Terrestrial wants half of Satellite Radio's spectrum

[AmpedNow]

http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/terre ... l#comments

[quote]Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at 5:28 PM
Filed under: Entravision FCC Merger Satellite Radio Spectrum Terrestrial

If the FCC lets the merger of Sirius and XM move forward, Spanish-language broadcaster Entravision says the FCC should force the satellite radio companies to “relinquish their spectrum so that competition can be renewed.â€

[AmpedNow]

And now, this...


http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/if-si ... e-too.html

Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 3:17 PM

Terrestrial Radio wants to merge too!Broadcasters Beasley, Citadel, Entercom, Greater Media, Lincoln Financial Media and Saga Communications have filed a joint filing asking that the FCC consider relaxing ownership restrictions when deciding on the Sirius-XM merger.

"...one essential protection would be the elimination of local radio ownership rules, which would allow AM and FM broadcasters to offer more diverse services to compete with SDARS on the local level."

An interesting concept, and one that's obviously using the satellite radio merger for self-serving interests. The joint filing goes on to suggest a fully interoperable receiver - one that supports terrestrial radio as well as satellite radio - be designed as part of the conditions:

"In addition, the Commission could require, in a manner similar to the television All Receivers Act, or to cable's Must Carry, that all satellite radio receivers be capable of providing SDARS, AM and FM analog, and AM and FM HD broadcast radio signals in order to facilitate more direct competition among service providers."

Now that's actually not a bad idea. Not only would it foster more direct competition, but would also move a lot more product off the shelves. Plus we all know that satellite radio subscribers tend to listen to terrestrial radio more than "regular" listeners, so that's just empowering the consumer. Never a bad thing.

But let's take it a step further...

It's obviously hypocritical for terrestrial radio to oppose the merger while at the same time seeking a relaxation of media ownership regulations. And at the same time, it's hypocritical for satellite radio merger proponents to oppose media ownership regulations (though - it can be argued - that there's already been a relaxation in media ownership rules, which is why we're in this mess to begin with).

While I tend to agree with Orbitcast, I also look at it as a piece of satire--a point this article seems to miss.

These radio groups are poking fun at the entire notion of an XM/Sirius merger. But at the same time, if they can get the FCC to mandate inter-operable radios, I'm sure they would gladly take it.

This also tells me that the merger is leaning towards approval, as NAB members are now resorting to jabs and snide remarks towards satellite radio.

Either way, interesting stuff...

[sportsvoice]

To the NAB: GFY.