Jonathan Adelstein, one of two Democrats on the Federal Communications Commission, could vote to approve the satellite merger, under more stringent conditions.
That’s according to the Associated Press, which quotes Adelstein saying he wants the companies to freeze prices for six years after combining, include HD Radio in any new receivers; and turn over a quarter of their combined spectrum to noncom and minority programming.
Chairman Kevin Martin has said he favors approval with certain concessions. The merger has been the subject of much lobbying and public argument in the broadcast community, and is opposed strongly by the NAB.
