http://www.gizmocafe.com/blogs/gizmo_cafe_blog/archive/2006/12/13/99687.aspxThe XM / Sirius merger rumor started late last year but it's been resurfacing again lately. Language used in recent speeches by executives from both Sirius and XM include lines like “Consolidation creates value…” and “Significant benefits…”. So it looksenCommunityServer 2.1 SP2 (Build: 61129.2)http://www.gizmocafe.com/blogs/gizmo_cafe_blog/archive/2006/12/13/99687.aspx#99698Thu, 14 Dec 2006 13:23:39 GMT173b0a64-840a-4ba0-afe6-d77867afd09b:99698MattTake it to the bank. The deal, if not done, will be. <br> <br>Thinking people ( including the FCC/FTC ) know that this is necessary. MP3, Cell and Video competition wasn't there in 2001. As the world chages, so do the dynamics of any deal. That's why the Echo/Direct comparo isn't a good one. http://www.gizmocafe.com/blogs/gizmo_cafe_blog/archive/2006/12/13/99687.aspx#99731Thu, 14 Dec 2006 17:17:10 GMT173b0a64-840a-4ba0-afe6-d77867afd09b:99731Matt LindsayMost talk of a merger centers on the fact that the merged satellite radio company could pay LESS for on -air talent (and sports pkgs) and charge MORE to the customer for the service. &nbsp;If that isn't monopoly power, I don't know what is. <br> <br>Also, I can't get sports/current news on my MP3, so I'm not sure how that is a direct competitor. <br> <br>Certainly the mounting losses must be solved for these services to remain in operation. &nbsp;Creating a monopoly is not the answer in a market economy.http://www.gizmocafe.com/blogs/gizmo_cafe_blog/archive/2006/12/13/99687.aspx#100830Fri, 15 Dec 2006 14:59:53 GMT173b0a64-840a-4ba0-afe6-d77867afd09b:100830WaydeGood point Mr. Lindsay. There is truth in your words. <br> <br>I am however automatically distrustful of government intervention in the process of free enterprise. <br> <br>I don't think people buy satellite radio for the sports packages I think they're buying it for the music. <br> <br>Maybe instead of giving out multi-million dollar contracts to entertainment providers they could reinvest in their hardware. Higher bit sound and subsidize the initial hardware installs to proliferate their user base. I'm not close enough to the business to know, these are just thoughts.http://www.gizmocafe.com/blogs/gizmo_cafe_blog/archive/2006/12/13/99687.aspx#100876Sat, 16 Dec 2006 00:04:37 GMT173b0a64-840a-4ba0-afe6-d77867afd09b:100876M. R.I am holding on to my positon of SIRI. &nbsp; <br> <br>I think someday your own kid refuses to ride with you unless you have sattelite radio in the car. MP3 is great but I don't have the time or the energy to keep downloading music. <br>If SIRI keep up with entertaining programs, radio is the way to go. I can't listen to music all the time. <br> <br>Thanks.http://www.gizmocafe.com/blogs/gizmo_cafe_blog/archive/2006/12/13/99687.aspx#107947Wed, 21 Feb 2007 15:11:46 GMT173b0a64-840a-4ba0-afe6-d77867afd09b:107947Gizmo Cafe BlogOprah AND Howard Stern? &nbsp;Where do I sign up?