XM Satellite Radio FAQ to consumers about effects of the merger.

[Lex]

How will the merger affect consumers?
The merger will ultimately help to increase the number of programs available to all subscribers. In addition, after a transition period, the companies want to use their expanded channel capacity to offer enhanced services, and even more diverse programming.

Where today our exclusive contracts mean you have to choose between baseball and football or Oprah and Martha Stewart, the new company will seek to ensure that in the future, you will be able to access both companies' programming. And, once we are fully integrated, those of you who have factory-installed satellite radio will no longer be limited to the programming provided by the exclusive satellite radio service chosen by their car manufacturer.


Will current XM subscribers need to buy new radios?
No.


Will there be any immediate change to my monthly subscription fee?
No.

I am interested in buying an XM radio. Should I wait for a new model that will be compatible with the merged programming?
Now is a great time to subscribe to XM. When you buy an XM radio today, you will be able to enjoy more than 170 channels of XM programming, and in the future you will be able to receive enhanced programming.


Will a merged service raise its monthly subscription fee?
In order to attract more subscribers, Satellite radio has strong incentives to keep prices low, particularly in the face of competition from many other audio entertainment providers - including free "over-the-air" AM, FM, and HD radio, Internet radio, music subscription services, iPods, CD players, and cell phones, as well as growing new technologies and services like MediaFLO, 3G, and WiMax.


How will current subscribers transition to a new merged service?
Both companies are committed to ensuring the smoothest possible transition for current subscribers, and there will not be interruptions in service. We will seek to integrate the companies and technology platforms as quickly as possible, while supporting both XM and Sirius customers.


Will the merged company add commercials to its currently commercial-free music lineup?
There are no plans to do so. Both companies see the value in commercial-free music as a major attraction to subscribers.


What will the merged programming lineup look like?
Once fully integrated, the new company plans to provide customers with access to a greater portfolio of rich and diverse programming.

In addition, a merger would ultimately allow the new company to eliminate duplicative music programming and free up bandwidth, which could be reallocated to enable them to offer exciting new services and expanded public interest programming, including more news and information. Additionally, bandwidth could be re-deployed to enrich underserved markets and attract more diverse segments.


When will XM subscribers be able to listen to Sirius content on their radio?
It's too early in the process to address timing. Ultimately, the merger can help to increase the number of programs available to consumers.


Will there be any immediate changes to any XM channels? Will my favorite channels go away? Will my favorite XM personalities continue to do their show?
No, there will not be immediate changes to any of your XM channels and you will continue to be able to listen to your favorite XM channels and personalities.

http://www.xmradio.com/merger/index.xmc#FAQs

[redwitch]

1. Will they bring back MSNBC?

When I am driving home late at night I like to listen to Countdown. I miss Keith!

[hlthe2b]

3. Same here.... I wish we could get MSNBC back asap

(and Ed Schultz off AAR-167)

That would hold me for a while....

[Lex]

4. Me too.

I'm really still mad about MSNBC not being on XM anymore. Grrr.

I liked listening to Keith O's show if I had to work late at the office.

[k_jerome]

2. my only question: what happens to O&A and R&F. nt.

[SoCalDem]

5. I have another year left on my Sirius subscription AND I just signed up for XM

last week.. Am I paying DOUBLE now?