Mel Karmazin's case for getting Sirius

Radio Hall of Famer Mel Karmazin, co-founder of Infinity Broadcasting, former Viacom COO and now CEO of Sirius Satellite Radio, stopped in to see the editorial board Monday. Sirius is in the midst of a troubled negotiation to merge with XM, its only rival in the satellite-radio space. The merger, which would leave Karmazin in charge of the combined company, has been intensely scrutinized by the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice and has raised questions ranging from antitrust to content decency. (The ed board has opined that the Houses of Howard and Oprah, respectively, should be allowed to unite.) Sirius now has 7.1 million subscribers to XM's 8 million, and part of the two companies' argument is that their combined power will provide strong competition for terrestrial radio stations. Some highlights from Karmazin's talk:

September 18, 2007