Fox news is reporting that the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Kevin Martin is recommending the approval of the $5 billion merger of the two satellite radio companies XM and Sirius. Mr. Martin agreed to the merger after the two companies provided concessions that would benefit consumers. The provisions offer:
- Turning over 24 channels to non-commercial and minority programming
- "Open radio" standard to create competition among satellite radio manufacturers
- A three year price freeze on services for consumers and an "a la cart menu" system to choose from.
The merger was approved by the Justice department in March and has had an expensive and intense war leveled against it from the National Association of Broadcasters, land based radio groups, and consumer groups who fear a monopoly.
