Sirius, XM Merger Hinges on Tougher Rules

By JOHN DUNBAR, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON The potential deciding vote in the U.S. government’s review of the $3.1 billion merger between satellite radio companies told The Associated Press he will vote in favor of the deal if the companies agree to tougher conditions.

So far, two of the five members of the Federal Communications Commission have voted to approve Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.’s buyout of rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. That is one vote shy of a majority.

FCC commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, a Democrat, wants the companies to cap prices for six years and make one-quarter of their satellite capacity available for public interest and minority programming, among other conditions. If the executives agree, Adelstein said he will be in favor of the deal.

“It’s critical that if we’re going to allow a monopoly, that we put in adequate consumer protections and make sure they’re enforced,” Adelstein said.

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