FCC discloses logic behind its approval of XM-Sirius merger

Why did the FCC approve the Sirius XM merger? The conditions are key: especially à la carte and the FCC's certainty that the merger won't hurt terrestrial radio at all.

August 06, 2008 - 09:56AM CT - by Matthew Lasar

Sirius/XM merger approved with new conditions (updated)

Sirius and XM have agreed to yet more conditions in exchange for FCC permission to marry.

July 28, 2008 - 04:35PM CT - by Matthew Lasar

Enforcement issues all that stand in way of XM-Sirius deal

Sirius and XM still in final talks with the FCC about that merger, including making amends for all those wayward translators.

July 24, 2008 - 10:52AM CT - by Matthew Lasar

Report: FCC set to approve XM Radio-Sirius merger (updated)

The FCC has reportedly decided to approve the merger between XM Radio and Sirius. The last fence-sitting commissioner has come down and signed off on the deal.

July 23, 2008 - 05:05PM CT - by Matthew Lasar

Report: FCC's Adelstein backs Sirius XM merger; who's #3?

Two FCC Commissioners now support the proposed merger of Sirius and XM radio. The agency just needs one more. Who could she be?

July 19, 2008 - 08:30AM CT - by Matthew Lasar

GM, Toyota fight proposed XM-Sirius HD radio mandate

Add the proposed Ibiquity/HD Radio requirement to the list of loose ends still hanging around the proposed merger of Sirius and XM satellite radio. Meanwhile two reform groups are asking tough questions about Sirius/XM's voluntary merger commitments.

July 13, 2008 - 09:10PM CT - by Matthew Lasar

Senators to FCC: Sirius/XM's proposal still needs work

Ars brings you the latest upchuck on Sirius/XM—the Proceeding That Would Not Die. A trio of senators tell the FCC that a merger needs more stringent conditions than the companies want

July 02, 2008 - 02:56PM CT - by Matthew Lasar

FCC Chair willing to consecrate XM-Sirius union

FCC Chair Kevin Martin has endorsed the proposed merger of Sirius and XM satellite radio, with lots of strings attached—but not all the strings that terrestrial broadcasters want. It's uncertain whether Martin will be able to get two of the other commissioners to go along.

June 16, 2008 - 12:05PM CT - by Matthew Lasar

Sirius, XM blast C3SR, defend lack of radio interoperability

When the FCC told XM and Sirius to "design" an interoperable receiver, did the Commission actually want consumers to have one?

June 10, 2008 - 09:28AM CT - by Matthew Lasar

Coalition demands XM/Sirius pay millions for swindling FCC

Did Sirius and XM fleece US taxpayers and the FCC? A faux consumer group thinks so, and it wants satellite radio’s top brass kicked to the curb and accounts settled before any merger is given the green light.

June 08, 2008 - 02:19PM CT - by Matthew Lasar

US Electronics demands FCC fork over XM/Sirius documents

US Electronics, the WCS Coalition, C3SR—it's just one big dogpile over at the FCC's proceeding on the XM/Sirius merger.

June 05, 2008 - 09:12AM CT - by Matthew Lasar

FCC asked to consider revoking XM and Sirius licenses

"C3SR" says that XM and Sirius have been "less than candid" about their merger intentions. How about some candor from C3SR about who backs the group?

June 01, 2008 - 04:48PM CT - by Matthew Lasar

Key House reps ask FCC for "openness" in XM/Sirius merger

Reps. John Dingell (D-MI) and Edward Markey (D-MA) have asked the FCC to add an open platform requirement to the proposed XM/Sirius merger, a sign that key media reform groups have their ear.

May 02, 2008 - 07:27AM CT - by Matthew Lasar

State AGs give DoJ, FCC serious static over XM-Sirius merger

There are two ways of looking at the issues surrounding the XM Radio-Sirius merger. The DoJ doesn't see any significant antitrust issues, but 11 state attorneys general are taking a different approach to the deal—even as the two companies meet with the FCC to discuss postmerger pricing.

March 28, 2008 - 11:38AM CT - by Matthew Lasar

Clear Channel to FCC: wash XM-Sirius' mouth out with soap

Clear Channel has become an advocate of decency regulation and public interest reforms, at least for the competition.

March 25, 2008 - 06:46AM CT - by Matthew Lasar

Clear Channel to FCC: XM/Sirius is illegal, but let's deal

Terrestrial radio giant Clear Channel says that it might relent on its opposition to the Sirius-XM merger if the FCC would attach some conditions to it, like forcing the satellite radio companies to ship receivers with built-in HD radio reception capability.

February 11, 2008 - 10:12AM CT - by Matthew Lasar

Investors, observers uneasy as DoJ mulls XM-Sirius merger

The proposed merger between satellite broadcasters Sirius and XM remains in limbo, and shareholders are starting to get antsy.

January 10, 2008 - 09:36PM CT - by Julian Sanchez

XM, Sirius pledge "kinda la carte" support, get Cardinal's endorsement

XM and Sirius today announced plans to offer à la carte service if their proposed merger is finalized. Cardinal Egan of New York also wants the merger approved.

July 23, 2007 - 12:42PM CT - by Nate Anderson

FCC seeks comments on XM/Sirius merger proposal

Even though the satellite broadcasters agreed not to merge back in 1997, they now want the FCC to lift that requirement, and the agency seeks comment on the wisdom of reviewing the merger ban.

June 28, 2007 - 10:18AM CT - by Nate Anderson

Satellite radio report author: "I am not a flip-flopper."

Jimmy Schaeffler, who wrote a report for the National Association of Broadcasters, has come under fire for holding very different opinions before the group paid him. Schaeffler tells Ars that's simply not the case.

April 05, 2007 - 11:33PM CT - by Nate Anderson