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 1:26:00 PM
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 the programming from XM and Sirius,but if it became too expensive I would terminate my subscription. It's not like I'm locked into it and can't get out. Gas prices? Well that's another story,seems like huge companies have no problem merging.
jim robertson - 4/6/2008 8:53:00 PM EDT -
Sen. Kerry said he will keep his eye on the FCC to
make sure that it serves the NAB interest, oops, I
meant the public interest.
j c thomas - 4/4/2008 7:01:00 AM EDT -
Can Kerry really be taken seriously? I mean he swore how he would count and recount votes and the day after he lost, he immediately threw in the towel and called to congratulate Bush.
Oh… but then again he and Bush are both members of Skull and Bones and those guys NEVER oppose each other… might make one wonder if Kerry was really running to win in the first place and why he didn’t run this time around.
rick laham - 4/3/2008 8:49:00 PM EDT -
Kerry's position pretty much explains why he isn't President. Lack of knowledge on the issues.
70% of people welcome this merger of two companies that are 2.2 billion in debt. Kerry should spend his time on issue that are ignored by the Senate... housing, failure of the banking system, Social Security is a sham. Instead, the Senator wishes to weigh in on satrad.
Matt Michales - 4/3/2008 7:01:00 PM EDT
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