While not directly related to computing, one of the newest emerging entertainment technologies is satellite radio. From handheld players to car units to base stations for your home, Sirius and XM have been battling traditional radio, along with the Internet and each other, for many years now. No longer, however, will they be at each others throats - the two giants of satellite will be merging. Announced today, the deal will give shareholders a 50% stake in both companies.
A deal like this faces many hurdles, most especially from the FTC and the FCC, both of which have the capacity to seriously hinder or stop such an action. Concerns over monopolies are very real, both in the U.S. and worldwide, as Microsoft is seeing with their expensive lawsuits in Europe. Given the nature of satellite radio, however, and the growing popularity of entertainment from the Internet, this may be their only chance to survive.