FCC Chief: XM and Sirius Asking for 'Something Extraordinary'

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin said that Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio Holdings are making an unprecedented request of the FCC over their proposed merger. "I think this is a very unusual circumstance," Chairman Martin said. "We actually have a rule that would outright prohibit a merger. They're asking for something extraordinary." The proposed merger between XM and Sirius has been pending for 15 months. The Justice Department gave it the nod in March, but it must also be approved by the FCC before it can be finalized. Chairman Martin said the proposed merger is "one of the more difficult issues for the commission," in part because it said the two companies couldn't merge when it granted their licenses to the satellite airwaves. Martin said he hopes the commission will be able to rule on the merger soon. Last month, he said the decision could come down by the end of June. Martin's timetable could slip, however, if other FCC commissioners balk at any of the merger terms he suggests. To date, Martin hasn't yet circulated a recommendation about the merger to the rest of the five-member commission. If Chairman Martin suggests that the FCC approve the merger with conditions, as many analysts expect, he needs the support of at least two other commissioners before the deal can go through.
http://www.smartmoney.com/breaking-news/ON/index.cfm?story=ON-20080605-0...
* FCC chief says will act soon on XM-Sirius deal (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/industryNews/idUSN0536224520080605
* FCC Chairman Gives No XM/Sirius Timetable (Broadcasting&Cable)
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6567575.html?rssid=193