I ran across a story today regarding the Sirius & XM Merger. The page included a table which lists the NAB's (National Association of Broadcasters) reasons for opposing the merger. Of course, the truth his, their only real reason for apposing isn't listed... But here are their points... Keep in mind my responses are from the perspective of a Sirius customer, as I've subscribed for over a year now.

They have no 'relevant' competitors

This one makes me laugh... You see, the real reason the NAB is opposed to the merger is that THEY are satellite's biggest competitor!

Lower prices? Unlikely at best

This isn't relevant either. You see, satellite radio, which currently costs $12.99/mo is competing against FREE radio, the very one the NAB represents. The fact is, if the price is increased, I'll be canceling my account. It wasn't easy to convince my wife that $12.99 wasn't a big deal. If the price goes up, I'm moving back to free radio... Ironically, a possible price increase would be a big boon to the NAB, so their biggest fear is in fact that one won't occur, as it currently costs $25.98 to do that. Most customers who are considering would buy twice as quickly if they could get the best of both words for one low price...

Loss of innovation and jobs

Ironically this usually occurs more often when a company can't keep itself afloat. Combining the two companies will likely eventually incur the loss of some jobs, but I'm sure the employees who work for either Sirius or XM would rather have a merger, as this will make a stronger company with the ability to stay in business longer.

Monopolies don't improve service

This is hardly a fact (not that it's even applicable due to the NAB being the competitor), and the truth lies into another merger the NAB opposed. EchoStart & DirectTV were going to merge, but the NAB prevented it. So I ask, what major innovations has either company made since then??? In fact, both my phone company and cable company now provide more services than satellite TV...

But the real truth is in this bottom line: The NAB was the biggest opposer to satellite radio's creation in the first place. They lobbied to block the FCC from approving it's creation.

Now you tell me, does this sound like a company who is out to protect the public interest? The truth hurts, as this proves with zero argument that the only thing the NAB is trying to protect is their own monopoly. If they had a viable way to destroy Sirius and XM, so they come out the only form of radio, they would do so in a heartbeat...