As expected, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Friday evening approved the merger of XM and Sirius Satellite radio stations by a vote of 3 to 2.
“The merger is in the public interest and will provide consumers with greater flexibility and choices," chairman Kevin Martin said in a statement. “Consumers will enjoy a variety of programming at reduced prices and more diversified programming choices. It will also spur innovation and advance the development and use of interoperable radios, bringing more flexible programming options to all subscribers."
Martin and Republican Commissioners Robert McDowell and Deborah Tate reportedly voted in favor of the merger, while Democrats Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps dissented.
Martin said last month that he would support a merger of the two satellite companies after they both agreed to certain conditions regarding price restrictions and openness.
“The merger is in the public interest and will provide consumers with greater flexibility and choices," chairman Kevin Martin said in a statement. “Consumers will enjoy a variety of programming at reduced prices and more diversified programming choices. It will also spur innovation and advance the development and use of interoperable radios, bringing more flexible programming options to all subscribers."
Martin and Republican Commissioners Robert McDowell and Deborah Tate reportedly voted in favor of the merger, while Democrats Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps dissented.
Martin said last month that he would support a merger of the two satellite companies after they both agreed to certain conditions regarding price restrictions and openness.
