Hear 2.0

Satellite radio mergers, HD, and toasters

From Inside Radio:

The [XM/Sirius] merger faces more Senate opposition - and a call for mandatory HD Radio inclusion in satellite radio receivers. Senators John Kerry (D-MA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) oppose the satellite radio merger as proposed, writing “We remain concerned...that the merger of these two companies will eliminate competition in the Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service market in violation of the FCC rules establishing this service.” The letter, delivered to FCC chairman Kevin Martin last week also calls on the commission to ensure that device manufacturers are required to integrate HD radio receivers into all satellite radio receivers.

Even if we ignore the fact that HD has no more to do with satellite radio than a mobile toaster does, somebody should tell our elected representatives and their friendly neighborhood NAB lobbyists that the future of satellite radio is not on satellite radios.

We should be wary of what we wish for. We just might get it.

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