Audio Video News

The merger of the Sirius and XM satellite radio networks will move forward thanks to compromises that have attracted approval from Kevin Martin, chair of the Federal Communications Commission.

The two networks agreed to let other companies produce open-standard satellite radio equipment under their own brands. Until now, the networks have controlled radio design while outsourcing the manufacturing. Radios that receive signals from both networks will become available within a year.

Service plan changes were also key. Current $12.95/month subscription plans will be frozen for three years. A la carte and reduced-price subscriptions will be accelerated. And 24 channels will be made available for educational and minority programming.

Having gotten FCC chair's approval, the merger proposal will now go to the full commission for a vote.