The regulatory review process for our merger with Sirius continues to move forward.
XM and Sirius recently filed a letter with the FCC in which the companies made additional consumer-oriented, voluntary commitments that would begin to take effect following the close of our merger.
As you probably know, last year the companies announced a number of post-merger programming options, including the "best of both," "family-friendly," and a la carte packages. In their recent filing, the companies made commitments to even more public interest and minority-controlled channels than we currently broadcast.
These commitments further demonstrate that our merger will benefit consumers and should therefore be approved promptly.
The combination of our companies will lead to more programming choices and better pricing for our subscribers; and, we guarantee that no XM radio will become obsolete as a result of the merger. We have millions of radios in use, including many that are factory-installed in automobiles and we will continue to offer a full complement of programming to our millions of subscribers once the merger is complete.
On March 24, 2008, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it completed its review of our proposed merger with SIRIUS without taking action to block the transaction.
We'll communicate directly to our subscribers once the merger closes. In the meantime, take a look at some of our subscribers' most frequently asked questions below.
XM and Sirius recently filed a letter with the FCC in which the companies made additional consumer-oriented, voluntary commitments that would begin to take effect following the close of our merger.
As you probably know, last year the companies announced a number of post-merger programming options, including the "best of both," "family-friendly," and a la carte packages. In their recent filing, the companies made commitments to even more public interest and minority-controlled channels than we currently broadcast.
These commitments further demonstrate that our merger will benefit consumers and should therefore be approved promptly.
The combination of our companies will lead to more programming choices and better pricing for our subscribers; and, we guarantee that no XM radio will become obsolete as a result of the merger. We have millions of radios in use, including many that are factory-installed in automobiles and we will continue to offer a full complement of programming to our millions of subscribers once the merger is complete.
On March 24, 2008, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it completed its review of our proposed merger with SIRIUS without taking action to block the transaction.
We'll communicate directly to our subscribers once the merger closes. In the meantime, take a look at some of our subscribers' most frequently asked questions below.
| When will XM and SIRIUS merge? |
Both companies' shareholders and the DOJ have approved the merger, but before we can merge we must also obtain regulatory approval from the FCC. We have complied with the requests of the FCC and we anticipate their ruling in the spring of 2008. Soon after the FCC ruling, the companies will complete the merger.
|
| Why are XM and SIRIUS merging? |
Consumers have numerous choices in audio entertainment; satellite radio is only one of these choices. We believe that this merger is the next step in the evolution of satellite radio. Together, our best-in-class combined programming content will create an unprecedented choice for subscribers. This merger of XM and SIRIUS is all about offering our subscribers more choice and value—a greater range of pricing and programming options, and the best devices and technology from both platforms. |
| How will this merger benefit me as a customer? |
Together, XM and SIRIUS will offer consumers even more programming choices with new "value," "best of both," and "a la carte" packages available after the merger. The merger will also accelerate the development of innovative products such as real-time traffic and rear-seat video and enable the combined company to develop and introduce a wider range of lower cost, easy-to-use, and multi-functional devices through efficiencies in chipset and radio design and procurement.
|
| What should I expect in terms of subscription costs and programming after the merger? |
Following the FCC's approval of the merger, XM subscribers will enjoy a full complement of programming like they do today at their current subscription of $12.95. XM will also offer subscribers XM service and a selection of SIRIUS programming for a total price of $16.99. Several other new programming packages will be offered, including two "family-friendly" options and packages featuring mostly music, or music, news and talk, etc. The programming line up will be announced after the deal closes.
|
| How can I stay up-to-date on the latest merger news? |
As more decisions are made regarding new subscription packages, the programming line up, and the additional benefits to XM fans, we will communicate to all our subscribers. To receive these updates, please subscribe to our complimentary e-newsletter, The XM Signal.
|
| What if I don't want some of the content on either XM's or SIRIUS' programming line-up post-merger? |
We built "Parental Controls" to allow parents the option of protecting their children from any channels they deem inappropriate. These controls allow our subscribers to block explicit language or other channels that are not family-friendly. Learn more about parental controls. The combined SIRIUS-XM will also offer several other new programming packages including two "family-friendly" options. Those choosing one of the "family friendly" options will be able to block adult-themed programming and, for the first time, receive a price credit.
|
| Should I buy a radio today or wait for a dual-service radio? I want to buy a second radio; should I wait for the new models? |
There's never been a better time to be an XM subscriber. Any radios or other equipment that subscribers currently use will be fully supported by XM for many years to come, and existing radios will be able to receive a mix of programming from both services. Check out our current radio offers.
|
| Who will run the new company? |
Gary Parsons, the current XM Chairman, will be the chairman of the combined company. Mel Karmazin, the current CEO of SIRIUS, will be the chief executive officer of the combined company. The combined company will benefit from a highly experienced management team from both companies with extensive industry knowledge in radio, media, consumer electronics, engineering and technology. Further management appointments and other critical business decisions will be announced closer to closing.
|