SIRIUS & XM Sending More Support Letters to FCC (XMSR, SIRI)

As we have noted several times, SIRIUS Satellite Radio (SIRI-NASDAQ) and XM Satellite Radio (XMSR-NASDAQ) are trying to crank up their voice of support at the same time that that National Association of Broadcasters is trying to get more and more support for getting the merger blocked.

Today’s press from SIRIUS and XM today notes that The National Council of Women’s Organizations (NCWO), a coalition of over 200 women’s organizations and representing over 11 million diverse and talented American women, today called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to approve the proposed merger of XM Radio and Sirius.  interestingly enough this notes that only 3.4% of the overall radio market belongs to satellite.

Here is the female angle: Satellite radio is home to a number of influential women. From Judith Warner to Candace Bushnell to broadcasting legends Barbara Walters and Oprah Winfrey, satellite radio offers women a unique perspective absent on everyday commercial radio and previously only accessible on television. With expanded choices and lower prices, satellite radio will develop into an even more attractive option for women nationwide.  The NCWO joins several prominent and diverse national organizations such as the National Black Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Federation, Latino Coalition, the League of Rural Voters, Women Impacting Public Policy, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and Women Involved in Farm Economics, among others in supporting the efforts of satellite radio to bring greater competition, lower prices and diverse programming to American consumers.

This fight is intensifying, and on both sides.  It is far from over and there will be some short-term fluctuations between the expectations and odds of a success.  We expect many more such press releases in the coming days and weeks during the initial review period.

Jon C. Ogg
June 21, 2007

Jon Ogg can be reached at [email protected]; he does not own securities in any of the companies he covers.