freedom2
07-25-2008, 10:25 AM
According to reports and sources, the Federal Communications Commission could finally release details laying out its approval of the merger between XM and Sirius as early as today.
As of press time late Thursday, there was no official word from the commission about an order and conditions that would clear the transaction. And given the nature of the proceeding, the timeline could slip, given that final documents may need further review and commissioner statements may need to be prepared.
Commissioners and FCC staff were busy Thursday hammering out final documents tied to the deal, including language for a consent decree that aims to resolve matters suggesting XM and Sirius in the past had violated FCC rules, stated news reports. It's believed that Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate wanted an enforcement action before casting a vote on the deal.
With the consent decree and conditions in hand, Tate, a Republican, is set to vote for the merger, along with FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and Commissioner Robert McDowell, both Republicans. Democrats Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps have cast dissenting votes on the deal.
As of press time late Thursday, there was no official word from the commission about an order and conditions that would clear the transaction. And given the nature of the proceeding, the timeline could slip, given that final documents may need further review and commissioner statements may need to be prepared.
Commissioners and FCC staff were busy Thursday hammering out final documents tied to the deal, including language for a consent decree that aims to resolve matters suggesting XM and Sirius in the past had violated FCC rules, stated news reports. It's believed that Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate wanted an enforcement action before casting a vote on the deal.
With the consent decree and conditions in hand, Tate, a Republican, is set to vote for the merger, along with FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and Commissioner Robert McDowell, both Republicans. Democrats Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps have cast dissenting votes on the deal.