RHF wrote:
On Mar 17, 1:53 pm, D Peter Maus wrote:
RHF wrote:
On Mar 17, 11:51 am, D Peter Maus wrote:
Note the last CCU Requirement.
If granted, Step One has been taken.
From AllAccess.com
************************************************** *************
Clear Channel Outlines Sirius-XM Merger Concessions
CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS outlined its most detailed concession
requirements in a filing with FCC posted TODAY, should the Commission
approve the merger between SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO INC. and XM SATELLITE
RADIO HOLDINGS INC, reports ORBITCAST.COM. While earlier FCC filings
have essentially reiterated CLEAR CHANNEL's prior argument that granting
the merger would permit for too much spectrum control for a single
entity, the filing posted online TODAY gives the most level of detail
about merger concessions.
"Were the Commission inclined to approve the merger, nonetheless, it
should, at a minimum, impose the following conditions that would be
essential to remain even remotely faithful to Commission precedents and
policies regarding competition, spectrum and preservation of a viable,
locally-oriented, free, over-the-air radio broadcast system," the
company wrote in an ex parte filing.
The merger conditions that CLEAR CHANNEL is requesting include:
* No less than 50% of broadcast capacity be made available for lease to
create "a viable competitive alternative" to the merged company.
* No less than 5% of capacity be set aside for public interest
programming, modeled after the 4-7% requirement for DBS services.
* That Sirius-XM be subject to indecency regulations. Because, "one of
the primary potential dangers to free, over-the-air radio posed by this
merger is siphoning popular, including 'edgy' content, with consequent
loss of advertising revenue."
* Sirius-XM be prohibited from broadcasting local content.
* Sirius-XM be prohibited from receiving local advertising revenue.
* The FCC require that HD Radio capabilities be built in to all
satellite radio receivers.
DPM,
The two key things i see here are :
XM-SIRIUS 'you' can have a Monopoly -provide- That 'we'
can buy into your Direct Radio Satellite Service "At Cost";
and you have to set-a-side 50% of your capability for 'us'
to use "At Cost". Other Non-Satellite Audio Content
Providers get to Ride-A-Long on the XM-Sirius Satellites
"At Cost".
Basically all 'new' US Type Approved Radios will eventually
be "All Mode" {Digital} AM/FM/DS Radios.
we are doomed ~ RHF
.
No doubt....it's gonna suck.

Interestingly, both XM and Sirius, having created a loyal, if small,
customer base by appealing to those who do NOT want to suffer through
CCU style programming, may be indundated with CCU style programming
anyway...by CCU's insistenence...not XM or Sirius'. Meaning that, now, a
competitor can directly dictate a company's content by mandate? Bull****.

Further, if an indecency mandate should be part of the merger decree,
one of the key selling points for moving away from the overhomogeninzed
pap and pablum of terrestrial radio evaporates. Ending most uneditied
comedy channel content, and re-shackling Howard Stern.

But the key provision is an FCC mandate that all satellite radios
include HD terrestrial reception. First step to an all digital
broadcasting conversion....a stated goal of both iBiquity AND Powell's FCC.

If CCU prevails here...XM and Sirius in trouble.

And iPod sales will spike.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

1 - DPM,
Plus the ERA of "Commercial Free" Satellite Radio Is Over
when the Terrestrial AM/FM Radio Stations {Networks} can
put their 'Content' on DS Radio Systems.

A number of the present XM-Sirius Customers are 'there'
because for the most part it has been "Commercial Free".

With this proposal up to 50% of what is on a DS Radio
System could be Audio Programming Content that is
Laced with Commercials.

Say Bye-Bye to the Subscribers who were motovated
by the Commerical Free aspects of DS Radio.


We discussed this three years ago. Commercial content was inevitable.
As soon as Sat Radio achieved a ratable audience, commercial content was
assured. In less than a year after that conversation, commercials began
appearing on XM. If Sat Radio becomes a successful vehicle, they will
clamor to get on board. And with Karmazin at the helm, there would be no
way to prevent commercial content. His Holy Grail of broadcast is
subscription radio with commercial support. 'Never rely on one revenue
stream."

If CCU gets their way here, a very great deal about Sat Radio will
change.

Top of the list, its subscriber base.



2 - DPM,
Again IMHO It is not -if- It is only a matter of "When"
the FCC Mandates : "All Mode" {Digital} AM/FM/DS Radios
One Part - AM/FM "HD" Radio using IBCO
One Part - Direct Satellite (DS) Radio -or- an Optional
Play-and-Play DS Radio Interface Feature in every Radio.
Plus One Part - WiFi and/or BlueTooth for Direct
Internet "Connectivity"

THE ALL MODE & ALL DIGITAL RADIO STANDARD*
* Done In the Name of the Public Interest by the FCC
for a Digital Society ensuring that Everyone has Equal
Access to New Technology and Digital Audio Content.


We've been discussing this also. If HD is to survive, it will need a
mandate. And FCC is committed to all digital broadcasting since Michael
Powell.



all things being equal - we are so screwed :-{ ~ RHF
.


Yeah, pretty much.