XM and Sirrus Possible merger
http://crunchgear.com/2006/11/28/xm-and-sirius-in-talks-for-merger/
Whoa there. Out of nowhere comes an article on Ars that claims XM and Sirius are in "low-level merger talks" with each other. This would be absolutely fantastic for customers of the two services. You'd be able to get tons of music, better service, Howard Stern and Opie & Anthony, your favorite sporting events, and a ton of other features all from one provider. Not to mention improved quality in service for a lower cost.
Another great reason for a merger would be to try to get both companies out of debt. Currently, neither company is making a profit due to their operational costs and other expenses. CEO of Sirius Satellite Radio Mel Karmazin also said the following:
"I have focused my entire career on shareholder value and wealth creation. Often mergers allow for that. I combined my radio company with CBS, and I combined CBS with Viacom."
Looks like someone's out to make a few gajillion bucks and dominate satellite radio. We'll keep you posted with any new merger news as this continues.
Whoa there. Out of nowhere comes an article on Ars that claims XM and Sirius are in "low-level merger talks" with each other. This would be absolutely fantastic for customers of the two services. You'd be able to get tons of music, better service, Howard Stern and Opie & Anthony, your favorite sporting events, and a ton of other features all from one provider. Not to mention improved quality in service for a lower cost.
Another great reason for a merger would be to try to get both companies out of debt. Currently, neither company is making a profit due to their operational costs and other expenses. CEO of Sirius Satellite Radio Mel Karmazin also said the following:
"I have focused my entire career on shareholder value and wealth creation. Often mergers allow for that. I combined my radio company with CBS, and I combined CBS with Viacom."
Looks like someone's out to make a few gajillion bucks and dominate satellite radio. We'll keep you posted with any new merger news as this continues.
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I think it would be pretty cool for them to merge but I don't think lower costs would be a benefit to the consumer..... 0 -
They had a recent study and I forget how many customers they'd have if they didn't automatically include it with new cars. I think it was 5 but it could be 4. 0 -
...The best thing about sat radio is that I don't have it, so I never accidently run across Howard Stern while cruising the dial.
...Makes me wonder if I should have held on to my shares of Sirius though.0 -
The merger has been approved, but *probably* won't go through. The FCC and "regular" radio broadcasters are having a hissy fit about it. I don't know if it's good or not. I have had XM for nearly 5 years now. Don't care for Sirrus programming, can't stand Howard Stern. C&P from a news article I read last night::
The deal faces substantial obstacles in Washington, including a Federal Communications Commission provision that specifically forbids the two companies to combine.
Analysts have noted that the FCC could change the rule, but in a statement late Monday FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said that the "hurdle" would be "high" to prove that the deal would be in the public interest.
The combination would also have to meet antitrust approval from the Department of Justice. The companies are expected to argue that they compete not only with each other but also with traditional radio and a growing base of digital audio sources such as iPods, mobile phones and non-satellite digital radio.
Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Craig Moffett said he gives the deal a "50-50" chance of passing regulatory muster.
Moffett said the deal could have a particularly tough time getting through the FCC, and said it was "anyone's guess" as to whether the FCC would change its rule barring a consolidation of the two satellite radio companies.
A group representing radio companies, the National Association of Broadcasters, put out a statement Monday urging federal regulators to block the satellite radio deal.0 -
I smell a monopoly brewing... 0 -
I could see Clear Channel buying them.
That'd make my day.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Colonel Plink
I could see Clear Channel buying them.
That'd make my day.
But clear channel would then be competing with itself. As it seems now, clear channel is buying a radio station a day in the midwest.0 -
Here is the copy of the email that XM just sent me:
February 20, 2007
Dear XM Radio Subscriber:
We want to share with you some exciting news: Yesterday, in Washington DC, we announced XM Radio will be merging with Sirius Satellite Radio to form the premier digital audio service.
The merger will create a satellite radio company that will provide consumers across the country with more and better premium radio programming. The combined company will be able to compete better in what has become a very complex and dynamic entertainment market.
Where today our exclusive contracts mean you had to choose between baseball and football or Oprah and Martha Stewart, the new company will seek to ensure that in the future, you will be able to access both companies' programming. And, once we are fully integrated, those of you who have factory-installed satellite radio will no longer be limited to the programming provided by the exclusive satellite radio service chosen by their car manufacturer.
This merger should be completed in late 2007 or early in 2008. Throughout the year, we will provide updates on how the merger is progressing and information will be available at our website, http://www.xmradio.com.
Between today and the merger date, as well as during the period immediately after the merger date, all of your services will remain the same. The channel lineup, the customer service number, the great music technology, and the XM Radio web site will all remain unchanged and there will be no disruption to service. But, if you have questions, information will be available and maintained on our website, and you can contact our Listener Care team at 800-XMRADIO, with questions and concerns.
XM Radio continues to be committed to providing you the highest quality audio entertainment and customer service available today. After the merger, our new company will be able to offer you the most exciting listening experience in radio.
Sincerely,
Hugh Panero
CEO, XM Satellite Radio0 -
Got that a while ago, too. One commentator this morning said there was no way they could "re-program" each other's receivers to pick up the other's signal. Won't matter much to me as I use the portable units, but if it is an integrated tuner in a new car, that will be a pain in the a$$ to work out. Also said he figured that the new line-up will be sort of "pay as you go." If you want NFL, you will pay extra, if you want MLB, you will pay extra, if you want Stern you will pay extra. Kind of like cable or satellite TV. Personally, I hope the FCC sticks to their rules and the merger fails. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by shoff14
quote:Originally posted by Colonel Plink
I could see Clear Channel buying them.
That'd make my day.
But clear channel would then be competing with itself. As it seems now, clear channel is buying a radio station a day in the midwest.
If you're competing with yourself, then you own everything, right? So there's no competition. Then, hopefully, you implode from sheer mass. At least that's what I'm hoping for.
Clear Channel is Evil.
Pure, unfettered evil.0 -
Monopolies ALWAYS shaft the consumer.
D.0 -
quote:Originally posted by git_r_done
Here is the copy of the email that XM just sent me:
February 20, 2007
Dear XM Radio Subscriber:
We want to share with you some exciting news: Yesterday, in Washington DC, we announced XM Radio will be merging with Sirius Satellite Radio to form the premier digital audio service.
The merger will create a satellite radio company that will provide consumers across the country with more and better premium radio programming. The combined company will be able to compete better in what has become a very complex and dynamic entertainment market.
Where today our exclusive contracts mean you had to choose between baseball and football or Oprah and Martha Stewart, the new company will seek to ensure that in the future, you will be able to access both companies' programming. And, once we are fully integrated, those of you who have factory-installed satellite radio will no longer be limited to the programming provided by the exclusive satellite radio service chosen by their car manufacturer.
This merger should be completed in late 2007 or early in 2008. Throughout the year, we will provide updates on how the merger is progressing and information will be available at our website, http://www.xmradio.com.
Between today and the merger date, as well as during the period immediately after the merger date, all of your services will remain the same. The channel lineup, the customer service number, the great music technology, and the XM Radio web site will all remain unchanged and there will be no disruption to service. But, if you have questions, information will be available and maintained on our website, and you can contact our Listener Care team at 800-XMRADIO, with questions and concerns.
XM Radio continues to be committed to providing you the highest quality audio entertainment and customer service available today. After the merger, our new company will be able to offer you the most exciting listening experience in radio.
Sincerely,
Hugh Panero
CEO, XM Satellite Radio
haha, I got pretty much the same thing from Sirius today too.0
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