James Delahunty
22 Feb 2007 16:49
The United States Congress will hold hearings into the proposed merger of two U.S. satellite radio companies, Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio. The House Judiciary Committee is to question CEO designate Mel Karmazin on how this deal would benefit consumers. The current spectrum agreements with both require that there be two providers.
"It's a very high hurdle that they would have to meet to demonstrate if it's in the consumer's best interest," FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said. Any merger will require a change in the agreements. The House Antitrust Task Force will hold the hearings, which would be the first item on the panel's agenda, and would include both Republicans and Democrats.
"Digital music is at the cutting edge of technology and innovation," Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) said in a statement. "We are holding this hearing to allow Members to probe whether this merger will enhance or diminish competition in the digital music distribution industry."
Source:
Betanews