and approvals from the Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission.

But as the companies prepare for merger, opposition has mounted to a unified satellite radio industry. The latest of which has come from political powerhouse Rev. Jesse Jackson and his Rainbow PUSH Coalition. During an appearance at a recent FCC hearing on media ownership, Jackson expressed his concerns about the proposed transaction that, in his words, would combine the two most significant companies in satellite communications.

A unified satellite radio industry "puts the public at a disadvantage. It has the potential of serious economic havoc on any business attempting to be a part of this marketplace and to the communities of which these businesses serve," Jackson said. "I urge this commission to view this proposed transaction - as it is currently structured - not in the public interest. It will eliminate diversity of content and meaningful opportunities for minority partnership in media ownership. This cannot happen."

http://www.skyreport.com/

Well if Jesse Jackson has a problem, Don't we all?

[LIPH]

One of these days when Jackson tries one of extortionate shakedown scams I'd like to see someone tell him to go p*** up a rope. What a buffoon.

[spartan1979]

It's not like satellite radio is a necessity.

[Dezdmona]

It's not like satellite radio is a necessity.

No. Especially if you live in a larger metropolitan area, with a varitety of stations.

[sonofabeach]

It's not like satellite radio is a necessity.

No. Especially if you live in a larger metropolitan area, with a varitety of stations.

or if you have enough cds or downloads that you can play what you want to hear.

[SharkOnLand]

Well if Jesse Jackson has a problem, Don't we all?

The problem has a name: Jesse Jackson.

[LIPH]

Well if Jesse Jackson has a problem, Don't we all?

The problem has a name: Jesse Jackson.

I'm the rappin' reverend
And I'm here to say
This merger won't go through
If you don't pay

Show me the money
I won't shake you down
If you don't come through
The coalition's coming to town

I wanna get paid
I'm telling you now
Nothing else matters
No way, no how

Diversity?
What's that?
All I care about
Is my wallet fat?

[moog]

It's not like satellite radio is a necessity.

No. Especially if you live in a larger metropolitan area, with a varitety of stations.

I disagree. The NY market is bad. When stations are run by the bottom line listening choices are limited. The classic rock stations rotate the same cuts. No choice for Big Band, Standards, Folk, Blues, Rockabilly, Country, Buffett, Showtunes, Opera, Soundtracks, Comedy, Radio Classics (Jack Benny) etc.

And when an artist dies what commercial radio station has the know how to play a tribute. Right now, a real live radio personality is doing a tribute to Robert Goulette and Porter Wagner back to back on Sirius Disroder. Two different genres! He can do it because there are no sales office putting a lid on it.

Never mind if you are a new artist. Don't expect exposure. Unless you plan to have a one hit wonder that'll play evey 36 hours for the rest of your life.

You won't hear "Tom Cruise Scares Me" on Clear Channel or Infinity.
http://www.myspace.com/davidippolitogui ... entralpark


F commercial radio and the little box they live in.



Actually college or listener supported radio are the only choices. And that's if you can pick them up.

[nlcentralchmps03]

It's not like satellite radio is a necessity.

It is for me.

Whenever I drive in my wife's car who doesn't have satellite, i don't listen to the radio at all.
To me all FM radio is the same song over and over again followed by commercials.

After having SIRIUS for a year, it is impossible to go back.

Just my take