XM-Sirius Merger

[Epicurus8a]

The DOJ finally approved the XM-Sirius merger, but the deal still faces another hurdle and questions from consumers.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/24/news/companies/xm_sirius/index.htm?postversion=2008032415

[Faustus]

Yeah we'll see what the FCC says. I don't think I'll get my wish even if they are allowed to merge.

All I want is Opie and Anthony and Ron and Fez on the same platform as the Sirius Chill channel.

[Epicurus8a]

There have been concerns about creating a monopoly, but right now neither company is in the black. If they merge maybe they'll actually be able turn a profit by eliminating some over paid & under worked executives.


There's also been some talk about offering consumers a la cart programming, and that could mean lower prices for a lot of subscribers. Lower pricing would also make satellite radio more affordable to the public in general.

[Faustus]

There have been concerns about creating a monopoly, but right now neither company is in the black. If they merge maybe they'll actually be able turn a profit by eliminating some over paid & under worked executives.


There's also been some talk about offering consumers a la cart programming, and that could mean lower prices for a lot of subscribers. Lower pricing would also make satellite radio more affordable to the public in general.

Uhm... yeah but depending on how they offer it it might hurt them when a ton of their subscribers suddenly drop everything but opie and anthony and or howard stern lol

[Epicurus8a]

Fifty channels for $6.99 per month, additional channels for as little as $ .25 per month.

Find out more here: http://investor.sirius.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=255847


EDIT:

The Federal Communications Commission is likely to approve Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.'s acquisition of XM Satellite Radio Inc., several analysts said Tuesday, following news that the U.S. Department of Justice has wrapped up its investigation of the transaction.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/fcc-likely-approve-sirius-xm-deal/story.aspx?gui...7F4ADF6420E%7D

My biggest fear is that they'll (unreasonably) raise prices every year, just like those thieves @ Comcast.

[Faustus]

[quote="Epicurus8a"]Fifty channels for $6.99 per month, additional channels for as little as $ .25 per month.

[quote]

If it really turns out to be a pick and choose your 50 channels then it lowers my bill quite a bit. I just wish they'd decide one way or another its getting ANNOYING.

[Epicurus8a]

...its getting ANNOYING.

Definitely! With the big oil companies merging and the phone companies getting back together, this seems like a "no brainer."

[yoda313]

I wonder if free hd radio is starting to take a chunk out of the satellite radio biz?

[Epicurus8a]

I wonder if free hd radio is starting to take a chunk out of the satellite radio biz?

It's quite possible. The radio (HD or not) in my area sucks (for a variety of reasons). So, I seriously doubt I'll ever switch back to terrestrial radio broadcasts. Satellite radio is wonderful: I get to listen to the same great channel(s) no matters where I travel within the continental US. On the down-side, I don't hear any announcements for local events.

[Faustus]

I don't actually know a single person who has HD Radio.

I mean I Understand right now some of the signals are little to no ads but really once it catches on that will not last.

HD Radio is just more of the same crap with a better signal IMO.

[Epicurus8a]

HD Radio is just more of the same crap with a better signal IMO.

[Epicurus8a]

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission now says he is satisfied the $3.8 billion merger of the nation's only two satellite radio companies is in the public's interest, but that's no guarantee the deal will win final approval.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/business/AP-FCC-XM-Sirius.html?_r=3&partner=rssnyt&emc...in&oref=slogin

[Conquest10]

Anyone else find it odd that Epicurus8a seems to be in favor of this monopoly but is so against Wal-Mart (which is not a monopoly)?

However, I'm actually for this. Regular radio is pure garbage around here. Nothing but just top pop crap, alternative and that techno music. I was really shocked on my recent trip to California at how much better music is played out there on the radio.

[Epicurus8a]

Anyone else find it odd that Epicurus8a seems to be in favor of this monopoly but is so against Wal-Mart (which is not a monopoly)?

Unlike Puke-Mart, XM & Sirius are both on the verge of bankruptcy. If XM/Sirius ever become so big, so dishonest, and so cut-throat that they destroy peoples lives, it will be time to boycott them too. Furthermore, the same can be said for any company that chooses to treat their workers like crap.