By Gino Lattarulo
I would like to first clarify that in no way is this article written in support or opposition of the Sirius (SIRI) / XM (XMSR) merger. It is strictly an opinion on the actions of the FCC.
So Wishy Washy Adelstein retracts his vote on the SIRI / XM merger after first setting conditions for approval and then stating that there was room for negotiation of his conditions. I would now like to dissect his statement regarding this reversal.
I was hoping to forge a bipartisan solution that would offer consumers more diversity in programming,
This was already confirmed with ala-carte pricing John. So point number one is irrelevant.
better price protection,
Agreed , a six year price freeze is much better than three, this way the NAB has enough time to dig themselves out of the ditch they are in while you force a company with 5% market share to suffocate under inflationary costs.
expanded choices among innovative devices and real competition with digital radio.
Translation: "By abusing my power I can get the NAB to piggy back HD technology and use Sirius / XM's equipment and money to accomplish it. Talk about a cost savings to terrestrial radio! Hooray for me!"
How mysterious that he retracts his conditional vote just before a press release that Commissioner Tate will probably support the merger under her own conditions. You see, this way Johnny boy still looks good in the eyes of his NAB (ahem) supporters.
John, on behalf of the entire sane wold, I hereby ask for your resignation and deem you incompetent to make the kind of decisions that impact our system of Government. All sarcasm aside, If after 18 months you still have to back peddle and not stand behind your own decision, how can you possibly be trusted? At least Commissioner Copps had the backbone to be decisive. I strongly suggest a new career path John. Perhaps one less demanding; like a Circus Barker.
Stock Position: Long.
