Kerry Registers XM-Sirius Concerns
Former Democratic Presidential Candidate Against Allowing Only Two Satellite-Radio Providers to Merge
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 4/3/2008 11:26:00 AM MT
Sen. and former Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry (D-Mass.) wrote Federal Communications Commission chairman Kevin Martin asking him not to "rubber-stamp" the XM Satellite Radio-Sirius Satellite Radio merger after the Department of Justice gave it a clean bill of antitrust health.
Despite the DOJ’s decision, Kerry wrote in a letter March 26, "serious concerns" remain.
Kerry said that "to the extent that this merger would permit the only two entities authorized to provide satellite-radio service in the United States to merge, it would seem to directly contradict the intent of the commission in establishing this service."
Kerry added that the FCC should consider applying conditions to the merger, saying that "left unchecked, the entity that would emerge from this partnership would be capable of exercising monopolistic powers that could potentially result in diminished service at increased rates to consumers."
Kerry pointed out that he is a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee -- which oversees the FCC along with the House Energy & Commerce Committee -- and said he will keep his eye on the FCC to make sure that it serves the public interest.
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This is a very stupid argument from John Kerry. No one needs satelite radio. I would enjoy all...
jim robertson - 2008-6-4 18:53:00 -
Sen. Kerry said he will keep his eye on the FCC tomake sure that it serves the NAB interest,...
j c thomas - 2008-4-4 05:01:00 -
Can Kerry really be taken seriously? I mean he swore how he would count and recount votes and...
rick laham - 2008-3-4 18:49:00 -
Kerry's position pretty much explains why he isn't President. Lack of knowledge on the...
Matt Michales - 2008-3-4 17:01:00
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