Regarding the new opposition...
There's a move in Congress to force XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (XMSR) and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (SIRI) to further expand public and minority channels as a condition of their merger. But the proposed additional concessions aren't likely to prevail, according to people familiar with the deal.
......
"With the commitments the two companies have offered, on balance, this transaction seems to be a fair way to compromise," said FCC Spokesman Robert Kenny, responding to the letters.
https://us.etrade.com/e/t/invest/Sto...vider=DowJones
------------
I'd like to see someone come out in the media who would come out and explain the inequalities of forcing satellite radio to put HD capacity into their receivers. And even if they wouldn't be responsible for the cost because its all open device, the cost will be passed unnecessarily passed onto the consumer. Let's face it, if you are using one, you probably have little interest in the other.
The only way I wouldn't have a problem with that is if iBiquity subsidized the cost. Let them negotiate their own OEM deals. No free ride for HD.