At the FCC Breakfast this week at NAB2007, Commissioner Michael Copps said he’s no big fan of consolidation.
NAB President/CEO David Rehr had asked commissioners to explain the process to handle the merger now that the satellite companies have filed a plan with the agency.
Copps noted that Chairman Kevin Martin has indicated “it would be a big climb for him, and it would be a steep climb for me, too.”
Both Copps and Commissioner Deborah Tate said the Department of Justice has asked the satellite companies for more information, which may slow down the review process a bit, according to Copps.
Tate said her mind is open and she’s reading everything she can about the issue. “It’s important. It’s a big decision.”
At the event, Copps also said he’s worried about the DTV transition, which he called “stealth” compared to the outreach and consumer education about Y2K.
