FCC Approves XM-Sirius Merger

Tate’s blessing came only after the companies agreed this week to pay a total of $19.7 million to the government for violations of FCC rules, according to the Associated Press.

The FCC’s decision ends a 13-month review process, during which consumer groups and traditional radio operators had lobbied hard against the merger.

hmmm… the 13 month wait for approval was ended by some $20 million.