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MediaBuyerPlanner: Another hearing on the proposed merger between XM and Sirius Satellite Radio was held yesterday, this time before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation.
Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin and NAB radio board vice chairman Russ Withers each testified, writes Radio Ink.
Karmazin reiterated his oft-stated opinion that a merger between XM and Sirius will offer consumers more choice at lower prices. Perhaps more important to listeners of satellite radio, he pointed out that a merger would create operational efficiencies and safeguard the future of satellite radio.
Withers, who is owner of Withers Broadcasting Companies, said that while radio broadcasters do not compete in the national market of the satellite radio companies, XM and Sirius do compete in the local radio markets. For that and many other reasons, Withers said, local broadcasters strongly oppose a "government sanctioned monopoly" for satellite radio.
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