WASHINGTON, July 26 (UPI) -- The National Association of Broadcasters in Washington says the proposed merger of Sirius and XM satellite radio would violate anti-monopoly policy.
In its 30-page response to the merger filed with the Federal Communications Commission, the NAB said, "(The) proposed merger of XM and Sirius would violate long-standing commission policies against spectrum monopolies and the pro-competitive vision enshrined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996."
Moreover, neither XM nor Sirius officials provided information to refute evidence that the relevant market for evaluating the merger is the national satellite Digital Audio Radio Service system, FMQB.com reported Wednesday. The NAB also cited concerns about pricing and advertising within the satellite radio market.
"There is no legal or factual basis upon which the commission can approve the proposed merger between XM and Sirius," NAB said.