Comments on: FCC approves Sirius-XM satellite radio merger

Federal regulators formally approve Sirius Satellite Radio's $3.3 billion buyout of former competitor XM Satellite Radio with conditions.

[michaelo1966]

This is a monopoly but maybe a natural monopoly; that is, one where it's economically nearly impossible for two competitors to exist. If that's the case -- and it looks like the FCC agrees that it is -- there should be a large amount of regulation. I don't know why they didn't just tell one or the other they had to give up their frequency block and if somebody else wanted to buy it and try to run an independent station then so be it and that, until that happened, their prices and service would be regulated.

[Billcameron]

Ok, this is CNET. I come here for the gadgets, not a discussion on monopolies. So...does anyone have any word on the equipment that might come out of this? I am an XM subscriber and can't wait to see if there will be better receivers out there. My current one was a gift, is the cheapest available option, and is a piece of crap. Anyone have any insider info on what to expect?

[djgaryb11]

The Govt finally did something right for a change ! Why it took so long for this merger to get approved shows you how strong and influential lobbyist groups are. Both companies were struggling, and this merger was in no way a monopoly, since people have so many other ways to get music and entertainment content. I'm excited for this merged company, its a win-win for everyone !

[sportsfan206]

Why on earth would the way you distribute a product make you a monopoly, and not the actual product being delivered? I mean, this is like saying VOIP isn't truely a competitor to phone service, even though it provides the same service through different technology. Also, how sad is it that a paid radio service, not even in existance 10 years or so ago, has become that big a deal that we are arguing over whether or not it is a Monopoly. It is a completely superfulous service, and has no essential purpose whatsoever. Just a bunch of babies arguing that a business should not be able to set their own prices. Lets set aside the tax payer money for more important matters, not something as trivial as this.

[sportsfan206]

Why on earth would the way you distribute a product make you a monopoly, and not the actual product being delivered? I mean, this is like saying VOIP isn't truely a competitor to phone service, even though it provides the same service through different technology. Also, how sad is it that a paid radio service, not even in existance 10 years or so ago, has become that big a deal that we are arguing over whether or not it is a Monopoly. It is a completely superfulous service, and has no essential purpose whatsoever. Just a bunch of babies arguing that a business should not be able to set their own prices. Lets set aside the tax payer money for more important matters, not something as trivial as this.

[perogi21]

The fact that the merger barely got through with a 3-2 margin is ridiculous. To have it go through with provisions is even more laughable.

Let the free market dictate what they can do. If they charge too much for crap, no one will buy it and they will go under. No reason to force them to do anything.

"set aside 8 percent of their channel capacity for minority and noncommercial programming" - WTH? Have they forced terrestrial radio to do the same?

After it's all said and done, it will be refreshing to see the giants go down in flames with worthless terrestrial stations. No one in their right mind can listen to that drivel. A week with satellite radio and you will never go back.

[big mig]

What happens to Clear Channel? Will they still be involved or hopefully dismissed?

[bri0831]

OK everyone lets put it this way. Monopoly or not, would you all rather have both companies go out of business & have all those jobs lost on a nationwide level? If you hate on satellite radio so much, don't buy it. For the rest of us, it can only lead to newer & better devices, etc.

[PFreak]

This merger is a lose for all consumers. If one or both went under then a new company could take its place. This has placed all the spectrum in the hands of one company. I used to have a choice. I don't really like Sirius music and I could care less about Howard although I really like XM's music and enjoy O&A. I guess I have no choice now other than cancel my sub. I've been with both company's for years. That's what my loyalty bought me.

And everyone has their favorite channel. Everyone's will not survive the cut so there will be many unhappy customers. Especially if you lose your favorite station to a "black power" station under the FCC "restrictions". How is hip-hop, rap or R&B not considered minority channels? Since when did you have to be white to listen to the news or enjoy comedy? There are many channels which serve every interest. It's not in the interest of the consumer to set aside 8% for more programming no one wants.

Mel Karmazin. Destroyer of FM radio, destroyer of SDARS.

[jmauck]

They promise better pricing and packages. here is what we get http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6519869225 Remminds me of the old cell phone rate structure. .25 for this 6.95 for that but 25.90 per month for 10 for channels that you can pick !!!!! for 25.90 I should get all 350!!!! why is it everytime we have a merger in the US the comsumer takes it in the ........