WASHINGTON — The potential deciding vote in the government’s review of the $3.1 billion merger between satellite-radio companies XM and Sirius told The Associated Press he will vote in favor of the deal if the companies agree to tougher conditions.
So far, two of the five members of the Federal Communications Commission have voted to approve Sirius Satellite Radio’s buyout of rival XM Satellite Radio That is one vote shy of a majority.
FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, a Democrat, wants the companies to cap prices for six years and make one-quarter of their satellite capacity available for public-interest and minority programming, among other conditions.
If the companies agree, Adelstein told AP he will support the deal.
Adelstein circulated his recommended conditions among the other four commissioners Thursday. His proposal seeks more concessions than the companies offered voluntarily one month ago. That offer led to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin’s recommendation that the deal be approved.
