Entravision proposes XM/Sirius competitor.

According to Radio & Records magazine, in an Aug. 13 comment filing to the FCC opposing the proposed merger of XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio, Spanish-language broadcaster Entravision has a proposition of its own should the merger be approved: “to allow existing terrestrial licenses to form a consortium and proceed to establish and operate a qualified competitor for the applicants [XM and Sirius] at the earliest possible time.”

Detailing its proposal in the filing, Entravision said, “The commission should require the applicants, after a short period of time, involving no more than a year, to relinquish their spectrum so that competition can be renewed.

“Entravision submits that the Commission should adopt a plan for the resumption of competition at the earliest possible time. Entravision is prepared to lead a consortium of as many terrestrial licenses as wish to join in providing such a competitor. These terrestrial licensees would be invited to offer programming based on their particular programming qualifications. This is necessary in order for the consortium to have the programming base upon which to compete with applicants.”

Entravision’s filing also suggests that a combined XM and Sirius would make available to the consortium all of their studio equipment and facilities associated with the one of the two satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) licenses being given up and that the consortium would be required to reimburse XM/Sirius for the depreciated value of those assets over a specific and “reasonable term.”

By Mike Boyle
Courtesy of Radio & Records magazine.