FCC chief recommends OK of satellite radio deal
The proposed merger of the nation's two satellite radio broadcasters
-- bogged down in the regulatory process for over a year -- has cleared
a major hurdle: The Federal Communications Commission chief is
recommending approval of the $3.8 billion deal.
FCC Chairman
Kevin Martin made his recommendation Sunday in exchange for a number of
concessions, including turning 24 channels over to noncommercial and
minority programming. That sets the stage for a final vote that could
occur any time after Martin's recommendation is circulated among his
fellow commissioners.
The provision on noncommercial and minority
programming along with several others -- including a three-year price
freeze for customers -- persuaded Martin to support Sirius Satellite
Radio Inc.'s buyout of rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. The deal
would affect millions of subscribers who pay to hear music, news,
sports and talk programming, largely free from advertising, in homes
and vehicles.
The other four commissioners have kept their views
on the deal largely to themselves. Unlike most FCC decisions, there is
no clear indication how the vote will go.