Sirius And XM May Be Close To Clearing FCC Hurdle
There was a point in time when this headline would generate massive response, but after months and months of waiting, and after hearing many times that the merger decision may be getting close, the street may be a bit hesitant.
However, this analysis comes from Stifel’s Blair Levin, who typically has had a pretty good read on the pulse of the FCC. In a report issued today, Levin speculates that Chairman Martin may be very close to initiating the circulation of a draft order with the other commissioners.
Levin noted, “We continue to believe that an FCC majority is likely to grant the license transfers necessary to close the deal, with various conditions, including on new tiers and à la carte, a price freeze, interoperable radio, “open devices,” and some sort of leased access to address media diversity concerns, an issue that remains politically sticky.”
The merger of Sirius and XM has reached a political banter stage that has many investors as well as consumers frustrated. Stifels Levin feels that the work of organizations such as the National association of broadcasters will not “torpedo the deal”, but may act in a manner that slows the review process.
The circulation of a draft order would not mean approval, but rather an intent to render a decision in the near future. It is basically the next step in the process which has been at a virtual standstill for quite some time. At this point, any movement by the FCC would be a positive in that it is one more hurdle that the merger process has cleared.
In my opinion, the issuance of the draft order could happen at any point from today through mid next week.
Position – Long Sirius, Long XM
I guess Levin is unaware that Matin will be in Asia next week…
Levin is quite aware of the schedule of Mr. Martin. I would watch the items in circulation list at the end of the day today. If it is not there, a draft order cxan always be circulated while martin is away as well.
Call Martin at FCC: 202-418-1000 and ask him when the merger will go thru?!!
I noticed the last couple of mergers reviewed by the FCC did not appear in the circulation list prior to being approved, so I wouldn’t count on seeing anything on sirius/xm either. I believe it will be a surprise announcement with no published circulation.
Call Martin at FCC: 202-418-1000 and ask him what are the best places for sushi in Toykyo?
How about this is another attempt by the FCC to throw a little piece of meat. DO NOT LET UP on the phone calls to your Senators, White House and Reps next week. Don’t waste your time contacting the FCC. They are the issue.
Why hasn’t Sirius and XM run ads touting the value of this merger and asking people to get involved?
Bad Mel… you should have quit playing soft-ball in March.
PS.. once this is done, it will be time for a letter/call campaign to force the NAB to pay royalities just as Satellite does. This is my new mission in satrad life.
Doesn’t look like Martin will be gone long…
In fact, he’s probably still here and not leaving until tomorrow. He will be back by Thursday of next week… If he is speaking on Monday, he may be back on Tuesday!
Korea to Host OECD IT Ministerial Meeting
Written by T_Korea
Friday, 13 June 2008
More than 2,500 information technology experts and officials from around the world will gather in Korea next week to discuss ways in which the Internet can play a role in aiding economic growth, organizers said Friday.
The OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Future of the Internet Economy will be held in Seoul for a three day-run starting Monday, where 32 ministerial-level officials from OECD and non-OECD member states will exchange views in forums and other forms of discussion, the Korean Communications Commission (KCC) said.
OECD, the Paris-based organization comprised of the world’s leading economies, stands for Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development.
Participating dignitaries include OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria, KCC Commissioner Choi Si-jung, Kevin Martin, head of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and Toyota Motor Corp. President Katsuki Watanabe.
“The meeting will explore ways in which the Internet can be used to rapidly improve our daily lives, Choi told a press briefing. The Korean commissioner plans to hold talks with 15 counterparts during the event.
Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy, is one of the world’s most wired nations where more than three-quarters of homes have high-speed Internet access.
Tyler what makes you predict circulation by Wednesday? Was it in the analyst report or a news article? I’m curious.
muscle…..
here goes.
1. It was not in the analyst report.
2. I believe that Sirius and XM are going to be writing a letter outlining concessions that they will volunteer, but this letter is not in the hands of the FCC.
3. I believe that once in the FCC’s hands, the draft order will be issued.
4. I believe that Tate was/is a swing vote, and the companies met with her on Monday, hammering out some issues that have been brought before her, and shoring up their case.
5. I believe that This next Wednesday gives time for the Sirius and XM letter to get into FCC hands, and a draft order to be issued into circulation.