The Federation/LAF Throws Its Support Behind SIRIUS/XM Satellite Radio Merger

The Federation/LAF Throws Its Support Behind SIRIUS/XM Satellite Radio Merger

EPES, Ala., Aug. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund today announced it is in favor of the merger between SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ:SIRI) and XM Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: XMSR) in a letter filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

"Rural communities are consistently undeserved by the lack of diversity in programming that local terrestrial radio broadcasters provide," said Ralph Paige, Executive Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/LAF. "A merger of SIRIUS and XM will bring lower prices and increased programming choices to the over 20,000 rural member families of the Federation/LAF in twelve southern states."

In its letter to the FCC, the Federation/LAF cited the benefits that "a la carte" options and other low-cost, bundled programming packages would provide for rural and minority consumers.

"Our members clearly benefit from the ability to select the programs that are most applicable to their businesses, families, and personal interests," added Paige. "We are also encouraged by the commitments that SIRIUS and XM have made to enhance the diversity and breadth of programming for minority audiences."

A merger of the two companies will enhance its capacity to deliver emergency alerts and up-to-date weather information to even more remote areas, helping guide agricultural planning and preparation for potential natural disasters. By lowering the monthly cost in many of its packages, a merged company will add more subscribers among black family farmers across the South who would greatly benefit from these services.

The Federation/LAF filed its letter with the FCC on August 13th and urged the Commission to act swiftly in its approval.

Note: The Federation/LAF, now in its 40th year, assists Black family farmers across the South with farm management, debt restructuring, alternative crop suggestions, marketing expertise and a whole range of services to ensure family farm survivability.

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Source: SIRIUS

CONTACT: John Zippert of theFederation/LAF, +1-205-652-9676

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