PTC Applauds Justice Department Approval of XM/Sirius Merger

Merger Will Provide Families with Meaningful Radio Content Choice

 

LOS ANGELES (March 24, 2008) – The Parents Television Council™ offered praise to the Justice Department for approving the XM and Sirius satellite radio merger because it will pave the way to provide meaningful entertainment choices for families.  XM and Sirius had previously announced their commitment to provide consumers and families the ability to choose their audio programming channels on an unbundled basis once the merger was finalized and approved.

 

In addition to offering their traditional bundles of programming, XM and Sirius said they will offer more affordable a la carte packages, including an option for families to block adult-themed channels and receive a price credit for the unwanted programming.

 

“With the approval of this merger from the Justice Department, satellite radio is one step closer to giving its customers real choice in programming – a groundbreaking moment for the future of subscription-based entertainment,” said PTC President Tim Winter.  “There is no question that greater control of graphic content, combined with giving consumers the ability to have some control over packages and pricing is in the public interest, and particularly to parents and families.”

 

“We call upon the FCC to follow Justice’s lead and approve the merger.  And we call on the cable and satellite television industries to follow the lead of XM and Sirius and give real choices to their own customers who are deeply offended by many of the channels families are forced to buy just to get access to the quality family programming available on cable.  Only a meaningful solution like this one will allow the marketplace to decide for itself what it wants and what it is willing to pay for.”