The merger between satellite radio giants Sirius and XM was approved by the U.S. Justice Department Monday, March 24.
The next hurdle for the two companies comes as the Federal Communications Commission will choose whether to agree with the Justice Department or deny the merger.
As the only two satellite radio providers, XM and Sirius do raise concerns for some that a monopoly would be created.
The National Association of Broadcasters urged policy makers to reject the plan when it was first introduced, according to CNN.com.
“Given the government’s history of opposing monopolies in all forms, NAB would be shocked if federal regulators permitted a merger of XM and Sirius,” the NAB said in a statement to CNN.
The two companies first announced the plan to merge in February of last year.
The merger could mean added variety for all current and future users.
Favorites such as Howard Stern and the NFL, as well as MLB games and Oprah Winfrey’s channel, would be available in one service.
“The combination of our companies will lead to more choices and better pricing for our subscribers, and result in a stronger competitor in the rapidly evolving audio entertainment market,” XM said in a statement on its Web site.
The satellite radio companies currently have over 17 million customers.
Joseph Wilson, a clerk at Chevron on South College Street, listens to Sirius when he is working.
Wilson said he prefers satellite radio to regular radio and has found his favorite station in the two months he has worked at the store.
“I like the comedy channel,” Wilson said.
Neither Sirius nor XM have released statements as to what the exact price the subscription will be or the exact format of the stations.
Ashley Abrams, a Best Buy employee and Auburn student, said talks of a merger have made some customers nervous, but sales have not been affected.
She also said there could be several advantages to XM and Sirius joining forces.
“You will have access to whatever host you want, whatever show you want, whatever music you want to listen to,” Abrams said.
Calvin Williams, an employee in the Sears electronics department and a sophomore in engineering, said he thought both companies had different advantages to customers.
“You might get better customer service with XM,” Williams said. “A lot of people prefer Sirius. They have better advertising; they put out more merchandise than XM.”
