The FCC has approved the merger between America's only two satellite radio operators, SIRIUS and XM. The five member panel voted for the action, 3-2.
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said over the weekend: "The merger is in the public interest and will provide consumers with greater flexibility and choices,"
"Consumers will enjoy a variety of programming at reduced prices and more diversified programming choices. It will also spur innovation and advance the development and use of interoperable radios, bringing more flexible programming options to all subscribers," he continued.
The merger was originally announced in February 2007, and has faced widespread concern, with the National Association of Broadcasters saying the vote comes as a disappointment to them. "We continue to believe that consumers are best served by competition rather than monopolies," the NAB said in a statement.
